Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Americans have not faced this level of economic stress since the Great Depression. Nearly a decade of ideologically driven deregulation sent the foundation of financial market regulation asunder and enabled the housing market bubble and subsequent financial crash. The same deregulators created an energy market that rewarded old polluting technologies while increasing greenhouse gas emissions and other kinds of pollution. The same Gilded Age politics that wreaked our financial system laid waste to our environment. Today the same people who let Wall Street run amok claim that we cannot afford to make investments in energy independence or create new jobs with renewable energy generation. In fact, we just heard such remarks. They claim that economic and environmental renewal is somehow too costly to undertake at this critical juncture in our Nation's history. In reality, with a contracting economy and expanding global warming pollution, we cannot afford inaction. The Energy and Commerce Committee is considering draft legislation that would make historic investments in clean energy and job creation while dramatically reducing global warming and pollution. According to the Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman, this legislation would help spur economic growth by creating powerful incentives to invest in renewable energy. This legislation also presents Congress with an opportunity to make polluters pay while directing money to consumers who have suffered as a result of the economic policies of the prior administration. Although the committee's bill is in discussion draft with some details still unresolved, let us consider the economic math for American families. If Congress enacted this legislation, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, and made polluters pay through a 100 percent auction of carbon credits for all of their greenhouse gas emissions, we could write a check in theory to every American for $2,150 per year. Due to inaction by the previous administration, polluters do not have to pay for the impacts of greenhouse gas pollution and its impacts on communities all across the United States. From rising sea levels to increased incidence of severe weather, the costs of global warming are increasing each year. The minority party seems to believe that average Americans should bear that cost, not those who create the pollution in the first place. The business community understands we cannot bear the economic costs of inaction. Companies including eBay, Nike, Starbucks, Levi Strauss, Symantec, Johnson & Johnson and others have formed a Business for Climate and Innovative Energy Policy Coalition, known as BICEP, to advocate for clean energy legislation that reduces greenhouse gas pollution. It auctions 100 percent of pollution permits, establishes a renewable electricity standard and invests in job creation. Those businesses support clean energy jobs legislation both to spur economic growth and to avoid the costs associated with global warming, which will reach at least $271 billion, it is estimated, by 2025 if we do not act. Now is the time to pass legislation that spurs jobs creation, reduces greenhouse gas pollution and puts money back in the pockets of the people who are suffering as a result of the failed economic policies of the Republican administration that just left town. Mr. Speaker, as we consider the American Clean Energy and Security Act, we must ensure that we will make polluters pay and use the revenue to invest in job creation here at home and give a climate rebate to all Americans.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to declare my support for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2009. I intend to cast this vote in honor of the efforts of Dr. Xiangzhong ``Jerry'' Yang, a pioneer in cloning and stem cell research, who died of cancer three weeks ago at the age of 49. Dr. Yang left a great legacy of hard work, dedication, and success on the front lines of stem cell research. His work has led to a series of breakthroughs that have taken us closer to the dream of cloning stem cells to match an individual and cure the individual's disease, a breakthrough that would bring hope to countless men, women, and children who are suffering from otherwise untreatable illnesses. The Yang laboratory, stationed at the University of Connecticut, is the world's leading laboratory in animal cloning and stem cell technology. Dr. Yang and his team provided critical insights into the previously mysterious mechanisms of how germ cells are programmed to form embryos, and how these embryos form distinct types of tissue. He was instrumental in working with then-Connecticut State Senator Chris Murphy (now my colleague Representative Murphy) to establish the Connecticut State Stem Cell Research Program, one of the very few such programs in the Nation. Because of the program's existence, Connecticut was one of the few states that would fund human embryonic stem cell research that could not be funded by the Federal Government. Just this year, the University of Connecticut announced the derivation of two new human embryonic stem cell lines as a result of these research funds. This breakthrough, along with many others, would not have happened without Jerry's influence and guidance. Dr. Yang's ultimate dream to tailor stem cell cloning to specific people, organs, and diseases has not yet been realized, but with the help of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act, we may yet reach the world he envisioned: One in which organ damage from cancer, heart attacks, spinal disorders, or any other conceivable illness can be reversed with stem cell therapy. I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me in applauding the work of Dr. Yang: he will be sorely missed, but the important work he has done deserves all the recognition and support this body can offer.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous contributions of Sean P. Dennehy, of Vienna, Va., to our nation and specifically to our intelligence community. Mr. Dennehy and his colleague Don Burke, of Alexandria, Va., led an innovative effort to create a sensitive-information sharing system for the Central Intelligence Agency. In recognition of that achievement, they have been named finalists for the 2009 Service to America Medal for Homeland Security. As my colleagues know, the Service to America Medals, or Sammies as they are more commonly known, are presented annually by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate our dedicated federal workforce, highlighting their commitment and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation. Mr. Dennehy and Mr. Burke developed and implemented a Wikipedia-like clearinghouse of sensitive intelligence information known as ``Intellipedia.'' The intelligence community has traditionally discouraged the wide sharing of intelligence for fear of compromising classified information, but the downsides of that strategy became apparent to us all after learning of how intelligence agencies failed to ``connect the dots'' in the months leading up to the September 11 attacks. The pair spent four years developing the software, cobbling together financing and trying to overcome cultural resistance, but their persistence and dedication paid off. Eric Haseltine, former chief technology officer of the intelligence community, said, ``It's hard to overstate what they did. They made a major transformation almost overnight with no money after other programs failed to achieve these results with millions of dollars in funding.'' Once they successfully created the web-based platform for sharing information, Mr. Dennehy and Mr. Burke then shifted their focus to recruiting their colleagues in the intelligence community to actually use it. They became ``evangelists,'' educating analysts and spreading the word about the potential benefits of Intellipedia and other social media tools. The system now boasts more than 900,000 pages and 100,000 user accounts. In fact, leaders in the intelligence community say we are reacting more quickly and more intelligently to potential threats than we would be without Intellipedia. This initiative has increased the flow of information among the nation's 16 intelligence agencies around the world, and it is still working to break down institutional stovepipes. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Dennehy and Mr. Burke for their tremendous contribution to our national security. Their commitment to public service and innovation serve as an example to us all, and their recognition as finalists for the 2009 Service to America Medal for Homeland Security is well deserved.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous contributions of Cray Henry, of Annandale, Va., to our nation and specifically to improving the safety of our deployed military personnel. Mr. Henry, as director of the High Performance Computing Modernization Program, led the effort to provide supercomputer support allowing the Department of Defense to improve body and vehicle armor for troops in the field. The work of his team also helped enhance overall military performance and saved billions of taxpayer dollars. In recognition of those achievements, Mr. Henry and his team have been named finalists for the 2009 Service to America Medal for National Security and International Affairs. As my colleagues know, the Service to America Medals, or Sammies as they are more commonly known, are presented annually by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service to celebrate our dedicated federal workforce, highlighting their commitment and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation. The state-of-the-art supercomputing environment created by the High Performance Computing Modernization Program team, led by Mr. Henry, enabled DoD scientists and engineers to design and test innovative materials and weapons systems. For example, the team helped speed the development and rapid deployment of the Hellfire missile that has been used to neutralize terrorists in buildings, bunkers and caves. The team also was tapped to help the soldiers in Iraq, providing resources for complex modeling and simulations to develop new armor kits for Humvees to better adapt and protect against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that were killing and wounding American soldiers. In addition to its field applications, the supercomputing team has brought advances in weather forecasting to allow the U.S. Navy and Air Force to provide more accurate, up-to-the-minute and long-range information to ground forces anywhere in the world, which is a great asset in helping commanders plan military operations. Applying this capability to aircraft flight planning, the DoD anticipates saving $1 billion in fuel costs over 10 years. The DoD's hurricane prediction models are so accurate that the National Hurricane Center is now using them together with other models to predict hurricane paths. The team's modeling also has been a tremendous resource in rebuilding the levees in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Henry and his team for their tremendous contribution to protecting our troops and improving our national preparedness. His 27 years of public service and his drive for innovation serve as an example to us all, and his recognition as finalists for the 2009 Service to America Medal for Homeland Security is well deserved.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

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

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And before I begin my remarks on a different subject, I want to thank my colleague from California for his remarks about our departed colleague, Mr. Kemp. I think it is important that all of us remember his sense of decency, civility and collegiality, something we need to remind ourselves of in this body today. Mr. Speaker, we know that the Recovery Act will save or create 3.5 million jobs across the country, but today I rise to highlight one of many important instances where the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 plays a direct and critical role in my own district, the 11th District of Virginia. It is important every so often to take a step back from the macro view and look at the Recovery Act's positive impact on the local economy. I want to point out the Act's impact on the Greater Prince William Community Health Center and the thousands of people the center employs and serves in northern Virginia. This nonprofit facility provides a wide variety of affordable health care services to the uninsured and the underinsured on a sliding fee-based scale as well as those with health insurance. The health center is the primary caregiver for over 4,000 patients annually, with nearly 32,000 patient visits each year. It provides school physicals, internal and family medicine, physical exams, disease screening, laboratory work and pharmaceutical assistance. It treats diabetes, hypertension, asthma, respiratory infections and so many other medical conditions. Without this health center in Prince William County, many of the facility's patients would be forced to use hospital emergency rooms for their primary care which cost all of us about $6 billion a year, or they receive no care at all. Mr. Speaker, in the weeks before the $1.1 million grant for the Greater Prince William Community Health Center which was announced on March 2 as part of the stimulus funding, the center's management was actually preparing for an orderly and permanent shutdown of this vital facility. The economic crisis increased demand for health care services and local funding sources had frankly dried up. Nonetheless, the dedicated staff of health care professionals continued to do their jobs and continued to provide quality health care to the center's patients, even though they were not always certain they would ever receive a paycheck. The health center management desperately sought private and public funding to keep the center going, but the same economic crisis that was driving more patients to the health center was also taking its toll on this nonprofit