Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 17 Prince William County Public Schools teachers who recently received certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The National Board is an independent nonprofit organization governed by classroom teachers, school administrators, school board leaders, governors and state legislators, higher education officials, teacher union leaders, and business and community leaders. Certified teachers are required to meet standards established by the National Board to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and accomplishments that comprise teaching excellence. A Board Certified teacher supports a vision of teaching based on the following core principles. 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 congratulate the following National Board Certified Teachers on achieving this professional recognition: Kristen Augsburger, mathematics/adolescence and young adulthood, Battlefield High School; Melissa Callaghan, generalist/early childhood, Cedar Point Elementary School; Heather Davids, English language arts/adolescence and young adulthood, Osbourn Park High School; Diane Dunn, mathematics/early adolescence, New Dominion; Julie Faith, social studies--history/adolescence and young adulthood, Stonewall Jackson High School; Brenda Hayden, career and technical education/early adolescence through young adulthood, Stonewall Jackson High School; Marge Hopkins, library media/early childhood through young adulthood, McAuliffe Elementary School; Bobbie Mandro, career and technical education/early adolescence through young adulthood, Gar-Field High School; Susan Mangicaro, mathematics/adolescence through young adulthood, Brentsville District High School; Janice McCurdy, exceptional needs specialist/early childhood through young adulthood, Gar-Field High School; Amanda Proch, literacy: reading-language arts/early and middle childhood, Marshall Elementary School; Christopher Proch, art/early adolescence through young adulthood, Gar-Field High School; Krystle Quinlan, generalist/early childhood, Coles Elementary School; Jennifer Roberts, generalist/early childhood, West Gate Elementary School; Connie Schumacher, social studies-history/early adolescence, Stonewall Middle School; Judy Swank, library media/early childhood through young adulthood, Swans Creek Elementary School; Laura Whitman, English as a second language/early adolescence through young adulthood, Potomac High School. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending these teachers for their commitment to education and professional development. Prince William County Public Schools delivers a world class education with the help of teachers like these who make excellence a system-wide standard.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Scott Pierce of Fairfax, Va. for receiving the Pollin Award, honoring outstanding dedication to one's community. The Pollin Award is named after the late Abe Pollin and his wife, Irene, noted philanthropists and chairpersons of the Washington Wizards and the Verizon Center. Scott received the Pollin Award on January 20, 2010 for his tireless efforts on behalf of youth in his community. Over the years, Scott has served on the Board of Directors for both Fairfax Fall Ball and the 17th District American Legion Baseball, and he coached numerous players in Fairfax Little League, Mantua Basketball and Mantua Swim. Youth sports provide a tremendous opportunity for our children to learn teamwork, dedication and sportsmanship. Constructive activities provide a healthy alternative for our children's time and are an effective deterrent to more destructive behavior, such as participation in gangs. Coaches like Scott Pierce provide invaluable mentoring to our children, and are vital in helping them become productive members of society. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me in congratulating Scott Pierce for this important recognition. I thank him for his dedication to our children and for making Northern Virginia a better place.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank my colleague from California. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution, expressing my condolences on the situation in Haiti and praising Fairfax County's urban search and rescue team that is in Haiti, 80-strong plus, and having saved a number of lives already. In the aftermath of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti, the men and women of these highly skilled teams worked together in a chaotic environment to save fifteen people (as of Tues. Jan 19). On January 12, 2010--one day after the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti--the men and women of Fairfax County's urban search and rescue team, Virginia Task Force 1, deployed to Haiti. The task force consisted of 72 personnel, 6 search and rescue canines, and about 48 tons of rescue equipment and supplies. The team rescued a United Nations security guard and assisted a French search and rescue team in removing seven Americans from a hotel. Two days after the earthquake, a second team of 42 men and women from Fairfax County deployed to Haiti. Both Fairfax County urban search and rescue teams merged and rescued a 21 year-old female who was trapped in a multi-story building. I commend the men and women of USAR Team 1 on their heroic effort, mourn for those who lost their lives, and pray for those awaiting aid. To the Fairfax team and all first responders in Haiti, I say ``Stay Safe'' and ``Go with God.''

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 19th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet for the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. The 2010 officers and members of the board of directors are taking leadership roles in one of Northern Virginia's longest standing volunteer fire departments. The O.W.L. Volunteer Fire Department was borne out of the need for organized fire response capabilities in the growing suburbs of Northern Virginia. In 1938, the Department officially formed to become the only fire department between Fredericksburg and Alexandria. In the subsequent decades O.W.L. has expanded to staff three stations and provide emergency medical services. The members of O.W.L. are dedicated community volunteers, and the 2010 officers and directors will be diligent stewards of this tradition of service. The 250 active O.W.L. members answer 14,000 calls and serve 60,000 people each year. Their job is demanding and the hours are long, but they gladly serve for little more than the satisfaction of volunteerism and civic engagement. We would all do well to follow their example. 