Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Why is this bill important at this time, Mr. Speaker? It is important because an authoritarian, delusional autocrat in Moscow is wreaking havoc and inflicting death on the ground and from the skies on an innocent people seeking freedom in Ukraine. It is important that other autocrats and authoritarian regimes understand that they will pay a heavy price for such behavior, that we will not resolve disputes that way in the 21st century, and that the consequences will be severe. Isolating Taiwan is part of a policy to intimidate, threaten, and assault democracy on the island of Taiwan. We can't be a party to that. Taiwan has a voice. Taiwan has expertise. It can contribute in a pandemic, and it should not be silenced because of somebody's political agenda. That is what this bill is about. That is why this Congress should speak with one voice and support this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge its passage, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 831, as amended.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Greg Meeks and Ranking Member Mike McCaul for helping bring this bipartisan resolution to the floor today. I also want to thank my partner in so much of this enterprise with respect to NATO and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner). H. Res. 831, which we introduced together, Mr. Turner and I, calls on the United States Government to uphold the founding democratic principles of NATO and establish a Center for Democratic Resilience within NATO itself. NATO's founding document, signed here in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 1949, this very week, is clear: NATO is an alliance of democracies. The preamble to the treaty notes the determination of allies ``to safeguard the freedom, common heritage, and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law.'' The alliance's commitment to shared democratic values is what distinguishes NATO from any other military alliance. Without it, NATO is just another military bloc that does not like Russia. This commitment cannot remain purely aspirational or rhetorical. It must be operationalized. That is why we believe we need formal architecture within NATO dedicated to the promotion and advocacy of democracy. There are divisions and units within NATO dedicated to collective defense, terrorism, interoperability, hybrid warfare, cyber, climate change, and a number of other security challenges. But after 72 years, there is not even a broom closet at NATO headquarters dedicated to the promotion of democratic institution-building within the alliance itself or with respect to the members. The effort to establish a NATO Center for Democratic Resilience is an idea first proposed in 2019 as part of a white paper this Member of Congress wrote on ``NATO at 70.'' As the current president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, I have taken that recommendation and made the strengthening of NATO's founding democratic values our number one priority. The assembly has, in turn, endorsed this idea, the establishment of a Center for Democratic Resilience and made it a central component of the assembly's pro-democracy agenda within NATO. And we were pleased to see the proposal included in the Group of Experts' report commissioned by the NATO Secretary General as we prepare for updating the strategic concept. The U.S. delegation to the NATO PA, which includes Chairman Meeks and Representatives Mike Turner of Ohio, Linda Sanchez, Brett Guthrie, Rick Larsen, Neal Dunn, Brendan Boyle, Jack Bergman, Dina Titus, Austin Scott, and Filemon Vela, has jointly written to the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and our Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, encouraging the Biden administration to work with our NATO allies to operationalize support for our shared democratic principles and to establish this Center for Democratic Resilience. And to the credit of the Biden administration and the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Julie Smith, they have followed up on our recommendation. When we met with the North Atlantic Council in February in Brussels, Ambassador Smith made a forceful case for the establishment of the center, and we were encouraged to see several NATO Ambassadors join her in taking up the mantle and arguing in favor of the proposal. Today, the values upon which the alliance have been founded are being challenged by external enemies of democracy, all too tragically being witnessed in the Ukraine. These forces aim to undermine the faith in and political support for our common democracies and the alliance itself. The strongest weapon we possess to counter effectively Putin or Xi's authoritarianism is a vibrant, robust, and immutable expression of the liberal democratic values that bind us. Putin's renewed, full-scale aggression against Ukraine is a blatant attack on the most basic principles underlying the international order since the end of World War II, principles which Moscow has freely signed on to but ignored. President Putin seeks to crush Ukraine's democracy, intimidate other countries where the embers of democratic ambition burn, and, by implication, undermine all democracies everywhere. We must respond by uniting around and strengthening our commitment to our shared democratic values and the rules-based order. The NATO treaty is clear: We are an alliance of democracies. As NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said during the recent ministerial in Riga, Latvia: ``NATO was created to defend democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. These values define who we are. They are not optional.'' And as President Zelenskyy of Ukraine said during his recent address to this body, to the Congress: ``Right