provider. At a time when the health center was anticipating a doubling of patients in need of its services, the future looked bleak. It's hard to describe the sense of relief I heard when I contacted the center's management to inform them that the Recovery Act had provided a new lease on life. Thanks to the Recovery Act, this outstanding community resource will not become another unfortunate casualty of the recession but instead will continue to provide much- needed cost-efficient health care to low- and moderate-income individuals and families. And because of this vote of confidence and this investment, they've been able to attract additional investment as well, ensuring their future. I recently toured the Greater Prince William Community Health Center and had the opportunity to spend time with care providers and several patients. I met with William, a construction worker recently laid off due to the economic downturn. He injured his back on the job but after being laid off had no insurance to seek treatment for his constant, chronic pain. Thanks to the health center in Prince William County, he was able to see a doctor, received initial care, and was referred to the University of Virginia Medical Center for back surgery. In time, thanks to the center, William will recover, be able to return to work, and live a productive and hopefully pain-free life. I also met Connie, who told me about her father's debilitating diabetes and how financial constraints placed his life in jeopardy. Connie heard about the center, brought her father there, and today he is on insulin with a much improved quality of life. Thanks to the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the hardworking staff at the Greater Prince William Community Health Center will continue to fill a critical need in my district in Virginia. This is only one of thousands of examples around our country of the Recovery Act at work, saving jobs and frankly saving lives. Mr. Speaker, the Greater Prince William Community Health Center is not unique. Throughout America, the Recovery Act is having a positive impact on the lives of millions of Americans. While no one solution will cure the recession overnight, the Recovery and Reinvestment Act is one piece of the mosaic of actions this Congress has undertaken to restore our Nation's economic health, protect the well-being of the American people, and make sure that our economy gets moving again.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to support the Telephone Excise Tax Repeal Act of 2009, which I introduced today along with Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania. The telephone tax is deceptive, archaic, unfair and regressive. This tax was first imposed in 1898 to fund U.S. involvement in the Spanish American War. That conflict is long over, and now elimination of this tax is long overdue. But it is not for want of trying. Similar pieces of legislation have won bipartisan support in previous sessions of Congress--127 cosponsors in the 110th Congress and 220 in the 109th Congress--but have routinely been stalled. Let's not let that happen again. I suspect many Americans would be surprised to learn that they are paying a three percent tax on their local telephone, toll, and teletype exchange services. As an excise tax, there is no direct payment made to the government; the tax is collected by the phone companies and remitted to the federal government. Although the amount is itemized on each phone bill, it is one of many taxes, fees and surcharges listed and can be easily overlooked on the multiple pages of an average telephone bill. With advances in technology, this tax has become punitive for those without the ability, financial means or desire to upgrade their telecommunications services. Cellular phone and long distance landline telephone services were exempted from the tax in 2006. Bundled services that do not differentiate between local and long distance services, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, also are exempt. The only service still being subjected to this antiquated tax is local telephone service, which is the predominant means of communication used by the disabled, lower-income families and senior citizens. Eliminating this regressive tax would be consistent with the actions we already have taken so far in this Congress to provide hundreds of billions of dollars in tax relief to hard working Americans. I ask my colleagues to join us in hanging up on the telephone tax.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report for the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010. The previous administration left us with a tremendous challenge to overcome the largest budget deficit ever, the highest unemployment rate in 25 years, housing values in freefall, consumer confidence at record lows. This budget encapsulates a bold vision for making crucial investments in righting our economy and helping our working families. I am pleased that, at my request, the budget reflects an investment in our Federal workforce, including parity between civilian and military Federal employees. Pay parity ensures equitable treatment for all Federal employees. I applaud the conference report's increase in the level of funding for international affairs, Madam Speaker. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said in July, under the Bush administration, ``It has become clear that America's civilian institutions of diplomacy and development have been chronically undermanned and underfunded for far too long.'' Secretary Gates understands, and understood then, the value of diplomacy as a national security tool and we would be well served to support that critical investment. I am delighted the conference report has added back funds for the 150 Function. This budget is transformative and provides for the critical investments in America that have been neglected for too long. Deficit reduction, middle-income tax relief, health care reform, education and energy independence are the linchpins of this budget. With this budget, we will cut in half the current deficit of more than $1 trillion, most of it inherited from President Bush. It would further reduce that deficit by 2014 by two-thirds. This budget reduces non-defense discretionary spending over the next 10 years to its lowest level as a percentage of the gross domestic product in almost a half a century. This budget supports the middle class by expanding the child tax credit, maintaining the elimination of the marriage tax penalty, carrying forward the Making Work Pay tax credit, maintaining the estate tax and capital gains tax reductions and ensuring that the alternative minimum tax does not hit the millions of working Americans in danger otherwise of being affected. This budget supports meaningful health care reform. During the last 8 years, the number of Americans without health insurance increased from 13.7 percent to 15.3 percent of the population at the same time health care costs were skyrocketing. Under this budget, Madam Speaker, we will be able to offer health care to the 46 million Americans currently without insurance. This budget invests in energy independence and promotes a clean energy economy creating jobs. Increasing our investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies will promote America's energy independence and safeguard our environment. In recognition of the critical role that education plays in our economic productivity, this budget also builds upon the classroom support provided in the Recovery Act. From enhancing Head Start and other early childhood learning opportunities to making college more affordable through Pell Grants, this budget will prepare our children to become productive, contributing members of the global economy. This budget is the product of the hard work of Chairman Spratt, Chairman Conrad in the other body, and the budget conferees; and it carries forward the bold investments in America that President Obama has promised this country. I urge my colleagues to support the conference report.