2010 Officers: President Debra Haight, Chief James McAllister, Assistant Chief Mike Clark, Assistant Chief Wayne Haight, Assistant Chief Jack McGovern, Assistant Chief Karl Fippenger, Assistant Chief David Halman, Rescue Chief Edward Craig, Captain Stewart Young, Captain John Roberts, Captain Richard Slusher, Captain Justin Witt, Captain Richard Moore, Captain Steve Godin, Captain Reece Fancher, Lieutenant Jonathan Baldwin, Lieutenant Kurt Bolland, Lieutenant Mark Chandler, Lieutenant Matthew Haight, Lieutenant Ben New, Lieutenant Rick Ruggieri, Lieutenant Dave Williams, Lieutenant Ryan Williams, Lieutenant Tammy Hill, Lieutenant Flavia Kelly, Lieutenant Kelly Shaw, Lieutenant Teddie Steele, Sergeant Joshua Culp, Sergeant Ernie Firkin, Sergeant Harold Griffith, Sergeant Rob Laver, Sergeant Nate Peterson, Sergeant Adam Wynn, Executive Vice President Mike McCranie, Treasurer George Nazionale, Membership Secretary Heather Carroll, Sergeant At Arms John Karnback, Elections Officer Susan Mitchem Board of Directors: Chris McIntosh, Lenny Peters, Ralph Bowman, Thomas Sullivan, Kevin Lewis, William Spicer, Ron Miller Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these remarkable volunteers on their new positions. The Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is to be commended for the vital service it provides to the Prince William community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Twentieth Annual Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Contest hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and its Education Foundation. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left an indelible mark on the way Americans engage in civil dialogue. Despite the violence perpetrated against the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King responded with oratory and nonviolent resistance to condemn the injustice of social inequality. His legacy is one of tolerance and steadfast commitment to principled and peaceful communication. The MLK Youth Oratorical contestants pay tribute to Dr. King's legacy with their ability to exercise the strength of the spoken word. This is a skill inseparable from their character and will serve them well as they tackle leadership opportunities and build personal relationships. I congratulate and applaud the following contestants in the Twentieth Annual Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Contest: Middle School Contestants: Makaila Davenport--Stonewall Middle School Autumn Moore--Rippon Middle School David Rivera-Kohr--Saunders Middle School High School Contestants: Lauren Coleman--Potomac High School Alice Gyamfi--C.D. Hylton High School Seth Opoku-Yeboah--Osbourn Park High School Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for recognizing the benefit that Dr. King's teachings bring to the development of our youth. We lay the foundations of a more tolerant society when we nurture the ability to engage and communicate with one another in a way that respects our common humanity.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a local high school student, Andrew James Swoboda of Alexandria, Va., for his work alongside his California teammate in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology. Participating in this competition on Monday, December 7, 2009, his team's original research on Optimization of Platinum Nanoparticles for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells Using Pulse Electrochemical Deposition earned them a shared scholarship of $10,000. Celebrating academic achievement and encouraging our country's students to pursue math and science excellence, this decade-old competition, hosted by the Siemens Foundation, awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships this year to our nation's most promising high school students. Andrew is certainly that--a fine example of promise and talent, from whom we can be sure to expect great things in the future. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Andrew and his teammate for this recognition and in wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia S. Phillips and to express my gratitude for her years of selfless dedication in the field of education. Principal Phillips believes in the public school system and the power of education. For more than 30 years, she has worked tirelessly on behalf of thousands of Fairfax County Public Schools students and the community as a whole. Principal Phillips has demonstrated her strong commitment time and time again, first as a teacher, and later, beginning in 2003, as Principal of Fairhill Elementary School. Principal Phillips has earned the respect and admiration of her peers and staff, but more important, that of the students and their families who have been taught, led, encouraged and supported by her over the decades. She has been a worthy role model and a fair and trusted friend. Principal Phillips also has a record of consistent academic and administrative excellence. In recognition of this excellence, Principal Phillips was honored with the Washington Post's Principal Leadership Award and has the distinction of having been named a Fairfax County's Top Rated Principal. Principal Phillips is retiring after years of service, during which she became loved and admired for her passion for education, leadership in ensuring quality schools, and excellence as a role model. Principal Phillips has demonstrated a genuine love for her students and her work, the result of which has been the betterment of our schools and of our community. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to again thank Principal Phillips for her commitment to education. Her efforts and leadership have been a great benefit to the children of our community and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Principal Phillips and in wishing her the very best in her retirement.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Annandale Terrace Elementary School on being named a recipient of a $2,000 Bloom Community Grant. Bloom, a large grocery store chain, is committed to being a ``good neighbor'' to the communities in which its stores are located. Bloom is opening a new store in Annandale, Va., and in conjunction with this opening, announced a grant competition between local area public schools with a grand prize of $2,000. In order to qualify for consideration, each participating school submitted a proposal for a project that would ``benefit mind, body and soul for the entire community.'' The student body of Annandale Terrace Elementary School includes a large percentage of students who live in apartments and may not have sufficient access to outdoor physical activities. Annandale Terrace Principal Christina R. Dickens recognized this difficulty and coordinated the effort to submit a proposal to create an outdoor exercise path throughout the fields on the school. This exercise path would be oriented to the students but would be open to the entire community when school is not in session. This project, once completed, will help to create an environment that encourages physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Principal Dickens and Annandale Terrace Elementary School on being awarded the Bloom Community Grant. I would also like to express my gratitude to Bloom for their investment in the well-being of the Annandale community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have met many strong and courageous women in my lifetime, both here and abroad. But I