Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

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

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

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, first, I would like to note I do oppose the underlying bill. This bill would require independent agencies, for the first time, to submit their rules to OIRA for review. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would increase direct spending by $3 million and reduce revenues by $2 million. CBO also estimates that the bill would cost Federal agencies an additional $20 million in administrative costs for compliance. The reason the bill costs money is because it does not simply codify an executive order as its proponents suggest. The bill would require independent agencies, for the first time, to submit their rules to OIRA for review. Independent agencies such as the FCC, SEC, and CFPB do not currently have to get the approval of the White House for regulations they issue. Congress designed independent agencies to be just that--independent. This bill would enshrine in law the ability for the White House to engage in political interference with those agencies. The Consumer Federation of America sent a letter to House Members today opposing this bill. The letter said, inter alia: H.R. 1009 will jeopardize independence of agencies like the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, as well as other independent agencies because it will give the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs the ability to review significant rules. Authorizing OIRA to conduct its own analysis would not only add pressure from the executive branch and add time and expense to that process, but would also give special interests seeking to quash a safety measure, for example, yet another avenue to prevent a rule from ever being promulgated. Indeed, one suspects that is the intent of the bill. A 2013 editorial in The New York Times warned of the dangers of subjecting independent agencies to OIRA review. The editorial foresaw what we are now dealing with 4 years later: ``Subjecting independent agencies to executive regulatory review would not improve the rule- making process, but it would ensure that ostensibly regulated industries are as unregulated and deregulated as possible.'' It also said: ``There is no question that making independent agencies less independent is a bad idea.'' My amendment would take care of that by repealing that portion of this bill. I urge all Members to support the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I just want to associate myself with the underlying intent of my friend from North Carolina. He is right. At our hearings, we did discover flaws in OIRA's process. And I think that his amendment is designed to try to address that and to inject some very needed transparency. Unfortunately, because of the underlying bill, I am not going to oppose my friend's amendment, but I do share the concern of my friend, the Delegate from the Virgin Islands, and will be opposing the underlying bill.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, may I inquire how much time is remaining?

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nominees for 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year Award for Prince William County Public Schools. The Teacher of the Year Award recognizes excellence in teaching, to encourage creative and quality instruction, and to contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education in Prince William County Public School System. The Prince William County Public School System was established in 1869 and was originally managed by individual magisterial districts until the Prince William County School Board was founded in 1923. Today, there are more than 90,000 students in 97 schools within the Prince William County School Division-59 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 12 high schools, one Governor's school, three special education schools, two nontraditional schools, two traditional schools, one special education school, and one K-8 school--making it the second largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In Prince William County Schools, each grade level of course study is grounded in a purposefully designed plan that frameworks the knowledge and skills that will be developed during the school year. The winner selected will be named the Prince William County Teacher of the Year. Teachers who meet the criteria for the award are those who instill in students a desire to learn and achieve, understand the individual needs of students, and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter and have the ability to share it effectively with students. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the following 2016-2017 Prince William County nominees for Teacher of the Year Award: Charles Aracich--T. Clay Wood Elementary School Donna Atkins--Neabsco Elementary School Larry Baker--Gar-Field High School Jennifer Brown--Graham Park Middle School Meredith Brewbaker--Buckland Mills Elementary School Jonathan Bukva--Reagan Middle School Carlos Castro--Woodbridge High School Maria Centini--Hylton High School Scott Cloud--Reagan Middle School Cynthia Cole--Marshall Elementary School Anna Collins-Walker--T. Clay Wood Elementary School Karen Dominick--Loch Lomond Elementary School Carla Drew--Osbourn Park High School Carolyn English--Ashland Elementary School Corey Finn--Patriot High School Jennifer Fisher--Alvey Elementary School Donna Garzione--Loch Lomond Elementary School Lisa Keen--Ashland Elementary School Rebecca Kronthal--King Elementary School Cesar Maisonet--Gainesville Middle School Tiffany McLeod--Enterprise Elementary School Elizabeth Paiz--T. Clay Wood Elementary School Linda Poole--Ashland Elementary School Kristen Putman--T. Clay Wood Elementary School Eileen Rakshys--Bennett Elementary School Holley Scheffel--Potomac High School Natallia Shamshyna--Forest Park High School Deborah Tekampe--Alvey Elementary School Nick Thompson--Osbourn Park High School Cynthia Treichler--Hylton High School Sarah Willey--Henderson Elementary School Elizabeth Williams--Battlefield High School Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the