now, the destiny of our country''--Ukraine--``is being decided. The destiny of our people, whether Ukrainians will be free, whether they will be able to preserve their democracy.'' NATO stands for the preservation of that democracy. And we believe the center called for in this resolution must be part of NATO's work to build a bulwark against authoritarianism and democratic backsliding as we proceed. I thank the bipartisan group of members of the U.S. delegation to NATO PA for their support as they joined us in this effort, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this strong bipartisan resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 831) calling on the United States Government to uphold the founding democratic principles of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and establish a Center for Democratic Resilience within the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, as amended.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Ohio for his leadership. He is the former President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, as well, and he has provided unwavering support for America's leadership in this alliance and for the alliance itself. And he is a highly respected figure on both sides of the Atlantic, and I thank him for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brendan F. Boyle).

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, all I can say is having authored this language, I don't know what the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Harris) is referring to. When we talk about illiberal forces within the NATO alliance, it is all-inclusive. The New York Times did an extensive podcast series on illiberal, rightwing groups within Germany's police and military; not Hungary, not Poland: Germany. Many of our colleagues, when we meet in NATO Parliamentary Assembly meetings, express concern about their own internal challenges to their own democratic institutions. And it is simply false that we are somehow selecting any particular country. This is a concern expressed by virtually all; and we recognize that we have got work to do in showing up and building democratic institutions, even within the alliance; that we can't take it for granted. What we say is democracy is resilient, but it can also be fragile; and that is what this reference is about, and would be recognized by virtually every NATO member as such. So while I certainly can understand Mr. Harris wanting to express a concern, I would hope we have debunked it because it is nowhere even close to being what he has characterized. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I think this is a really important resolution. It is also timely because, as Mr. Boyle indicated, we have our next NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Athens this weekend; and if we are going to have input to the strategic concept of NATO, which is being revised and will be adopted next month, in May, we have got to have this in hand as an expression, a bipartisan expression of the collective concern and commitment of this body. I am honored by the fact that this is bipartisan. It passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee overwhelmingly, and I would hope that later today we have a strong bipartisan vote on this resolution so we can bring it to our deliberations in Athens and in Madrid in the next 2 months. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 149th Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 30 graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our community. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School consists of an extensive and demanding 26-week program. In addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits completed nine weeks of EMT training and fourteen weeks of fire suppression training; Upon graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter 1/11 by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015. Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 149th Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 149th Recruit Class. Mohamed Ahmed Patrick Alden Jayquan Anderson Andrew Bryant Jr. Zachery Buttenshaw Nicolas Cicero Alexander Clark Matthew Clark Alexander Cope David Danielson Justin Efaw Rickardo Evans Kassandra Haakansson Ashley Heck Marcin Ligocki Tyler Lomax Rachel Long Shannon Martin Johnathan Matrone Cameron Mazhari JohnPaul McGurk Frank Merritt Kent Miller Caleb Mitchell Matthew Mullins Patrick O'Connor Von Powell Shane Scott Matthew Smalley Dominique Wallace Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I thank them for their service to their community and to all members of the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) and their continued dedication to the elimination of impaired driving and underage drinking in the Washington metropolitan area. WRAP is a public-private partnership that works with law enforcement, community stakeholders, and advocacy groups in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Through educational and innovative public programs, WRAP is credited with keeping Washington area alcohol related death rates consistently below the national average. Programs and resources include Youth Outreach, Adult Outreach, and Public Education programs designed to educate students and the general public on the dangers of alcohol and drugs, particularly driving while under the influence. Through the WRAP Holiday SoberRide program, individuals who are impaired can request a free cab ride home. In 1982, the year that WRAP was founded, 26,173 people in the United States lost their lives in alcohol-related car accidents; 60 percent of all traffic fatalities involved drunk driving. Due to the tireless efforts of WRAP, other organizations such as MADD and SADD, local and state