rise today to recognize Mariamu Stanford, a young woman from Tanzania, who epitomizes the essence of bravery. I rise to shine a light on the untold horrors she and others with albinism faced, and continue to face, in East Africa. I rise to highlight an ongoing, but little known, crime against humanity in East Africa, particularly in rural Tanzania, where human beings with albinism are butchered and their body parts sold for profit. These horrific acts are perpetuated by witch doctors who believe the body parts of people with albinism have magical powers, and can be mixed in potions to bring the buyer good luck. Rural villages strong incentive to harvest the limbs of their neighbors with albinism, because a single limb can sell for as much as $2,000, a king's ransom in rural Tanzania. Mariamu, who has albinism, is one of the few survivors of these horrific attacks. Her story is one of fear, horror, and unbelievable courage. She told me her story, through an interpreter, when we met recently. One night in October of 2008, when she was asleep with her toddler son, a group of machete-wielding young men from her village broke into her home and attacked her. They cut off both of her arms while she struggled, screamed, and shielded her young son from the blows. It was six long hours after the attack before she, 5 months pregnant, was able to receive medical treatment. In the end, she also lost her unborn child. But she survived, and she is now relaying her story here in America in the hopes that these brutal crimes against people with albinism will come to an end. Mariamu came to the United States for a visit thanks to the generosity of many, including many of my constituents from Northern Virginia with albinism, and some who are parents of children with albinism. While she was here for nearly 2 weeks in December, Mariamu was fitted with prosthetic arms donated by the Orthotic Prosthetic Center in Fairfax, Virginia, and she underwent intensive physical therapy. She is a rare survivor of a horrible and inhumane crime that is a growing concern in East Africa. More than 54 people with albinism have been butchered in the region, most of them women and children. In November of 2008 a 6-year-old girl was shot dead in Burundi's eastern province of Ruyigi, close to the border with Tanzania. Her attackers removed her head and limbs, leaving only her dismembered torso. In January of 2009, three men armed with machetes killed an 8-year- old boy in Burundi and smuggled his limbs into Tanzania. Every one of these stories border on the unbelievable, and quite frankly, turn my stomach, as I hope they do yours. Not only do people with albinism face violence in various parts of the world, but they also are at higher risk for medical complications from their condition. In East Africa's harsh sun, for example, skin cancer is very prevalent. But oftentimes, people with albinism have no choice but to expose themselves to the sun with little protection, as they must be outside to work, go to school, or attend to everyday business. Unfortunately, the medical issues the people with albinism face are the least of their worries in rural East Africa. The threat of brutal violence looms over them at all times. Tanzanian Prime Minister Mizengo Peter Pinda has condemned these violent crimes, as he should, against people with albinism, but judicial and enforcement barriers remain. My meeting with Mariamu and local families concerned about her plight has moved me to take action. I am contacting President Obama and the State Department to urge them to place diplomatic pressure on Tanzania to end these crimes against humanity and to provide education to dispel this myth that body parts of those with albinism have any supernatural properties. I also believe we must look at providing humanitarian and medical assistance to people with albinism in East Africa, with a focus particularly in Tanzania, where most of these brutal crimes have occurred. To this end, I plan to introduce a House Resolution recognizing the plight of people with albinism in East Africa, Mr. Speaker, condemning their murder and mutilation, and advocating remedies to bring an end to this heinous and misguided behavior.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight an ongoing crime against humanity in East Africa and particularly in Tanzania: the butchering of people with albinism in order to sell their body parts for profit. According to rumors spread by witch doctors, the body parts of people with albinism can bring good luck. A single limb of a person with albinism can sell somewhere from $500 to $2,000, a king's ransom in much of the countryside of Tanzania. I recently met with a survivor of this horrific crime who told me her dramatic story in her own words-- Mariamu Stanford, a 28-year-old woman with albinism, from rural Tanzania. One night in October of 2008, Mariamu was attacked in her sleep by a group of machete-wielding men who cut off both of her arms. In the end, she also lost her unborn child. Despite all this, she is a survivor who is relaying her story in the hopes that these brutal crimes against people with albinism will end. To this extent, Madam Speaker, I will be introducing a House resolution recognizing the plight of people in East Africa with albinism, condemning their murder and mutilation, and calling for swift action by our country and that of Tanzania.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my deepest sympathy to the people of Haiti as they cope with the aftermath of yesterday's massive earthquake. The tremendous loss of life and the untold devastation has left the capital of Port-au-Prince in ruins and countless families facing the untold horrors of loved ones injured or killed. This earthquake has shown us nature's worst. The world's response to this awful tragedy will demonstrate the best of human nature. Many people will offer relief and assistance, through time and money. As we have always done in times of international disaster, the United States is sending aid to Haiti, including Fairfax County's Urban Search and Rescue Team 1 (USAR Team 1), which deployed this morning. USAR Team 1 is one of two urban search and rescue teams nationwide that report to the U.S. Agency for International Development--Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance for humanitarian deployments. This highly trained rescue team has deployed to numerous locations across the globe, saving lives in areas such as Armenia, Indonesia, Romania, Kenya, Bolivia, Oklahoma City, and the Pentagon, providing critical lifesaving rescues, especially in building collapse situations. In this terrible time of tragedy, Fairfax County's USAR Team 1 represents the best that America has to offer, hope and a commitment to helping those in need. I commend the men and women of USAR Team 1 on their heroic efforts, mourn for those who lost their lives and pray for those awaiting aid.