nominees for 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year Award in Prince William County and in thanking them for their dedication to our children. Their continued service will ensure that Prince William County students receive world-class education in a more vibrant learning community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2017 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards. The Dale City Civic Association represents the interests of the 70,000 residents of Dale City in a manner that benefits the entire community. Association members complete revitalization and beautification projects, advocate for land use projects, and volunteer in response to community needs. Each year, the Association hosts a recognition banquet to honor individuals and organizations that have shown exemplary devotion to the betterment of the community through public service. It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the 2017 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards recipients: Elementary School Teacher of the Year Award: Angela Hunt Middle School Teacher of the Year Award: Atif Qarni High School Teacher of the Year Award: Larry Baker Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter of the Year Award: Matthew Werner Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Medical Service Provider of the Year Award: Amanda Fleig Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Officer of the Year Award: Thomas Mazzo Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Cadet of the Year Award: Bradford Burgeson Department of Fire and Rescue Firefighter of the Year Award: Technician II John Malley Department of Fire and Rescue Emergency Medical Technician Provider of the Year Award: LT Brian Reader Police Officers of the Year Award: Officer Bryan B. Gee and Officer Tyler J. Reza Deputy Sheriff of the Year Award: Deputy Michael Shepherd Kathie Feeney Nurse of the Year Award: Aisha Sesay, BSN,

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Giant Food, LLC, on the grand reopening of its University Mall store following an extensive renovation and expansion. For several years University Mall has been in the midst of a complete make-over to better reflect and serve this vibrant community including the students and staff of George Mason University. With the reopening of the Giant Food store, this $35 million renovation project will be complete. Giant Food is much more than a grocery store. For years Giant Food has been a true partner and has supported our community in a variety of ways. Giant Food has been an important donor to local food banks, providing the necessary funds and products to ensure that shelves are stocked with healthy options. Giant Food recently strengthened their ties with the community by partnering with the Washington Capitals, Mystics, Wizards and the Verizon Center to promote programs that support hunger relief and building healthier communities. Understanding that holidays can be a difficult time for our most vulnerable neighbors, Giant has donated 28,750 Thanksgiving turkeys since 2011, as well as thousands of Easter hams. Giant Food's support of our community extends far beyond food and nutrition. Giant Food hosts an annual A+ School Rewards Program that has donated more than $94 million since 1989 to participating schools. Last year, the program donated $2 million to 1,466 public and private schools in the Maryland, Virginia, D.C, and Delaware area. This money allows for investment in schools' technology programs, scholarship opportunities, and other educational benefits including playgrounds and fieldtrips. These examples are just a small sampling of the projects and programs sponsored by Giant Food that directly help our residents. None of this would be possible without the support of the Giant corporate leadership or the tireless dedication of the men and women of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 400. The UFCW Local 400 represents 35,000 members who work in the retail food, health care, department store, food processing and other industries in our area. Local 400 not only helps to protect the wages and benefits of its members, but also strives to improve the working conditions and futures of all Americans. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Giant Food, LLC on the grand re-opening of its University Mall store and in thanking its leadership and Local 400 members for their countless contributions to our local community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Prince William County Public School Division and congratulate the following educators on obtaining certification or recertification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Founded in 1987, the National Board was established by teachers for teachers as the premier vehicle for defining and recognizing accomplished educators. Today, the independent nonprofit organization remains dedicated to supporting excellence in education and is governed by classroom teachers, school administrators, school board leaders, governors and state legislators, higher education officials, teacher union leaders, and business and community leaders. A National Board Certification denotes the most respected professional certification available in the education field. Obtaining certification and completing the renewal process is a personal and public statement of one's commitment to the evolution of effective instruction methods. In order to obtain the distinction, teachers must display a mastering of the standards established by the National Board by successfully completing a rigorous multicomponent assessment that demonstrates that he or she has acquired the knowledge, skills, and practices required of an accomplished educator. Certified educators support a vision of teaching based on the following five core propositions: 1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning; 2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students; 3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning; 4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience; and 5. Teachers are members of learning communities. I extend my personal congratulations and appreciation to the following 2016 National Board