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the contributions that its volunteers make to our community. Fairfax CASA serves as an advocate for best interest of every abused and neglected child referred by the county juvenile system. CASA volunteers perform critical services to ensure the very best care and home environment for each child. Each year Fairfax CASA honors the most outstanding volunteers for their noble devotion. Fairfax CASA presented its May Cook ``Heart of Gold'' Award to John Nelson. Mr. Nelson personifies the truly dedicated CASA volunteer. Over the past six years, he has advocated tirelessly on behalf of 19 children, fully committing his efforts to each child until a safe and permanent home is secured. John digs deep below the surface for information; he often interviews every single person interfacing with a child in order to gain a complete picture of what is going on in the child's world. For this dedication, Fairfax CASA acknowledged his efforts with its highest volunteer honor. Eight individuals are recognized by Fairfax CASA for their outstanding volunteer commitment based on a variety of quantitative measurements. Those individuals receiving the Special Achievement Award are: Connie Jaiswal, Pam Jones, Mark Knopf, Marie Mader, Frank Murphy, Shirley Readyhough, Bob Steward, and Lisa Walsh. A number of volunteers with Fairfax CASA are recognized for achieving significant milestones of longevity with the program. The following volunteers were recognized for five years of service: Glenn MacKinnon, Barbara McLaughlin, Terry Nelson, Todd Skipper, and Phyllis Surrett; for ten years of service: Nancy Hall; and, for fifteen years of service: Sandy Summers. The outstanding efforts of the above-mentioned individuals merit special recognition but one must acknowledge the impact of all 165 volunteers who contributed their time to protect and support children through Fairfax CASA in 2008. These volunteers served 484 abused and neglected children including 214 newly referred by the Court. In serving these individuals, volunteers contributed more than 19,000 hours on their court assigned cases including completing 3,004 face-to- face visits and submitting 207 comprehensive and objective reports to the courts. Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude for the efforts of these volunteers and their colleagues at Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates. The selfless commitment of these individuals provides enumerable benefits to Northern Virginia and life-changing services to the children and families being served.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to recognize a day of great historical significance to my constituents and this nation. On April 30, 1975, the city of Saigon fell to communism. This day was a somber day marked by hardship and loss of life for both Vietnamese and Americans. Thousands of people fled Vietnam by boat from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. One half of those who fled by boat did not survive the journey. Indeed, many Vietnamese-Americans come from a line of brave folks who left an oppressive regime to search for freedom. Citizens of Vietnamese descent form a key, politically active group of Americans. They truly know the meaning of the term ``American,'' and they value freedom, democracy, and liberty. My constituents, as part of the Vietnamese Community in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland, will commemorate the 34th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon on Saturday. And so, Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I submit into the Congressional Record a statement of recognition of this historic day. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the significance of this day.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 1145. This important legislation will improve Federal coordination in the protection of water quality across America. I had the privilege of proposing two amendments to this legislation, both of which were graciously incorporated by the chairman in the manager's amendment. Congresswoman McCollum and I introduced an amendment to ensure that the interagency task force established by this bill will provide guidance on reducing endocrine disruptor pollution. These contaminants, which come from pharmaceuticals and other sources, are having dramatic negative impacts on rivers and lakes across the country. For example, watersheds in the national capital region, including the Potomac and James Rivers, have tributaries where 80 to 100 percent of bass have intersex characteristics. We must expedite our efforts to identify sources of this pollution and ways to filter it out of drinking water to protect public health and safety. I also introduced an amendment to direct the interagency working group to develop a technical assistance program to help States and localities use land conservation to protect water quality. This is an important feature in regions like Northern Virginia, where sprawl threatens the integrity of drinking water supplies. In fact, we saw that demonstrated dramatically in a Public Broadcasting program just this last week with Hedrick Smith that really highlighted this as a major issue for our science moving forward. I encourage my colleagues to support H.R. 1145, and I deeply thank Chairman Gordon for his leadership on this very important legislation.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

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