police, and enforcement of more stringent anti-drunk driving laws, alcohol-related traffic fatalities decreased to 9,878. But WRAP has worked tirelessly to ensure these statistics weren't repeated. WRAP also reached the ``80,000-served'' level of total ridership for WRAP's SoberRide program and nearly tripling SoberRide's annual ridership between 2016 and 2019. Since 1997, WRAP has sponsored an annual Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony to honor local law enforcement professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the fight against drunk driving. It is my honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2021 Law Enforcement Award of Excellence recipients: Corporal Steven Mather--The Town of Herndon Police Department. Officer William J. Ward--Prince William County Police Department. Officer Ryan Corrigan--United States Capitol Police. Officer Alexander Rodriguez--Arlington County Police Department Officer Sean Poveda--Arlington County Police Department. PFC Bryce A. Cooper--City of Falls Church Police Department. Deputy Tyler Giles--Loudoun County Sheriffs Office. Sergeant Wilber Alvarez--Prince George's County Police Department. District Officer Margodane Vanriel--Metropolitan Police Department. Trooper Carlos Alejo--Virginia Department of State Police. Corporal Stephen Mann--Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Master Police Officer Steve Faett--Fairfax County Police Department. Sergeant Patrick Keep--Montgomery County Maryland Department of Police. PFC Zachary Davis--City of Fairfax Police Department. Officer Jordan Hunneyman--Alexandria Police Department. Trooper Logan Speak--Maryland State Police. Officer Benjamin R. Tomasiello--United States Park Police. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Washington Regional Alcohol Program and the 2021 Law Enforcement Award of Excellence recipients. Their efforts provide immeasurable benefits to their fellow neighbors and serve as a reminder of why Fairfax County remains such a great place to live.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration and the cornerstone of the event, the 32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Each year, the members of the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated invite community members to gather on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to reflect upon the past year and receive a message of hope from the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow. Dr. King will forever be enshrined in our history as the formative figure in the quest for justice through civil dialogue. Responding through peaceful and principled communication to condemn the injustice of social and racial inequality, Dr. King worked tirelessly to establish a more fair and equal society. Our nation still faces obstacles that Dr. King fought to remove, and it is imperative that we continue his work for our next generations. Dr. King's words continue to inspire our youth, molding the future leaders of our country. Participants in the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest pay tribute to Dr. King's legacy with their ability to communicate with passion and clarity, just as Dr. King did. This year, the competition challenged students to stretch their imaginations and bring inspirational meaning to Dr. King's vision. Specifically, students sought to honor the work of Black women, the unsung heroines of the Civil Rights Movement past and present. Three middle and three high school orators demonstrated how the vision and tireless work of these women aligned with Dr. King's vision and maintained his legacy. I congratulate the following contestants and commend them for their participation in the 32nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest: Mahmud lbn Abdul-Rahman Khabir--Bull Run Middle School, Makaya Elizabeth Freeman--Graham Park Middle School, Shavonne Davis-- Marsteller Middle School, Varsha Jyothikaa Palaniyandy--Gar-Field High School, N'Na-Mayi Akosua Tama--Osbourn Park High School, Kenedi Cheri Wiley--Hylton High School. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for showcasing the power of purposeful and meaningful communication reminiscent of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and in congratulating the talented youth of the 2022 MLK Youth Oratorical Contest. Let us learn from the young people and renew our fight against injustice, ensuring that all Americans will enjoy the equality they deserve.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations 2020 Citizen of the Year Awards. The Federation is a coalition of civic and homeowners associations who work together to promote and support initiatives that will benefit all. Each year, the Federation honors individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our community. It is my honor to include in the Record the following individuals: Paul Hammack is a retired local attorney, who has contributed his wisdom and efforts to civic life in Fairfax County for decades. He served on the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals for 39 years, from 1982 to 2021, and was its Vice-Chairman for the last 30 years. Paul has volunteered in many Bar Association activities and leadership roles, and exemplifies the selfless participation of attorneys in community activities. Lance Beets volunteers in many capacities for Volunteer Solutions, a program housed in the Fairfax County Agency on Aging. Mr. Beets' efforts are directed at helping older adults and adults with disabilities age in place safely and with dignity by assisting them with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, meal and supplement delivery, and the prevention of social isolation. JoEllan Frasch has dedicated herself to serving the younger members of our district, inspiring literacy by reading stories in Fairfax County Public Libraries. She expanded on her passion for education, serving as an organizer for High school band, football, and chorus events for years. Jeff Parnes was a voice for interconnectivity in the region and a consistent presence advocating for the transportation needs of the residents in Northern Virginia. Jeff has literally walked the walk, leading transportation reforms from firsthand experience on buses and beyond. James Migliaccio was the Lee District representative on the Fairfax County Planning Commission from 2010 through 2019, where he devoted long hours to making Fairfax County an outstanding place to live. He coupled his own talents with compassion for his peers to build consensus and reform countywide procedures for land use. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these incredible individuals and in congratulating them on being honored by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations. Civic engagement is the foundation of a healthy community, and Fairfax County residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to the efforts of these individuals. The contributions and leadership of these honorees have been a great benefit to our community and truly merit our highest praise.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 151st Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the six graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our community. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's 151st Recruit School consisted of a thorough eight-week scenario and refresher course for prior experienced and certified firefighters/EMT's. These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015. They also saw extensive work in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of disaster relief and rescue efforts in the aftermaths of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 151st Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 151st Recruit Class: Lucas Gray Ivanovich Lesefka Michael Loblanco Michael Such Hunter Talbot Benjamin Wilson Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I thank them for their service to their community and to all members of the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations 2019 Citizen of the Year Awards. The Federation is a coalition of civic and homeowners associations who work together to promote and support initiatives that will benefit all, Each year, the Federation honors individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our community. It is my honor to include in the Record the following individuals: Lisa Sales has been a tireless advocate in our community focusing on advancing civil rights, fighting against violence, and prohibiting discrimination. Her community activities recently have led to several key accomplishments, Lisa worked closely with county officials and other community volunteers to identify a property along Richmond Highway that could be used to establish a new domestic violence shelter, resulting the opening of Artemis House. Lisa was a critical player to ensure Virginia's Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. Lisa also serves on the Fairfax County Commission for Women. Dorothy Keenan has worked with older adults for over 45 years and has spent her career planning and providing classes, programs and workshops. Holly Seibold is an incredible example of how one citizen can identify a community need and organize to fill it. Sharon Bulova was reelected as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on November 5, 2015. Sharon believes an informed and engaged community is a well-served constituency. John Cook served on the Board of Supervisors, representing the Braddock District from 2009 to 2019, working to reform Fairfax's criminal justice system and reduce the use of force in the area's policing. Kathy Hudgins served on the Board of Supervisors for twenty years, where she has championed affordable housing and advocated tirelessly for the Hunter Mill District. Linda Smyth has dedicated over a decade of her life to fighting for Providence District as their Supervisor. She has been called the county's leading expert on zoning, and has never stopped working to ensure her community's needs are met. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these incredible individuals and in congratulating them on being honored by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations. Civic engagement is the foundation of a healthy community, and Fairfax County residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to the efforts of these individuals. The contributions and leadership of these honorees have been a great benefit to our community and truly merit our highest praise.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation has channeled the generosity of others into projects that benefit the entirety of Fairfax County. The Foundation has provided an avenue for many members of our community to give back in a tangible way. As the former Chairman of Fairfax County, and now as a Congressman, I understand that nonprofits are vital to meeting the needs of our communities that our local and federal government cannot. Fortunately, for the past 20 years, the Park Foundation has helped to fill some of those gaps in funding for a host of park projects throughout the County. The Foundation has played a role in many of the district's most meaningful events. From funding the 4-H Carnival in Frying Pan Park to cleaning the watershed at Hidden Oaks, their work has been admired by thousands of families. They collected contributions for open space preservation as well, adding to the tens of thousands of acres of parkland in the County. Each year, the Foundation's PACT scholarships allow children in supportive housing to