Certified Teachers for receiving their respective certifications and renewals: Schenell Agee--Library Media Programs and Research Alise Brooks--Dale City Elementary School James Carroll--Freedom High School Melissa Dembele--Featherstone Elementary School Elise Dutton--Benton Middle School Rhonda Ellington--Mullen Elementary School Christy Katsourakis--Enterprise Elementary School Lauren Mack--T. Clay Wood Elementary School Karisa Marcy--Piney Branch Elementary School Christine Petrus--Haymarket Elementary School Jennifer Roberts--Patriot High School Carey Shenal--Stonewall Jackson High School Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending these teachers for their commitment to education, professional development, and the students of Prince William County Public Schools. The world- class education provided to our students is due to the tireless efforts of teachers who make excellence the standard and I thank them for their invaluable contributions.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Greenspring Retirement Community of Springfield, Virginia as they host their annual President's Volunteer Service Awards reception. I have had the pleasure of visiting Greenspring on many occasions and am continually impressed by the community spirit displayed there. The 2017 President's Volunteer Service Awards will honor more than 200 volunteers from the Greenspring community as well as the greater Springfield area with the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards for Volunteer Service. In addition, three members of the Greenspring community are being honored with the Lifetime Service Award, having compiled more than 4,000 hours of community service during their time at Greenspring. In 2016, more than 750 volunteers contributed in excess of 140,000 hours to Greenspring as well as the surrounding community. That averages to nearly 200 hours per volunteer--an amazing display of dedication and commitment to our neighbors and district. Greenspring residents volunteer their time in a variety of ways including teaching English to staff who are not native speakers as part of an award-winning ESL program, mentoring local elementary school students and preparing thousands of weekend food bags for distribution by organizations such as Food for Others to ensure that local children and families do not go hungry. Volunteers from the surrounding community also provide a large number of different services to Greenspring residents, such as visiting with residents, playing cards or board games and escorting residents to and from activities. The selfless participation of these individuals in volunteer activities enriches the lives of those around them and is truly worthy of our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating all of the 2017 award recipients and in thanking them for their exemplary service to our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lake Anne Elementary School on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The first public school in the Reston neighborhood of Fairfax County, Lake Anne Elementary stands as a symbol of this region's commitment to excellent public education. As a former member and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I know firsthand that the quality of life in our communities is tied directly to the priority with which we afford education. Throughout its fifty-year history, Lake Anne has represented a diverse community. As of today, its student body represents 70 countries and speaks 38 different languages. I have consistently said that the diversity of our community is one of our greatest strengths and I am glad to see Lake Anne continuing this tradition. In addition to enriching our community through diversity, Lake Anne also enriches its student body through a number of extracurricular programs, including Spanish Immersion, ESOL, Special Ed, Advanced Academics, HeadStart services, Young Scholars, Artist in Residence, Eco School, Grace Art, Mentor Works and Partners in Print programs. By exposing their students to these types of programs earlier in their academic careers, Lake Anne Elementary helps lay the groundwork not only for future academic success, but greater economic opportunities as well. Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless dedication of the faculty, staff and volunteers of Lake Ann Elementary. I have always said that public service is among the most noble of callings and this sentiment certainly is true of the men and women who dedicate their lives to educating our future generations. Mr. Speaker, much has changed in the world over the last fifty years, but the mission of Lake Anne Elementary School and our Fairfax County Public School system as a whole has not, and indeed it is more important than ever. As the world changes around us, we need to ensure that today's students are equipped with the knowledge and tools they will need in this increasingly globalized and technical world. I congratulate Lake Anne Elementary School on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and thank the faculty, staff, volunteers and parents for their immeasurable contributions to our greatest resource, our children. I wish you continued success in all of your future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 32nd Annual King Day Celebration and the cornerstone of the event, the 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated in partnership with the Cecil & Irene Hylton Foundation. Annually, the Hylton Foundation and the members of the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, 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. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will forever be engrained in our history as the formative figure in the quest for justice through civil dialogue. In his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Dr. King highlighted the need for civility in order to establish equality. For his courage, vision, and perseverance, we celebrate Dr. King, not just for the man he was, but for his vision of the American Dream and what America can be. While his life was cut short by a senseless act of violence, his legacy is one of tolerance. Responding through peaceful and principled communication to condemn the injustice of social and racial inequality, Dr. King worked tirelessly to establish a more united society. As we gather days prior to the 58th inauguration, under this year's theme of ``what the world needs now'', participants in the Youth Oratorical Contest pay homage to the legacy of Dr. King through their delivery of extemporaneous remarks. The ability to communicate with passion and clarity will serve them well as they assume future leadership opportunities and establish the personal relationships necessary for community engagement. I congratulate the following contestants in the 27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest: Middle School Contestants Chelsea Campbell--Porter Traditional School Jennine Faruque--Stonewall Middle School Abdullah Usufzai-- Ronald Reagan Middle School High School Contestants Gladys Gonzalez--Osbourn High School Norman Jones--Stonewall Jackson High School Hamayel Safi--Woodbridge High School Mr. 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 2017 MLK Youth Oratorical Contest.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nominees for 2016-2017 Principal of the Year Award for Prince William County Public Schools. The winner will be named the Prince William County Principal of the Year. Principals who meet the criteria for the award are those who manage effectively, demonstrate and encourage creativity and innovation, foster cooperation between the school and community by maintaining a continuous dialogue with students, parents, faculty, and staff, demonstrate leadership, and exemplify commitment. The Prince William County Public School System was established in 1869 and was originally managed by individual magisterial districts until the Prince William County School Board was founded in 1923. Today, there are more than 90,000 students in 97 schools within the Prince William County School Division--59 elementary schools, 16 middle schools, 12 high schools, one Governor's school, three special education schools, two nontraditional schools, two traditional schools, one special education school, and one K-8 school--making it the second largest school division in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In Prince William County Schools, each grade level of course study is grounded in a purposefully designed plan that frameworks the knowledge and skills that will be developed during the school year. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the following 2016-2017 Prince William County nominees for Principal of the Year Award: Connie Balkcom--Buckland Mills Elementary School Neil Beech--Osbourn Park High School Mark Boyd--Vaughan Elementary School Marlene Coleman--Dumfries Elementary School Susan Danielson--Rosa Parks Elementary School Jodi Pankowski--PACE East School Nathaniel Provencio--Minnieville Elementary School Barry Rosenberg--Swans Creek Elementary School Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the nominees for 2016-2017 Principal of the Year Award in Prince William County and in thanking them for their dedication to leadership in our school system. Their continued service will ensure our Prince William County students are provided with a world-class education in a more vibrant learning community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce and to congratulate the incoming 2017 board members. Tysons has drastically transformed during the past 55 years from a sleepy, rural area to one of the most vibrant regions in the country. This change began when the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved plans for the Tysons Corner Shopping Center in 1962. When the mall opened in 1968, it was hailed as the largest enclosed mall in the world. Since then, there has been a dramatic influx of technology companies, government contracting firms, and other corporations. Tysons has become the premier business district of the Washington Metropolitan Area and is one of the largest employment center in the United States. With the opening of Metro's Silver Line and ongoing redevelopment, the region is expected to continue adding not only businesses but also high-density residential housing. The mission of the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce is to be the unified voice of the business community while ensuring that its ties and commitment to the community are strengthened. The Chamber actively promotes local non-profits and community organizations as well as youth educational programs, and it sponsors multiple events each year in support of these activities. The growth of the Chamber has been the result of the diversity of its members and the leadership of its Board. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of the incoming 2017 Board Members: 2016 Chairman of the Board: Lori Lopez 2017 Chairman of the Board: Peg McDermott General Counsel: William P. Daly, Jr. VP of Finance: David MacGillivray Treasurer: Shania Kapoor VP of Membership: Josh Brady VP of Marketing: Virginia Case At-Large Members: Mark Rogoff, Kathy Jensen, Maureen Loftus, Gian Cocomello, Peter Wynne, Jeffrey Krashin, Jonathan LaCroix, Dalia Palchik, Matt Evans, Jerry Ferguson, Kathleen A. Kelly, Sopa Keo, Shirley Luu, Cory Scott, and Pat Whalen. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the incoming board members and in commending the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce for its commitment to promoting the business community while encouraging social responsibility and civic engagement. I wish the Chamber the very best for its continued growth and success.