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the exemplary public service of Jimmie Jenkins, whose leadership and contributions in the field of wastewater management made him a vital resource to local governments in Northern Virginia and across the nation. Jimmie Jenkins is retiring as director of the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, capping a 33- year career in which he helped shaped the county's building, environmental and inspection services. This actually is the second time Jimmie has retired from Fairfax County. He originally retired in 2001 from the county's wastewater division, but he returned in 2004 to oversee the entire public works agency. I had the great pleasure of working with Jimmie during my 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including 5 as chairman. When retirement notices would come before the board, my colleagues and I often would say in good humor that someone should pass a law prohibiting such decisions because we could not bear to part with such dedicated and talented people. We actually succeeded in Jimmie's case by luring him out of retirement once, but it looks like he is serious this time. Jimmie built a reputation in Fairfax as a charismatic ``can do'' manager, known for his direct ``tell-it-like-it-is'' style and his unabashed support for his alma matter, Virginia Tech, as evidenced by his large collection of maroon and orange ties. Jimmie began his career in the former Department of Environmental Management in 1973 as a structural engineer, reviewing plans for compliance with the building code. He has held several positions within the wastewater management area, including the director of the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the position of director of the Systems Engineering and Monitoring Division, from which he retired in 2001. After returning to Fairfax County in 2004, Jimmie successfully steered the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services with his extensive institutional knowledge. During my tenure as chairman of the county board, Jimmie was instrumental in advancing major initiatives to establish Green building standards and expand storm water management efforts. We dedicated the value of one penny on the local tax rate to address critical needs, including stream and dam restoration, rehabilitation of our aging infrastructure and master planning of our 30 watersheds to protect them for future generations. Jimmie also played a major role in laying the foundation for implementing the board's bold 20-year Environmental Vision. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the many accomplishments of Jimmie Jenkins as he brings his distinguished career with Fairfax County to an end. The efforts of Jimmie and those who work with him largely happen behind the scenes, but the tangible benefits can be seen throughout our community on a daily basis, from the sophisticated treatment of wastewater to the more frequent use of low impact development practices to the improving health of the stream near your home. I am proud to have worked with Jimmie and thankful that our community will benefit from his contributions for years to come.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor three principals from public schools in my district: Ms. Debra Lane of Rolling Valley Elementary School; Mr. Sal Rivera of Flint Hill Elementary; and Mr. Dwayne Young of Centreville Elementary School. These principals have shown a remarkable commitment to environmental education, actively incorporating it into their own curricula and seeking to promote it across Fairfax County. All three have increased outdoor learning opportunities for students and teachers in their schools and were instrumental in establishing a teacher professional development program focusing on the Chesapeake Bay for Fairfax principals and teachers. They are helping to teach children new ways to engage academically and behaviorally, while fostering a stronger sense of community and connectedness to their surroundings. Through their efforts they have increased environmental awareness and promoted stewardship in younger generations, benefiting the Chesapeake Bay by educating about the dangerous effects of pollution. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation recognized their dedication by naming them 2009 Environmental Educators of the Year. This annual award, dating back more than a decade, recognizes individuals in the field of education within the Chesapeake Bay watershed who have contributed significantly to our understanding of the Bay ecosystem through an academic program. Madam Speaker, on behalf of myself and my constituents, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Ms. Lane, Mr. Rivera, and Mr. Young for this recognition and thanking them for their service.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor one of the finest public servants in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia's history for a 32-year career in which he shepherded regional efforts to provide for the basic needs of children and families throughout our community. Verdia L. Haywood will retire Jan. 19, 2010, from his role as deputy county executive for human services, but his legacy--in terms of services, mentoring and partnerships--will endure. I had the great pleasure of working with Verdia during my 14 years of service on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as chairman. When retirement notices would come before the board, my colleagues and I often would say in good humor that someone should pass a law prohibiting such decisions because we could not bear to part with such dedicated and talented people, and that certainly is the case here. Verdia began his career in Fairfax in 1978 as Executive Assistant to the County Executive, which made him the primary liaison between the county executive's office and the Board of Supervisors. He soon began working with the county's human services agencies and in 1981 was appointed to his current position as deputy county executive. During a career spanning more than three decades, Verdia oversaw the expansion and delivery of a wide array of services to meet the diverse needs of Fairfax County's population. Verdia was responsible for every facet of the human services portfolio, which included the departments of health; community and recreation services; housing and community development; family services; juvenile and domestic relations court services; human rights; community services board, which includes behavioral and mental health; homelessness; and much more. He was the architect of a coordinated service delivery system that has become a regional and national model. During his tenure, the county's population doubled, increasing the demands for new and basic services. Verdia was one of the first to recognize that the county alone could not meet the multitude of needs, and he led a successful effort to cultivate the network of nonprofit, faith, business, school and other local partners that now comprise the safety net of our community. Behind his soft-spoken leadership was an unwavering passion for people, which along with his infectious optimism and laughter, motivated people from all