attend summer camps, and it sponsors programs throughout the school year to bring STEM education to local students. Every year, the Foundation highlights community members and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to parks by presenting them with the Eakin Philanthropy Award. Congratulations to this year's awardees: Individual Award: Wayne, Angela, and the Valis Family Organization Award: Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home and Fairfax Memorial Park Friends Group/Park Volunteer Team Award: Friends of Colvin Mill Easy access to parks, green spaces, and recreation areas is critical to our wellbeing. From improving the health and wellness of residents to creating a healthier physical environment, parks are vital to the future of America. I commend the Park Foundation for two decades of progress and service. I encourage all of you to join me in thanking the Park Foundation staff for many amazing years of work. We're looking forward to the next twenty years. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Fairfax County Park Foundation for their 20th anniversary. Their efforts provide immeasurable benefits to their fellow neighbors and serve as a reminder of why Fairfax County remains such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2022 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards. On January 15, 1993, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors (BOCS) implemented the Human Rights Ordinance which formally established the Prince William County Human Rights Commission. Two years prior, the BOCS had formed the Human Rights Study Committee to explore the needs of a community that was growing in population and diversity. After an exhaustive effort that included numerous committee meetings and public hearings, the study found that many residents of Prince William County felt that the county needed a human rights ordinance and an agency to enforce it in order to ensure that every resident is treated fairly. The Human Rights Commission seeks to eliminate discrimination through civil and human rights law enforcement and to establish equal opportunity for all persons within the county through advocacy and education. The Human Rights Ordinance prohibits discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability, as well as in the consideration of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit, in Prince William County. The Commission receives and investigates complaints filed by any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against. In celebration of Universal Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Commission recognizes individuals and organizations that promote the principles of human rights in Prince William County. It is my honor to include in the Record the recipients of the 2022 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards: Carried to Full Term; Frank Washington and the Coalition to Save Historic Thoroughfare; Prince William County Police Department; Tummy Yum Yum; Yaqub Zargarpur; Omicron Zeta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the recipients of the 2022 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards. Theses honorees dedicate themselves to the residents of Prince William County and through their work, they make sure that all residents, including the most vulnerable in our society, are being looked out for. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to these honorees for their efforts to safeguard our most basic rights and remind us of our common humanity. Let us use their example to rededicate ourselves to the fight against inequity and injustice.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax County History Commission on the occasion of the 17th Annual Fairfax County History Conference. Since 1969, the Fairfax County History Commission has worked to identify, document, record and preserve the history of our region. Few areas in the country are as rich in history as ours. Indeed, the history of this region is the history of our country. The History Conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and to recognize our neighbors who have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting our local history. Through the dedicated efforts of the History Commission and its many volunteers, we are assured that our history will not be lost and will be available for future generations. This year, two of these dedicated individuals are being honored for their commitment to the preservation and education of history. I am proud to include in the Record their names: Ms. Maura Keaney for her tireless efforts to inspire the next generation of historians. As a School-based Technology Specialist at Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Fairfax County, Ms. Keaney utilizes online research methods and crosses disciplinary boundaries to explore quantitative analysis of how to publicly document and celebrate history. Ms. Keaney has taught her students to think critically and quantitatively, examining the people and events being commemorated and who and what might have been left out of the narrative for too long. Ms. Keaney's dedication to the promotion and preservation of history is only surpassed by her dedication to her students. Mr. Jeff Clark for his decades of work capturing and exhibiting Fairfax County's history. Mr. Clark has worked for the Fairfax County Public School system (FCPS) as the Video Producer and Director of Communication and Community Relations for the past 21 years. In his role, Mr. Clark has been able to produce multimedia content that tells the storied history of our county. He is considered to be the ``official historian'' of the FCPS and never hesitates to go the extra mile when it comes to preserving and showcasing Fairfax County's history and its impact on the country. I commend the Fairfax County History Commission for helping to ensure that the abundance of history that is available to our community will be preserved far into the future. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating all the honorees and thanking the Fairfax County History Commission for the important work they do for the Northern Virginia community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career of Prince William County Assistant Police Chief Dawn Harman and to congratulate her on her retirement following 30 years of dedicated service to county residents. The Prince William County Police Department was founded on July 1, 1970 and serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county and the towns of Dumfries, Occoquan, Haymarket, and Quantico. At the time of its founding, the Department had a staff of 52 which included police officers, commanders, dispatchers, and secretaries, with an operating budget of $750,000. Today, the Department has grown to nearly 1,000 individuals with an annual operating budget of $116 million. Major Dawn Harman is a life-long resident of Prince William County and graduated from Garfield High School. She graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in Animal and Veterinary Science, she was hired by the Police Department as a Deputy Animal Warden in September 1991, and then promoted as a Police Officer in January 1994. Throughout her 30-year career with the Police Department, Major Harman served in numerous assignments including animal control, patrol operations, crime prevention, accreditation, and support services. She rose quickly through the ranks due to her exemplary leadership and commitment to improving the agency. She served as the Director of the Animal Control Bureau and the Western District Commander before being promoted to the rank of Major in September 2014. She holds the distinction of being the first female Assistant Chief in the Department's history. Through her time as an Assistant Chief, Major Harman worked on several capital improvement programs including the planning and construction of a new Animal Services Center and the expansion of the Public Safety Training Center. While serving her community, she also obtained a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University, where she has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society. Throughout her career, Major Harman has made a positive impact in every assignment she has held, always looking for ways to improve the Department's ability to provide quality services to the community. Her professionalism and commitment to service have left a lasting impact on the police department and the citizens of Prince William County. Major Harman made it a priority throughout her career to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders ensuring the continued success of the department. Her husband Mark is a retired member of the Police Department as well, and they have four children who were all born and raised in Prince William County. Two of her sons are also members of the Police Department, carrying on Dawn and Mark's legacy of public service. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the 30- year career of Assistant Police Chief Dawn Harman with the Prince William County Police Department and thanking her for her tireless service to our community. I wish Major Dawn Harman and her family continued happiness and success in all things.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the distinguished chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and my friend, the distinguished ranking member. Today is a test for liberal democracy all over the world, and particularly for us as Americans because today we witness the cost in blood, sweat, and tears in the fight for freedom that liberal democracy represents and provides: The simple desire of another people to have what we have and that all too often we take for granted, the desire to be a free people, under no one's shadow, under no one's yoke, and they are willing to put their bodies on the line to fight for that simple principle. Weak punditry all too often has cast the opinion that liberal democracy is on the decline. Well, not in Ukraine and not here. And not with our allies and not at the United Nations. Because the scales have fallen from eyes. The threat is real, and so are the stakes. All of us today must be Ukrainian. All of us must join that fight. All of us must understand that freedom, liberal democracy are resilient but also fragile. They must always be perfected but also defended. This resolution today is not just about an expression of congressional solidarity. It is a recommitment by this body in the principles that founded this Nation that another people are fighting for to gain today. I urge passage and proudly support this effort.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Maloney for her leadership, as well as Ranking Member Comer. I am also proud as an original cosponsor of this bill and as the chairman of the subcommittee with jurisdiction over postal issues. This bill contains provisions that, when taken together, will right the course of the Postal Service, returning it to solvency and removing undue burdens that have mired it in debt for 16 years. Much of the blame for the Postal Service's financial struggle rests squarely here in Congress. In 2003, Congress enacted the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act, requiring the Postal Service to make annual, exorbitant prepayments into its retiree health benefits fund, a requirement required of no other entity in the United States. These payments kept the Postal Service from profitability for years, since 2006. To be sure, this prepayment is not the only issue plaguing the Postal Service's