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Val McWhorter, for his inclusion in the 23rd edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice areas of Arbitration, Construction Law, and Mediation, and for his designation as the 2017 Lawyer of the Year in the practice area of Construction Law in Washington, D.C. A testament to his standing in the field of Construction Law, these well-deserved honors were awarded to Mr. McWhorter on the basis of high praise and feedback from both his peers and clients alike. Such acclamations of Mr. McWhorter's work should come as no surprise, given the more than $500,000,000 he has recovered on behalf of his clients in state and federal court, mediations, and private negotiations. Additionally, I want to congratulate Mr. McWhorter on the 25th anniversary of his induction into The Moles Organization, a national organization of individuals involved in the completion of heavy construction projects, including tunnels, bridges, highways, and dams. Founded in 1936, The Moles Organization is a respected institution whose members represent the best of American industry. First elected to membership in 1991, Mr. McWhorter's commitment to The Moles Organization led to his appointments last year to both the Publicity Committee and the Award Committee. Mr. McWhorter's longtime membership, and his recent leadership, in this esteemed organization deserve much recognition. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Val McWhorter on his remarkable achievements, and in thanking him for his years of contribution to the practice of Construction Law in the Washington, D.C. region.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my constituent, Michele Y. Evans, for her recent retirement from the Government Publishing Office after 29 years of service. Ms. Evans began her career at GPO in October 1987 as a Supply Clerk in the Springbelt Warehouse in Springfield, Virginia. In 1991, she became a Micrographics Tech and in 1993 she was promoted to Supervisory Micrographics Tech before eventually assuming the position of Publications Manager Specialist. In 2004, Michele joined the Apprenticeship Program, which trained her as Printer, Proofer, and Journey Person. In 2006, after graduating from the Apprenticeship program, Michele went to work in the proof room, where she worked in copy/mark-up and night side/bill end. In 2010, Michele was selected for the GPO detailee program, and was attached to the Office of the Clerk, Office of Legislative Operations, House Enrolling section. Her dedication and disposition made her a perfect fit for the section, and her attention to detail and years of experience made Michele an invaluable member of the enrolling team. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ms. Evans on her retirement and in thanking her for her years of service to this chamber as she returns to her hometown of Jacksonville, North Carolina to start the next chapter of her life.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in solidarity with the millions of Americans who participated in Women's Marches around the country on Saturday. I attended the march in DC, and it was heartening to see such incredible enthusiasm. According to Metro, the system has not seen crowds that large since Barack Obama's first inauguration. But not even 72 hours after more than 500,000 mothers, daughters, husbands, and fathers descended onto our nation's capital in collective opposition to President Trump's appalling misogyny, the House majority has decided to double down on its anti-woman, anti-health care assault. The only bill to be considered under a rule on the floor this short work week, H.R. 7, is yet another attempt by the majority to restrict a woman's right to choose and put Congress between a woman and her doctor. As it cloaks itself in a complete state of denial about the message America sent them on Saturday, the House majority is taking its cue from President Trump. The House majority and the White House seem bound and determined to ignore the powerful message sent by a protest march that no doubt shook the Eisenhower china.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to this amendment and in strong opposition to the Regulatory Accountability Act. This bill is another thinly veiled mechanism for the majority to attack agency rulemaking with which they disagree. This amendment would prevent agencies from publicly disclosing information that, quote, ``directly advocates, in support of or against the proposed rule, for the submission of information to form part of the record of review for the proposed rule.'' I am concerned that the way this language is written it could restrict agencies from providing information about the benefits of a rule and soliciting public feedback. The Administrative Procedure Act requires agencies to solicit public comments on proposed rules except in narrow circumstances. We should be encouraging agencies to solicit public comments in order to provide businesses, consumer groups, and other members of the public with the opportunity to make suggestions to the agency for improving the proposed rule. Agency employees are already barred under appropriations bills from engaging in publicity or propaganda. Agency employees are specifically barred from engaging in ``substantial `grassroots' lobbying campaigns'' when those campaigns are aimed at encouraging members of the public ``to pressure Members of Congress to support Administration or Department legislative or appropriations proposals.'' While transparency is always helpful in the regulatory process, a requirement that agencies report to Congress every communication to the public--including every oral communication from an agency official-- would be unnecessarily burdensome and would not be feasible for agencies. The GAO has already defined covert communications, self- aggrandizement, and purely partisan activities as categories of agency communications that are often restricted by these appropriations riders. Agencies are authorized to regulate by Congress, but this amendment would further handicap federal agencies from fulfilling their critical missions. Under the guise of ``accountability'' this amendment is not even a thinly disguised attempt to muzzle commonsense regulation by suppressing even the ability to explain the proposed rule in the first place. I urge my colleagues to uphold Congress' confidence in the agency rulemaking process and vote against this amendment and against the Regulatory Accountability Act.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. McGovern, for his leadership and for managing this rule. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in opposition to the closed rule for H. Res. 11. Ranking Member Engel, Mr. Price, and I have submitted an amendment to H. Res. 11 when it came before the Rules Committee. Our amendment offered a balanced approach and strongly reaffirmed longstanding, bipartisan principles that undergird U.S. policy on the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. We introduced that amendment as a reasonable alternative that would allow all of us to convene the broadest possible bipartisan coalition here in the House. Personally, I believe the U.S. should have vetoed the U.N. Security Council resolution, and, notably, our resolution supported the U.S. veto of any one-sided or anti-Israel U.N. Security Council resolution or any resolution that seeks to impose a resolution to the conflict. Our resolution also condemned boycott and divestment campaigns and sanctions that target Israel, and it reiterated support for a negotiated settlement leading to a sustainable two-state solution that reaffirms Israel's right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state. We all agree that there can be no substitute for direct bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. As we transition into a new administration and begin this new Congress, we should resist temptations to rewrite U.S. policy on the peace process in a misguided attempt to further drive a wedge where none should exist. The point of H. Res. 11 seems to be to bash Obama on the way out, and the fact that there are distortions on history and fact seem not to bother us. On this point, I would note that H. Res. 11 mentions settlements but makes no attempt to reaffirm longstanding U.S. opposition to those very settlements. It is more important now than ever that Congress maintain its consistent, bipartisan policy toward the conflict. We believe the carefully constructed language in our resolution did just that, but we were not allowed the opportunity by the Rules Committee to bring it before the floor for a vote. So I urge my colleagues, especially my Democratic colleagues, to vote ``no'' on H. Res. 11 and the rule and to support and cosponsor H. Res. 23, a much more bipartisan and balanced approach.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, who are we kidding? I heard the ranking member say this isn't about Obama, and yet virtually every statement on the other side of the aisle is trashing President Obama. If you want to simply condemn the U.N. resolution, let's do so. I will join you. But that isn't what this is about. It is subterfuge. This is about kicking a President on the way out one more time, enhancing a false narrative about his lack of support for our ally Israel. And it greases the skids to defund the United Nations while they are at it. I say to my friends on my side of the aisle: Don't be fooled. Don't be enablers. That is what this agenda is about. There was a viable alternative we could have had on the floor, and we were denied that right. We were even denied to have a motion to recommit for a reason: because they don't want to risk that. They want to control the platform that is negative and insidious and a resolution filled with insinuations and distortions of fact and history. Vote ``no'' on H. Res. 11.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, last Congress, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform reported this bill favorably by unanimous consent. I urge my colleagues to continue Congress' longstanding support of oversight, accountability, and transparency and vote for this thoughtful and important piece of legislation.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) for his leadership on this very important piece of legislation. I also thank the distinguished chairman of our full committee for his leadership in moving this through. The Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2017, I think, fall under the umbrella of good government, which the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, at its best, strives to promote on a bipartisan basis. I am proud, as Mr. Clay indicated, to be an original cosponsor of the bill. We welcome consideration of the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments, which would improve the transparency and accountability of Federal advisory committees, often arcane, Byzantine parts of the government most of the public can't access. This crucial piece of legislation ensures that the selection process of advisory committee members takes place without regard to political affiliation and requires the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. The Federal Advisory Committee Act, FACA, enacted on October 6, 1972, formalized the process for establishing, operating, overseeing, and terminating Federal advisory committees. Federal advisory committees provide a mechanism for government officials to gain knowledge from Federal and non-Federal experts on key policy matters. FACA ensures Federal advisory committees, however, are both transparent and accessible. FACA was enacted in response to concerns that Federal advisory committees were becoming increasingly common but had little oversight or accountability. The then-House Committee on Government Operations listened to concerns over the lack of transparency and formalized a governance process for these advisory bodies by establishing the Committee Management Secretariat within the General Services Administration to monitor compliance with the new law. The intent of that law was to make Federal advisory committees more accountable, more transparent, balanced, and independent from the influence of special interests. This bill before us today, inspired by Mr. Lacy's leadership, will help strengthen the independence of those advisory committees by requiring members to be selected without regard to partisan affiliation. It is imperative that the recommendations and guidance of the committees be provided free of political influence, pressure, and intervention. The bill closes the loophole that allows subcommittees to operate outside of the regulations of FACA. It also improves the transparency of advisory committees by requiring agency heads to obtain conflict of interest disclosures from all committee members serving as individual experts. H.R. 2347 builds upon the accountability of the advisory committees by explicitly stating that committees established by contractors must comply with the law and that individuals who regularly attend and participate as if they are members are considered members regardless of their ability to vote. This bill also calls on the Government Accountability Office to review and report regularly on agency compliance.