sectors of the community to want to be a part of improving the lives of others and maintaining the critical investments we made in Fairfax County. When I was chairman of the county board, Verdia was instrumental in advancing major initiatives to address the lack of affordable housing, the needs of our growing senior population and the challenges of homelessness. In each of these cases, we hosted community summits, assembled task forces of community stakeholders and developed action plans with measurable outcomes. We preserved more than 2,000 affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income families that otherwise would have been lost to redevelopment pressures from the marketplace. We opened a new family homeless shelter, initiated a 10 year plan to prevent and end homelessness using the ``housing first'' model, and created a new office to oversee its implementation. We expanded the mission of our Agency on Aging with a 50+Action Plan that laid out more than 60 recommendations for improving the quality of life for our exploding senior population--including expanded health and transportation services and volunteer opportunities. Also during this time, Verdia oversaw a complete redesign of our Community Services Board model, through which we provide mental health, mental retardation, and alcohol and drug prevention and intervention services. These are just a sampling of Verdia's accomplishments that will have a profound and lasting impact on our community. Prior to his service in Fairfax County, Verdia spent a few years working with the City of Richmond, where he helped establish the city's Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse System. In addition to his work with the city, Verdia served as an adjunct professor at Virginia Union University, where he helped develop an Urban Studies Program. He received his bachelor's degree with honors in 1970 from Alcorn State University in his native Mississippi. While attending Alcorn State, he received a Ford Foundation grant to study economics at Tulane University. He later earned a national urban fellowship to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois, where he received his Master's in Public Administration. His tremendous work on behalf of Fairfax County and Northern Virginia have been recognized by the National Forum of Black Public Administrators, the American Society of Public Administrators, Leadership Fairfax, the Fairfax Bar Association, the Service Source Network, New Hope Housing, the Human Services Coalition of Northern Virginia and the Virginia General Assembly. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the many accomplishments of Verdia L. Haywood as he brings his distinguished career with Fairfax County to an end. He has set a high standard for public service, and I am proud to have worked with him during my time in Fairfax County. We will miss him terribly, but, thankfully, our community will continue to benefit from his work and innovation in the delivery of human services for many years to come.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

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

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am intrigued to hear my good friend from Florida talk about deficits as if the Republican Party, when it was in the majority and controlling the White House, had nothing to do with creating record deficits after inheriting record surpluses. Mr. Speaker, as we continue on the path to economic recovery, and as we maintain our focus on putting millions of Americans back to work, we must reduce long-term deficits, I agree. The actions we have taken to stabilize the economy and to spur economic and job growth will be for naught if our long-term economic health is imperiled by ever-rising budget deficits. I stand here today in favor of a significant tool for deficit reduction, the dedication of unused TARP funds. When first proposed by the previous administration, TARP was a $700 billion program designed to prevent the financial sector from collapse. In its own way it's had measured success. The bank stress tests applied earlier this year indicated that the financial sector was, in fact, stabilizing. A number of banks, most recently the Bank of America and Citigroup, have, in fact, begun to pay back their TARP loan funds. The unused TARP funds represent hundreds of billions of dollars potentially in deficit reduction. In fact, they represent what would be the largest single deficit reduction in American history. As we stand at an economic crossroads, I believe we must seize advantage of this prospect and dedicate a significant portion of those remaining TARP funds to deficit reduction. This would build on the actions we already have undertaken to reduce the deficit. In March, Congress passed the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010 that lowers the budget deficit to a third of the current amount within 4 years. This summer the House of Representatives passed legislation to reinstitute one of the most significant deficit reduction tools in recent memory, statutory pay-as- you-go, or PAYGO, legislation. PAYGO requires all reductions in revenue or increases in entitlement spending to be offset with other spending cuts or alternative sources of funding, a mechanism the Republican Congress let expire in 2002. Yearly deficits, unfortunately, are not a new phenomenon. In fact, starting with fiscal year 1970, we had 28 straight deficits. But Congress took action and enacted statutory PAYGO in 1990. Starting in fiscal year 1998, President Clinton presided over four straight budget surpluses. The last time we had that many surpluses in a row was in the 1920s. Sustained surpluses are the result of sound economic policy and fiscal responsibility, which, quite frankly, had been sorely lacking these last past 8 years, Mr. Speaker. Make no mistake. As this Congress took office in January, we were handed a deficit that was $1 trillion. How is that possible? How could we go from four straight surpluses with projected future surpluses totaling $5.6 trillion to an inherited $1 trillion deficit this year? How could record surpluses become record deficits? Fiscal irresponsibility. The current recession, which began in 2007 and accounted for $479 billion of the fiscal year 2009 deficit, was the result of a concerted effort to avoid reasonable oversight of the financial sector. The risky and destructive behavior engaged in by a number of financial institutions was long ignored and in some ways subtly encouraged by a culture of deregulation on the other side of the aisle. The ensuing recession threw millions of Americans out of work and exacerbated the deficit. Fiscal irresponsibility was a hallmark of the Bush administration. Three of President Bush's signature policies--his tax cuts, his prescription drug program, and his decision to start the Iraq War-- resulted in further yearly debt of more than $670 billion. None of these policies were paid for. How could such gross fiscal irresponsibility occur by conservative Republicans? It