financial posture in an increasingly online and digital society. But as the ranking member indicated, what this bill does do is takes care of that red ink that we are responsible for and puts the Postal Service in a position to buy time to develop a 21st century business model that will work and will continue to serve the American people. We owe a debt of gratitude to postal workers who have, every day during this pandemic, served every household and every business in America on time and reliably, in terms of providing that lifeline and that one constant in our lives that we depend on. This bill is going to shore that up and buttress that. It represents a bipartisan compromise that is long overdue, and I salute the leadership of our committee, our chairwoman and our ranking member, in being able to forge that bipartisan coalition that allows us to address this issue today in a meaningful way and to pass this bill.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Amendment No. 48, an important contribution to the America COMPETES Act that will strengthen our supply chains and boost American economic competitiveness. I was proud to introduce Amendment No. 48 earlier this Congress as bipartisan legislation entitled the ``Partner with Korea Act'' with Representative Young Kim of California, the vice ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation and one of the first Korean American women to serve in Congress. I am proud to lead this effort with Representative Young Kim as well as Senators Blunt and Hirono, who have introduced companion legislation on the Senate Side. The Partner with Korea Act, legislation that has garnered 48 bipartisan cosponsors here in the House, would create an allotment of 15,000 E-4 highly skilled work visas for Korean nationals with specialized education and expertise, provided that potential employers can ensure the visa holders are not hired for positions that American workers could fill. South Korea is an essential American ally, and as our seventh largest trading partner, it plays a crucial role in our nation's continued economic success and national security in Asia. Better access to skilled visas will support the rapidly growing Korean investments in the United States--and the creation of thousands of high-paying, high-skilled manufacturing jobs across the country. This amendment will enhance our economic cooperation with a key ally in the Inda-Pacific, increase domestic production of semiconductors, fix supply chains, and most importantly create American jobs. South Korea investments in the American economy are increasing and according to the Department of Commerce. After the signing of the U.S.- Korea Free Trade Agreement, the stock of U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Korea grew from $28.2 billion to $39.1 billion, while South Korean FDI in the United States more than tripled growing from $19.9 billion to $61.8 billion. In May 2021, four major Korean companies--Hyundai, LG, SK, and Samsung--announced plans to invest $39.4 billion in the United States. This is nearly double the inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) from Korea between 2017 and 2019. In September 2021, SK Innovation and Ford announced a partnership to build two manufacturing ``mega-sites'' to produce next generation electric F-series trucks and batteries, together pledging $11.4 billion. In November, SK announced it planned to invest $52 billion in the United States, creating over 10,000 jobs by 2030. Late last year, Samsung announced that it had selected Taylor, Texas, as the site of a new $17 billion semiconductor fab, creating over 2,000 jobs. Just last month, LG Energy Solution and General Motors announced their own $2.6 billion partnership for yet another battery cell manufacturing facility, which is expected to create another 1,700 jobs. High-skilled, temporary visas will be critical to getting these operations off the ground. When companies install proprietary equipment, they often send engineers and other specialists to help plan, design, install, and ultimately train new workers on complex manufacturing equipment-- leaving the long-term operation to newly-trained American workers. Electric vehicle batteries and semiconductors are two critical supply chains, and Korean investments mean that more of these goods will be made in America, by American workers. This is not a new program. The United States already has this same provision with every other trade agreement partner except for Korea. But none of these countries come close to Korea when it comes to the level of inbound foreign direct investment. Amendment No. 48 ensures that high-skilled, non-immigrant workers from Korea can support these inbound investments and the growth of critical industries in the United States. Madam Speaker, at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was Korea that shipped us personal protective equipment that saved American lives. With deep economic ties and friendship, the U.S.-Korea alliance, forged in blood, is absolutely vital to securing the success of America's workers, businesses and economy at home--to position America to compete--and win--in the IndoPacific and on the world stage. I urge my colleagues to support Amendment No. 48.