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today to recognize an outstanding organization serving Northern Virginia. CrisisLink is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to crisis prevention, intervention, and response. Since its founding in 1969, CrisisLink has evolved to become an invaluable resource to our communities. Originally founded as a hotline for Arlington teens, CrisisLink was incorporated in February 1970 as the around-the-clock Northern Virginia Hotline. Just ten years ago, the name of the organization was changed to reflect the extended mission and range of services that CrisisLink has continued to provide. CrisisLink now has the ability to refer callers to over 4,400 resources located in Northern Virginia that can help callers address the problems and situations affecting their lives. CrisisLink is experiencing a huge increase in demand for its services. Over the past twelve months, the volume of suicide-related calls has increased by 60% when compared to the twelve month period immediately prior and increased by 150% when compared to five years ago. CrisisLink's hotlines are staffed for sixteen hours every day by highly trained volunteers. These volunteers contribute over 15,000 hours of service every year. Virginia Hospital Center provides in-kind contributions totaling over $500,000 each year including providing $50,000 worth of space for programs. Although CrisisLink is often noted for its role as a suicide and crisis intervention hotline, it also provides a number of programs that extend its reach throughout the community. CrisisLink added a 2-1-1 number to serve as a central number to help connect those in need with information on community resources and health and human services. The 2-1-1 call volume has increased by 50% since July 2008. Over 30,000 calls to the CrisisLink hotline and the 2-1-1 number will be answered this year alone. CrisisLink's programs are estimated to save the Greater Washington region over $4,320,000 in ambulance, police, 9-1-1, hospital, and follow-up costs by preventing suicide attempts throughout the region. This financial savings multiplies as localities are able to apply these saved resources to greater preventative and proactive measures. The Tara Sirmans Survivor HOPE program was launched in September 2006. The Help and Outreach for Prevention and Education (HOPE) program works with families and loved ones to help them as they struggle with the intense grief experienced following a suicide or other form of sudden and traumatic loss. Through peer support, workshops, and survivor support groups, the HOPE program works to assist families and friends through the most difficult of situations. In 2008, Washingtonian Magazine recognized CrisisLink as one of the top charities in the Washington region. CrisisLink was also the recipient of the first ever ``National Award for Crisis Center Excellence'' for its works responding to the September 11th attack on the Pentagon. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the contributions of CrisisLink over its 40 years of existence. CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies. Perhaps someday our society will no longer need services such as CrisisLink, but until that day, we are grateful for their selfless and critical service. I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the dedicated staff and volunteers who are so deserving of our recognition for their commitment to helping those in their time of need.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the volunteers who assist the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. These volunteers work with deputies and civilian staff to help inmates to improve their lives during incarceration and to prepare them for a successful transition back into the community. With more than 500 deputies, the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office is the largest Sheriff's office in Virginia and among the largest in the country. These deputies perform invaluable services for Fairfax County residents to include providing court security, managing the detention center, serving the civil law process. Volunteers with the Sheriff's Office help provide inmate programs and services at the Adult Detention Center (ADC) and Pre-Release Center, including mental health counseling, religious services, alcohol and drug support groups, health education, library services and job training. Volunteers complete a Sheriff's Office training program and also work closely with staff to ensure that best practices are followed. A recent study completed at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center showed the significant impact that detention center rehabilitation programs can provide. The efforts of these volunteers improve the lives of those incarcerated, reduce recidivism, and make our communities safer. Each year, the Sheriff's Office hosts a luncheon to thank all of the dedicated individuals who help make the volunteer program a success. The office also recognizes one individual in each service area and it is my honor to recognize these extraordinary citizens:

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Glenda Booth, an outstanding environmental activist from Fairfax County. On Saturday, April 25th Ms. Booth will receive the Liz Hartwell Conservation Award for her decades of service to her community. Ms. Booth has served as Chair of the Wetlands Board of Fairfax County, and spearheaded the first program in the state to implement Living Shorelines to protect the upper tidal reaches of the Potomac River, reducing erosion and nutrient pollution that would flow to the Chesapeake Bay. She has promoted environmental stewardship through the Audubon Society of Northern Virginia, Virginia Conservation Network, Friends of Westgrove Park, Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations, Friends of Huntley Meadows Park, Friends of Dyke Marsh, and numerous watershed management advisory committees. She was instrumental in helping me develop and implement Fairfax County's environmental agenda, which the Board of Supervisors adopted shortly after I was elected Chairman. This comprehensive environmental plan addresses topics ranging from natural landscaping to the reduction of endocrine disruptor pollution. Without Ms. Booth's extraordinary scientific expertise and political acumen the County's environmental policies would not be as inclusive or effective as they are today. Ms. Booth also is an able advocate at the state and federal levels. By leading the Friends of Dyke Marsh, she has spearheaded efforts to protect wildlife and aquatic life at this remarkable marsh in Fairfax. Through her participation in the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, she has championed stronger environmental policy at the statewide level. Prior to her wide-ranging volunteerism in the community, Ms. Booth served as staff to Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. This professional experience equipped her to be a highly effective community activist. Advocates like Ms. Booth have initiated every significant environmental legislative achievement in the past, whether it is legislation to clean up toxic waste at sites such as Love Canal or protect local habitats in Dyke Marsh and Mason Neck. I am grateful for her service, which is more valuable than ever as federal, state, and local governments confront environmental challenges ranging from climate change to restoration of the Chesapeake Bay. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join with me in congratulating Glenda Booth on receiving the Liz Hartwell Conservation Award to recognize three decades of environmental activism.