occurred in large part because President Bush and the Republican- controlled Congress allowed statutory PAYGO to lapse in 2002, perhaps the most intellectually honest budgetary action they, in fact, took during that time period. And what should have come as no surprise to anyone, because of that action, or lack of action, budget deficits returned the very next year. By allowing PAYGO to die, the Republicans were no longer constrained in their spending habits. They coupled reckless behavior with reckless disregard for the consequences and now expect the American people to believe their newfound concern for deficits. Where was that concern when we voted this year to reinstitute statutory PAYGO? Only 24 Republicans in this House of Representatives voted in favor of returning fiscal responsibility to the Congress. Mr. Speaker, long-term financial stability depends on the continuance of our fiscal responsibilities. Long-term job growth depends upon a stable and growing economy. Long-term economic stability depends upon sustainable Federal budgets. Now, Mr. Speaker, is the time for the dedication of a significant portion of unused TARP funds for deficit reduction. The American people count on us.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise voicing my strong support for H.R. 2194 because America's patience is not limitless. Mr. Speaker, it is time to strengthen the hand of the Administration and our allies to address the threat of a nuclear Iran. I proudly cosponsored the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act, which gives the President the authority to impose stiffer economic sanctions targeting Iran's oil production. The bill adds such activities as selling refined gasoline or supplying equipment for construction of oil refineries to the list of prohibited activities under the Iran Sanctions Act. In January President Obama made a fundamental shift in our diplomatic strategy with Iran. He extended an olive branch with the hope of initiating the first serious talks with Tehran in decades, but that approach was conditioned on the Iran leaders being willing and equal partners. Unfortunately, those leaders have consistently rejected our overtures and continue to develop Iran's nuclear capabilities in defiance of repeated demands from the United Nations that it suspend such activities. Missile tests in the spring and fall of this year, coupled with the recent revelation of a secret enrichment facility brings new urgency--as evidenced by the growing support within the international community for further action. Just this week, we learn of yet another secretive program to develop the technological components for triggering a nuclear device. These new sanctions can and will bring additional pressure to bear on the Ahmedinejad regime. Iran's insistence on enrichment, along with its ties to groups like Hezbollah, is cause for great concern not just in the Middle East. This bill states firmly that U.S. patience is not limitless. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I want to join in with my colleagues on the other side in rejecting the findings of the task force, all 16 members who were appointed by Republican President George Bush. Although the incidence of breast cancer in young women is much lower than that of older women, young women's cancers are generally more aggressive, are diagnosed at a later stage, and result in lower survival rates. In 2008 the American Cancer Society estimated there would be 182,460 new cases of breast cancer in women. Of these, more than 11,000 of these women would be under 40 years of age. While no currently available breast cancer tool is perfect, we know that intervention, through routine screening for breast cancer, using mammography, can save lives of women at a time when medical science is still unable to prevent the disease. This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding guidelines for breast cancer screening for women ages 40 to 49 and supports the importance of women's access to mammography screening. I urge my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to support the resolution and commend Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Representative Lois Capps for their leadership.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Chair, with today's action, the House will enact the most significant reform of our Nation's financial system since the Great Depression. These are not decisions we take lightly, but the prolonged recession and the near collapse of the financial market in the fall of 2008 have compelled us to respond. It will also end the era of taxpayer-funded bailouts. Madam Chairwoman, this amendment offered by my friend and colleague, Mr. Peters of Michigan, seeks to build on this legislation and will authorize the FDIC to make further assessments on the financial industry to ensure every penny of the TARP loans made to the banks is repaid and help reduce our Nation's debt and burden on the taxpayers. I urge adoption of the amendment, Madam Chairwoman.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a man who, for more than 40 years, has dedicated himself to the betterment of people from around the world. Julius E. Coles was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1942. He received a B.A. from Morehouse College in 1964 and a Masters of Public Affairs from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs in 1966. Mr. Coles then began a long and impressive career with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). During his tenure with USAID, Mr. Coles served as a Mission Director in Swaziland and Senegal, as well as serving in other capacities at foreign service posts in Vietnam, Morocco, Liberia, Nepal and Washington, D.C. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions in foreign service, he received the Distinguished Career Service Award in 1995 and the Presidential Meritorious Service Award in 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986. Mr. Coles retired from USAID in 1994, having achieved the rank of Career Minister. These achievements alone would have constituted career full of accomplishments deserving of great pride and satisfaction. Yet for Mr. Coles, this was just the beginning of a new and exciting chapter. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Coles served as Director of Howard University's Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center, and, from 1997 to 2002, he was the Director of Morehouse College's Andrew Young Center for International Affairs. In 2002, yet another opportunity arose--one that would fully utilize his expertise in foreign service and international affairs and combine that expertise with the ability to reach thousands of people suffering from hunger, HIV/AIDS and poverty. Mr. Coles became the third President of Africare. Africare was founded in 1970 by two Americans, Dr. William 0. Kirker and his wife, Barbara Kirker. Dr. and Mrs. Kirker had been working in Niger at the Maine-Soroa Hospital since 1966, and in 1970, in the midst of a devastating drought, they established Africare to provide medical services and health care to the people of Niger. In 1971, Africare reconstituted itself, adding experts in various fields and broadening the mission to support not only health related issues, but development and relief programs in any African country and to serve as a bridge between Africans and Americans, especially Americans of African descent.