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bill that sends a clear signal about United States policy with respect to discrimination, especially violent, murderous discrimination against a whole class of people because of their ethnicity and/or religion. But the significance of this bill is much more profound; it moves us forward in terms of our self-definition as Americans. Our history is pockmarked with violent discrimination against groups that ``got in the way.'' Groups that challenged us to improve on the prevailing self-definition at the time. From Native Americans who were dehumanized, Chinese Americans denied citizenship and naturalization as a group in our immigration laws, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Irish-Catholics discriminated against by Abolitionists. The intent of this bill goes to our self-definition as a nation, something every generation must revisit. By enshrining this in our State Department as a priority policy, that will be propounded with other nations, we make ourselves better too. We live up to our ideals as a people. I hope we rise above the partisan temptations to score points at the expense of a whole class of people, at the expense of people all around the world who we have never met but count on us to do the right thing on their behalf. This bill is important for those people who can't find their own voice, because they have been denied it, but let's use ours on their behalf. It will save lives and it will improve our own sense of identity, who we are, what it means to be American.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, the distinguished chairwoman of the Oversight and Reform Committee for yielding. We just heard obfuscation on the floor of the House hoping that people watching will be distracted from the purpose of this bill, which is to counter the systematic voter suppression that is occurring in Republican-controlled States all over America. Instead of enshrining the right to vote and enabling it, Republicans want to suppress it, they want to narrow it, they want to make it harder for you to vote. Because that is how they win elections, apparently. This bill, the Protecting Our Democracy Act, led by Mr. Schiff would counter that, would enshrine and protect that sacred franchise, which is what America was founded to be. I also want to highlight an amendment to the bill I provided. On October 21, President Trump signed Executive Order No. 13957 to undermine the merit system protection of our Federal workforce by requiring agency heads to reclassify policy-determining, policymaking, or policy-advocating positions. At OMB, the Office of Management and Budget, this meant 80 percent of its workforce could suddenly be fired or eligible to be fired by the executive. The Preventing a Patronage System Act preserves congressional prerogative by freezing that executive branch ability to unilaterally remove classes of Federal employees and restore the civil service as a nonpartisan entity. I'm proud to support and cosponsor this bill. I urge its passage.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Mr. McGovern, for yielding. Madam Speaker, when I served in local government, I helped to write and pass 14 consecutive budgets. If I learned one thing from that process, it is that budgets are statements of values. When Republicans last used the budget reconciliation process, it was to pass a $2 trillion tax giveaway to the wealthy. Before that, they used it to rip healthcare away from more than 20 million Americans. They stated their values loudly and clearly. Well, here are our values in this bill. We value working Americans, and are using reconciliation to cut their taxes; not the rich. We value American children and parents, and are using reconciliation drastically to lower childcare costs, provide paid family leave, and guarantee access to preschool. We value the health and well-being of the American people, and are using reconciliation to expand access to vital health services, especially our seniors. And we value our environment, and are using reconciliation to make the single largest investment in the fight against climate change in history. These are our values. This is how we build back a better America, not only for the rich and well-connected, but for all Americans. Madam Speaker, I urge the passage of this important investment in our future.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize ArtsFairfax and the recipients of the 2021 Arts Awards. These awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of artists and arts organizations, as well as individuals and businesses in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church that support the arts in our community. Founded in 1964, the formally named Arts Council of Fairfax County, Inc. is a non-profit organization designated as Fairfax County's local arts agency. ArtsFairfax operates programs and initiatives that include grants, arts advocacy, education, and professional development opportunities for artists and arts organizations. Despite the challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented to the arts community, in FY2020, ArtsFairfax awarded over $550,000 in County, public, and private funds through competitive grants and awards to arts organizations and individual artists. These grants helped fund over 23,500 arts programs which reached more than 440,700 audience members: ArtsFairfax's resiliency and adaptability allowed the organization to continue meeting the needs of the arts community even during these unprecedented times. The Arts Awards honors supporters of the arts in four categories: the Jinx Hazel Arts Award, the Arts Impact Award, the Arts Education Award, and the Arts Philanthropy Award. It is my honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2021 Arts Awards Recipients: The 2021 Jinx Hazel Arts Award will be presented to the National Museum of the United States Army. The 2021 Arts Impact Award will be presented to 1st Stage. The 2021 Arts Education Award will be presented to the Traveling Players Ensemble and artist Kelli Schollard-Sincock. The 2021 Arts Philanthropy Award will be presented to the Reston Town Center Association. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2021 Arts Awards and recognizing the visionaries, leaders, and supporters who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.