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to the contributions of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) and Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSA) in Northern Virginia. These associations serve a critical role in helping to provide the best possible educational environment for our students. Schools located throughout Northern Virginia are consistently recognized as being among the very best in our country. I strongly believe one factor in the excellent education received by our students is the high level of involvement and encouragement provided by parents through PTAs and PTSAs. Parent volunteers exist in a number of capacities within each school ranging from providing planning and implementation help for social events to helping ensure that teachers have the classroom resources they need to succeed. The Northern Virginia District PTA represents a region with more than 220 schools. Maintaining a healthy and strong organization is an important part of allowing these groups to have the greatest possible impact on the students they serve. To encourage such strength, it is important to note the individual PTAs that excel in this mission. I am pleased to present the following recognitions for 2008-2009 school year: PTA Schools of Excellence designations have been awarded to the Lake Anne Elementary School PTA and Lake Braddock Secondary School PTSA. The PTAs at Mantua Elementary School and Oakton Elementary School were acknowledged by the National Parent Teacher Association for their outstanding participation in Take Your Family to School Week. Eight schools have achieved a PTA membership level exceeding one member per student attending the school. Those associations are Chesterbrook Elementary PTA, Falls Church Elementary PTA, Flint Hill Elementary PTA, Haycock Elementary PTA, Langley High School PTSA, Nottingham Elementary PTA, Waynewood Elementary PTA, and Wolftrap Elementary PTA. All members involved should recognize that these remarkably high levels of parental involvement suggest a strong commitment to ensure a quality public education within our school systems. The growth and expansion of PTAs is an important part of sustaining the impact of the associations. The Virginia PTA provided a charter for the Quander Road School PTSA in Alexandria. Kelly Greenwood, who serves as President of Quander Road School PTSA, and the school's principal, William Files, should be commended for their efforts to engage parents to participate in this association's founding. Of particular note are the contributions of three individuals to their respective schools' PTAs: Kristen Arseneau, of Terra Centre Elementary School PTA, was awarded the District Outstanding Achievement Award; Sue Bernstein, of Hollin Meadows Elementary PTA, has been named District Volunteer of the Year for Primary Schools; Robin Harris, of George C. Marshall High School PTSA, was named District Volunteer of the Year for Secondary Schools. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the outstanding achievements of these individuals and the organizations with which they work. Dedicated involvement from so many parents reflects a strong commitment to public education and community service that students in our schools are fortunate to experience. I offer my strong support for these organizations and their dedicated volunteers.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak tonight, on the eve of Earth Day with respect to the most critical environmental crisis that this nation has ever faced: climate change. As daunting as this challenge is, I am proud that this Congress has done more in the past two months to combat climate change than the previous Administration accomplished in eight years. With passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, we invested over $70 billion in clean, renewable energy. This important legislation will save or create over three million jobs. In the area of clean, renewable energy we will put people to work weatherizing homes of low income Americans. The previous Administration proposed eliminating all funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This stimulus legislation will invest $5 billion dollars over two years, which will weatherize at least two million homes. A wide range of studies suggests that weatherization is the most efficient way to save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. With the stimulus legislation, we are off to a great start. The stimulus also invested $8.4 billion in transit and $8 billion in high speed rail. Communities around the nation, including my 11th District of Virginia, are suffering from congestion that threatens to constrain economic growth in some of the most productive communities in the Nation. These transit investments will give commuters choices, reduce congestion, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They will spur economic development while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The stimulus invests $2 billion in advanced battery research. This field is essential to develop the next generation of plug in hybrids and to store solar energy. With solar companies creating jobs throughout our region, we must make the investments in innovation that will continue to grow the green jobs sector. America invented the photovoltaic solar panel, yet Germany, China, and Japan now lead us in solar panel production. With these investments, in addition to loan guarantees, we will once again have the opportunity to lead the world in production of green energy. By investing in the development of a smart grid, we will ensure that we conserve energy at home while enabling the transmission of renewable energy. Although we are already seeing benefits of the stimulus, whether it is repaving potholed roads or creating green jobs, we know that we cannot rest while carbon emissions continue to rise in America, China, and India. We must lead by passing comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction legislation that reaches 80 percent reductions in emissions by 2050, with aggressive but achievable shorter term targets. Without this legislation we will not be able to bring China and India to the table to develop binding goals for those large carbon emitters. I look at greenhouse gas legislation as an opportunity. For a quarter of a century, we have accepted dependence on foreign oil. For a quarter of a century, we have accepted dramatic declines in mining jobs even as our communities are devastated by acid mine drainage and mountaintop removal. For a quarter of a century, we have lost market share in auto sales as we clung to production of gas guzzling dinosaurs. No more will we accept the constraints that accompany an unwillingness to innovate. We may look forward to greenhouse gas legislation that sends a strong market signal to invest once again in America: in efficient automobiles, in wind turbines, in solar panels, in weatherization, in transit. These investments will not only protect our climate, and thus our coastal communities and agricultural heartland, but also lay the groundwork for a new age of industrial expansion founded on technological innovation. The environment cannot sustain further increases in carbon emissions and neither can our economy. We must act now to pass greenhouse gas reduction legislation that protects our climate while unequivocally redirecting our economy toward a clean energy future.