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, in our ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy and ensure a return to prosperity, our focus must remain fixed on the saving and creation of American jobs. The actions of this administration and this Congress have shown progress. Job losses fell dramatically, and the unemployment rate dropped in November from 10.2 percent to 10 percent. The recession began in 2007 and has been the worst since World War II. Unemployment hit a 26-year high, consumer confidence plummeted, the gross domestic product contracted at near unprecedented levels, the stock market plunged, home prices tumbled and foreclosures skyrocketed, and millions of Americans found themselves out of work. Monthly job losses continued to worsen each month. In September of 2008, the monthly losses were more than 300,000. By December of 2008 and January of 2009, in the waning days of the Bush administration, job losses exceeded 700,000. And it wasn't just 2008. Under the Clinton administration, from 1993 to 2000 the average monthly private job growth was 217,000, one of the most robust job growths in American history. During the Bush 8 years, that average monthly job creation was just 2,000. As this Congress and the Obama administration took office in January, we were facing a job market in free fall. We immediately took action on a number of fronts. The Recovery Act provided critically important investments, saving or creating 1.6 million jobs so far. States and localities faced with growing budget deficits would have been forced to lay off hundreds of thousands of teachers, police and fire fighters, but the Recovery Act saved those jobs, including, in my district, 404 teachers in Fairfax County and 304 in Prince William County. The Recovery Act created thousands of additional jobs in road construction, clean energy, and medical research. Businesses in my district received at least 205 contracts, grants, and loans, totaling almost $200 million, thanks to the Recovery Act. They have had a noticeable impact. The employment rate in my district began to fall in advance of the national rate, declining in October from 5.3 to 5.2 percent in Prince William County, and from 4.7 to 4.5 percent in Fairfax, half the national average. The House of Representatives reauthorized the COPS program, which will add 50,000 police officers nationwide. The 21st Century Green Schools Act and the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act invested billions of more dollars to modernize public schools and community college campuses, creating tens of thousands of new construction jobs. The American Clean Energy and Security Act creates incentives for new research and development, creating thousands of new job opportunities related to the production of advanced batteries, wind turbines, solar power, and other sustainable technologies. In addition, Madam Speaker, we passed a number of bills to spur small business job creation through tax incentives and employment opportunities for our veterans. Ultimately, for sustainable job growth, the private sector must feel comfortable to return to hiring employees. Large companies will not expand while the value of their firm drops. Small companies will not expand while the owners' assets are disappearing. And those assets did drop. From its high of over 14,000 in October of 2007, the Dow Jones Industrial Average began a precipitous decline to just over 6,600 in March of this year. Since then, thanks to our actions, the market has recovered more than 50 percent. Companies will not expand while consumer confidence declines, and it did decline to 25 points in February of this year, the lowest level since the conference board's inception in 1967. Since then, thanks again to our actions, consumer confidence has continued to improve, hitting 48.7 in October, almost doubling. Companies will not expand, Madam Speaker, while the national economy is contracting, and it did indeed contract, starting in the third quarter of 2008. It declined an astounding 6.3 percent in the fourth quarter and 5.7 percent in the first quarter of 2009, but our actions have helped. GDP increased 2.8 percent in the third quarter of 2009 and continues to grow this quarter as well. This February, the horrific pace of job losses began to ease. Job losses in May fell to 300,000. In August through October, they averaged 135,000 a month. In November, just 11,000 jobs, net, were lost in the American economy, continuing to contribute to the decline in the unemployment rate. Madam Speaker, we're not out of the woods just yet. Millions of Americans are still out of work. But we've started to turn the economy around. We've begun to stabilize the stock market, the housing sector, and the GDP. Madam Speaker, we've begun to create conditions for job growth, and now we must partner with the private sector to ensure that millions of Americans can return to work.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my warmest wishes for a full recovery to retired Fairfax County Police Officer, Jim Riddel. Jim retired from the Police Department in 1980 as a Special Police Officer, having spent 20 years protecting Fairfax residents. The Fairfax County Police Department continues to be recognized as one of the best in the nation, so it is no slight to the current and former officers, but instead a true compliment to Jim, that he has been called by a number of sources, the best Detective that the County has ever had. Although Jim has been retired for 19 years, his hard work on behalf of the community continued. Jim was particularly active in organizing the Fairfax County Retired Police Officers Association, providing a helpful fellowship for retired police officers and their surviving spouses. He remains a tireless community activist, constantly working on behalf of his neighbors. Jim successfully exited surgery today, and I look forward to his speedy convalescence and his return to a lifetime of selfless service to Fairfax County.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Master Sergeant Troy J. McIntosh on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Air Force following more than 29 years of dedicated service to our country. In his most recent assignment, he was Superintendent, Physical Disability Board and Review, Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Pentagon. In this role, he is the enlisted representative and adjudicator for vital information specific to the enlisted force when reviewing final board of appeals for physical disability evaluations. Chief McIntosh enlisted in the Air Force on July 7, 1981 as a Security Forces Specialist. He served for four years in this role prior to cross training into the Personnel career field. He remained on active duty until 1992 at which time he joined the California Air National Guard as a traditional Guardsman for six years. In 1998, Chief McIntosh joined the Air Force Reserve with the Commander's Support Staff for the Chief of Air Force Reserve. Excelling in this role, he was soon assigned as Superintendent, Policy and Integration where he worked as a Congressional Liaison educating members of Congress and their staff on the roles and missions of the Air Force Reserve. On September 11, 2001 following the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Chief McIntosh displayed the attributes and core values that many of our men and women in uniform show daily around the globe. Directly after the attack, Chief McIntosh rushed to the impact site to render assistance and immediately started pulling victims to safety--despite the obvious risk to his personal wellbeing. He later helped relocate the same victims when a second aircraft was thought to be inbound, similar to the attacks on the World Trade Center. When Chief McIntosh finally left the area 36 hours later, he had helped secure the safety and treatment of over 150 people. On September 24, 2002 he was awarded the Air Force Airman's Medal for this selfless act of heroism. Chief McIntosh's patriotism and dedication to our national defense continued as he deployed the following month to Al Udeid AB, Qatar in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As the Personnel Director for the Joint Forces Special Operations Command, a role traditionally held by a senior officer, he was responsible for ensuring that the right military personnel from all services within the Department of Defense would be provided at the beginning of a war that continues to this day. Due to his achievements and obvious dedication to his fellow airmen, it was no surprise he was chosen as the thirteenth Command Chief for the Air Force Reserve Command. During his two-year assignment, Chief McIntosh was responsible for advising the Commander on the health, morale, and utilization of over 55,000 assigned airmen. He developed and executed several pivotal programs helping transform the Air Force Reserve enlisted force into the successful Total Force partner they are today. Chief McIntosh could not have been such a tremendous leader without the love and unfailing support of his mother, Jeannette, his father Connie Joe, his two daughters Tess and Kali, and his beautiful granddaughter Addison Marie. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our sincere respect and appreciation to Chief Master Sergeant Troy J. McIntosh for his outstanding service to the United States Air Force and our great nation. We wish him the very best as he transitions into retirement. Chief McIntosh is a true professional and a credit to himself, his family, and the United States Air Force Reserve and we thank him for his service to our country.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a bold and innovative new business breaking ground in my district. The Smart Car Wash is raising the bar for environmental stewardship in the car wash industry with its new LEED certified conveyer car wash in Woodbridge, Virginia. The new car wash facility will be the first such facility to achieve LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council. The building uses advanced water recycling beyond the industry standard, to include rainwater capture and advanced water cleansing with technology borrowed from the marine industry. This includes reclaiming and reusing over 90% of the water from car wash operations and using car wash chemicals that are bio-friendly. To reduce overall energy consumption by 50% most of the facility's equipment will use Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) technology. This new venture is just one of the high quality investments businesses are making around the country. The Smart Car Wash received a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan to finance a project that will bring fifteen new jobs to the Woodbridge area. The SBA's 504 lending program recently received funding from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act to provide opportunity's to entrepreneurs hoping to show confidence in the American economy with new investments. The Smart Car Wash stands as a shining example of our nation's commitment to creating jobs and tackling the world's most pressing energy issues. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in showing our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of The Smart Car Wash team. It is through courageous investments and initiatives like this one that our country will continue to realize a robust and cutting edge economy.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 68th Anniversary of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). For nearly seven decades CAP has provided for the safety and defense of our nation. Established on December 1, 1941, CAP responsibilities were initially liaison flying and interdiction of infiltrators on the United States' East Coast and southern border during World War II. CAP's role eventually expanded in response to the German submarine threat, and it began to provide vital coastal surveillance and defense capabilities. The vigilance of CAP pilots successfully deterred enemy submarines from operating along American coasts with relative impunity. Today, CAP operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation and is designated as an all-volunteer civilian auxiliary to the United States Air Force. Since WWII, CAP has adopted a mission dedicated to three core pursuits: Aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. CAP's Aerospace Education Program annually touches more than 900 educators, more than 20,000 cadets and thousands of other youths in classrooms across America. The education program teaches children multidisciplinary aviation concepts that emphasize aviation's connection to history, math, science, government and economics. CAP provides exceptional educational and growth opportunities for youth through its nearly 22,000 member Cadet Program, which annually provides access to top national summer flight academies and to 30 national programs emphasizing leadership and careers in aviation, as well as flight training in powered and glider aircraft. CAP's emergency services are its most high profile function and its members are routinely called upon to aid communities in response to natural disasters across the nation. CAP volunteers rose to the occasion during one of our nation's most trying times and provided assistance to rescuers and state agencies immediately following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Over 100 lives are saved each year by CAP search and rescue missions. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Civil Air Patrol for its commitment to aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. I am greatly appreciative for their contribution to the safety of all Americans.