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding organization serving at-risk youth in Fairfax County. Alternative House was founded in 1972 as the first emergency shelter for runaway teenagers in Northern Virginia. Through counseling, shelter, crisis intervention and neighborhood outreach, Alternative House provides support to at-risk young children, teens and their families. Recognizing the interdependence of families, Alternative House programs seek to empower young children, teens, and families to work together and build on their strengths. Alternative House has grown organically from its origins in a trailer on the grounds of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church to a renovated house located on Gallows Road in Dunn Loring. While Alternative House's programs have grown, the organization continues to focus on those most in need of assistance and those with the greatest possibility for making life-altering changes. In 1993, Alternative House embarked on an aggressive outreach program for at-risk youth. The effort consisted of a mobile unit with two counselors who walked through our neighborhoods to provide young people with support, resources, and guidance. Since its origins, the Community Outreach Program has expanded to include additional recreation and education services designed to help children and teens stay in school. In 2002, Alternative House expanded its assistance outreach by opening the Assisting Young Mothers program. This program seeks to provide shelter, education, counseling and support to young women who are homeless, pregnant or already parenting. These programs give young people hope for brighter futures. In 2008, Alternative House's Emergency Shelter for Teenagers provided safe shelter, food and counseling to an average of more than eighteen young people each month, totaling 220 for the year. In just the past twelve months, Alternative House provided neighborhood-based counseling, outreach, food and after-school programs to more than 1,800 at-risk youth in Fairfax County. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the consistently growing and increasingly significant contributions of Alternative House to at-risk young people in Fairfax County. From both its origins to its current efforts, Alternative House is truly an exemplar for community-based assistance programs.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, this past weekend President Obama appointed Aneesh Chopra, Virginia's Secretary of Technology, to serve as our nation's Chief Technology Officer. It was an excellent choice to fill a very important position. On February 25, the gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Moran, and I wrote a letter to President Obama urging him to appoint Mr. Chopra because we believed his public and private sector experience made him eminently qualified for the post. As we make unprecedented investments in innovative technology through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Mr. Chopra's leadership will help us save taxpayer dollars, make government more efficient, ensure accountability, and reinvigorate our economy. I recently introduced a bill to make it a permanent position by statute. I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring H.R. 1910 to ensure that the Presidentially-appointed Chief Technology Officer will be part of future administrations.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of several students in Northern Virginia. These students have participated and excelled in programs administered by their local Parent Teacher Associations and Parent Teacher Student Associations. Parent Teacher Associations (PTA) and Parent Teacher Student Associations (PTSA) serve a critical role in helping to provide the best possible educational environment for our students. The Northern Virginia District PTA consists of a region with more than 220 schools. Schools located throughout Northern Virginia are consistently recognized as being among the very best schools in our country. I strongly believe one factor in the excellent education received by our students is the high level of involvement and encouragement provided by parents through the PTA and PTSAs. At its annual meeting and dinner, the Northern Virginia District PTA recognized the following students for their outstanding achievements: In the category of District PTA Citizenship Essay Awards--High School Division the winners are Paul Capp, a senior at McLean High School, and Lisa Pang, a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. In the category of District PTA Citizenship Essay Awards--Middle School Division the winners are Cali Willcockson, a seventh grader at Liberty Middle School, and Ji Soo Song, an eighth grader at Rocky Run Middle School. A separate special congratulations goes to Paul Capp of McLean High School for placing 3rd in the Virginia State PTA Citizenship Essay Contest--High School Division and to Ji Soo Song who won 1st place in the Virginia State PTA Citizenship Essay Contest--Middle School Division. The following students were recognized in the category of Virginia PTA Outstanding Interpretation Awards, which recognize artistic achievement: Literature: Senior Division--Alexander Kopenhaver, (9th grade), Washington-Lee High School. Music Composition: Primary Division--Pierre Quan, (2nd grade), Forestville Elementary School; Intermediate Division--Kyle Gatesman, (3rd grade), Canterbury Woods Elementary School. In Photography: Middle/Junior Division--Courtney E. Brown, (6th grade), Bull Run Elementary School. In Visual Art: Primary Division--Kaitlin Phan, (2nd grade), Colin Powell Elementary School; Intermediate Division--Jamie H. Chang, (5th grade), Union Mill Elementary School; Senior Division--William W. Park, (11th grade), Langley High School. The Frieda M. Koontz Scholarship Award has been awarded to Monica Choudhury, a senior at James Madison High School in Vienna. This scholarship awarded by the Virginia PTA will provide $1,200 to Ms. Choudhury as she begins her studies at the University of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me today to recognize the outstanding achievements of these students. I also ask that we recognize the Northern Virginia District PTA, in partnership with the Virginia PTA, as they work diligently to develop the diversity of talents and skills of students attending schools throughout Northern Virginia. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the achievements of these students and the Parent Teacher Associations that support them.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank the distinguished chairman. On the issue of tax policy, might I ask the distinguished chairman, is it the case that the budget resolution does not specify particular tax offsets, but rather leaves that decision to the Ways and Means Committee?

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2009 Prince William American Red Cross Awards. These individuals and their work with the Red Cross stand as an example of dedication and service for the benefit and safety of the community. The Elizabeth Smith Davies Award commemorates the hard work and dedication of Red Cross volunteers and staff members with at least twenty-five years of service. Jean Johnson is receiving this award for her thirty years of involvement in the Red Cross. Her years of service include training thousands of community members in Red Cross health and safety programs, including training for family care giving, responding to emergencies and CPR/AED/First Aid certification. Ms. Johnson's service combines education, safety and a positive attitude that encourages those around her to take an active role in Red Cross initiatives. Rear Admiral James E. Miller's five-year membership of the Board of Directors merits the Dr. Gail Kettlewell Award for outstanding volunteer leadership and service. As an active member of the board, Admiral Jim Miller is the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and a member of the Governance and Service Delivery Committee. He and his wife, Anna, are enthusiastic fundraisers. Each year they go out into the Haymarket and Gainesville communities to request support for the annual silent auction at the ``March is Red Cross Month'' celebration. Admiral Miller is always looking for new members, volunteers, and opportunities for the Red Cross by spreading the word of the Red Cross' mission wherever someone will listen. The Brownie B. Smith Award is the preeminent award for volunteer leadership and is bestowed upon individuals who have exemplified sustained dedication and leadership in a volunteer capacity. The recipient, Marty French, serves in any capacity that will further the cause of the Prince William American Red Cross. His involvement in the Disaster Response Team is leadership from the front. He assists victims displaced by fire or broken water pipes and can be depended on to lead Red Cross emergency response any time of day or night. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the staff and volunteers of the Prince William American Red Cross. When a community is hit by disaster, it is often the Red Cross that provides comfort and assistance. The efforts of individual members are responsible for the organization's outstanding reputation, and I am honored to recognize Jean Johnson, Rear Admiral James E. Miller and Marty French for doing their part to uphold this tradition of excellence.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank the distinguished chairman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009. This legislation eliminates inconsistencies in the Federal retirement system and provides greater retirement security for Federal employees. It helps ensure we will not face a brain drain that could cripple Federal agencies. Within the next decade 47 percent of supervisory staff in the Federal workforce will be eligible for retirement. We must take action to ensure that Federal agencies continue to have the institutional knowledge and expertise that allows government to function smoothly and effectively. The Federal Retirement Reform Act of 2009 makes several legislative reforms. This legislation enables members of the civil service and the Federal Employees Retirement Service to redeposit their cashed-out annuities if they decide to re-enter civil service. The committee adopted my amendment to H.R. 1256 by adding this language which is contained in the bipartisan FERS Redeposit Act. I am pleased that we now have the opportunity to enact this legislation that will attract talented employees back to the Federal Government. We should be consistent with all of our Federal workers. Employees in the Civil Service Retirement System can already redeposit their annuities. Allowing FERS employees to do the same is only fair. This bill also ensures that FERS employees receive annuity credit for unused sick leave, just as CSRS employees do. Again, it is an issue of equity to provide those employees with the same benefits. This reform will improve the efficiency of the Federal Government by reducing absenteeism. In addition, the bill will enable employees in the Civil Service Retirement System to work part-time at the end of their careers without losing retirement benefits. This provision will help retain talented workers and assist in training future supervisors and executive-level staff. I applaud the distinguished chairman, Mr. Towns, for shepherding this important legislation through committee and look forward to its passage to help ensure a vibrant Federal workforce for years to come.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I would say to my good friend in response, when the budget comes to the floor this afternoon, I would be glad to talk about that subject. Right now we are talking about Federal employees and trying to make sure that they have what they need.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Well, as a member of the Budget Committee, I'm very aware of the fact that actually tax cuts for middle class families in this budget exceed $2 trillion. And again, that will be made clear when we have the opportunity to debate the budget on the floor of the House. I thought the gentleman wanted me to answer his question.