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank my friend, Mr. Clay, for his leadership and for his kindness. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Thoroughly Investigating Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Act--a mouthful, but it captures what we are trying to do. I certainly appreciate Mr. Blum's efforts to advance legislation that authorizes the Office of Special Counsel and protects whistleblowers in the Federal Government, an effort the Oversight and Government Reform Committee strives to promote when we are at our best on a bipartisan basis, and I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the bill. I welcome consideration of this bill which would reaffirm Congress' commitment to whistleblowers, upholding the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's obligation to protect those whistleblowers that help identify mismanagement, waste, and fraud at Federal agencies and to support the oversight work of Congress. That is Congress at its best. With the enactment of the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989, OSC became an independent agency within the executive branch. Its mission is to safeguard the merit system of protecting Federal employees from prohibitive personnel practices, especially reprisal from whistleblowing. OSC provides employees a mechanism for disclosing wrongdoing in government agencies and provides advice on the Hatch Act, which restricts political activity by government employees generally. OSC enforces employment rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 for Federal employees who serve or have served in the uniformed services. Congress last reauthorized OSC for the period 2003 to 2007. Due in part to Congress' emphasis on transparency in government, OSC has experienced significant growth in its caseload since its last reauthorization. In the past 5 years, that caseload has increased, Mr. Speaker, by 58 percent. This bill reauthorizes the agency from 2016 through 2020 and makes several important changes to assist OSC in carrying out its vital mission. The bill codifies OSC's current practice of providing important performance metrics in its annual reports to the Congress and requires additional metrics to support congressional oversight of its effectiveness. Last Congress, this bill was successfully passed out of our committee on, I believe, a unanimous basis. I urge my colleagues to continue Congress' longstanding tradition of support for oversight, accountability, whistleblower protection, and transparency, and vote in the affirmative for the Thoroughly Investigating Retaliation Against Whistleblowers Act.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Since 1966 the FCRHA has served the residents of Fairfax County by working to ensure that affordable housing is available to all who qualify. While this is admittedly a tall order and has only become more difficult over time, the FCRHA and the County's Department of Housing and Community Development have worked tirelessly to accomplish this laudable goal. In addition to their efforts to preserve and increase availability of affordable and workforce housing, the FCRHA and the HCD also oversee the community revitalization plans adopted by Fairfax County. As a former member and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I can attest firsthand to the importance of the work carried out by both of these organizations. During my time as Chairman of the Board, I was proud to work with the FCRHA to preserve over 1,000 affordable housing units in Fairfax County. Despite the economic prosperity we have experienced in Fairfax, we cannot allow this to obscure the very real fact that there are thousands in our community who still struggle to put a roof over their heads. Fortunately, that same prosperity has enabled the County to help ensure that all of its residents have access to safe and affordable housing. Since its founding, the FCRHA has grown from owning less than 250 affordable housing units in 1972 to over 3,000 units in 2016. In addition, FCRHA administers more than 3,500 Housing Choice Vouchers, serving nearly 20,000 Fairfax County residents and has provided in excess of $500 million in bonds for both for-profit and non-profit housing developers. Its efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2012, the Department of Housing and Urban Development designated the FCRHA as a ``Moving-to- Work'' agency in recognition of its efforts in the field of affordable housing. This is due in no small part to the leadership of its Chairman, Robert ``Bob'' Schwaninger. I commend him for that leadership and congratulate him on the success of FCRHA. Mr. Speaker, Fairfax County remains one of the best places in the country in which to live, work and raise a family. It has retained that distinction due in large part to the high quality of life enjoyed by all of its residents. What has always struck me about this community, and what I have always considered a key metric of civic health, is the degree to which this community gives back to those who are less fortunate. The commitment and effort to end homelessness and provide affordable and workforce housing options is just one examples of the generous spirit of Fairfax County, its employees, volunteers, and residents. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking the FCRHA for its important work, in congratulating it on its 50th anniversary, and in wishing the organization great success in all future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend Michel Margosis on the occasion of his retirement from the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission after 13 years of dedicated service. I have had the honor of personally knowing Michel for many years and believe that he is a man of great wit, integrity, dignity, and courage. Throughout my tenure on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and particularly as Chairman, I worked closely with the Human Rights Commission to fight against discrimination wherever it reared its ugly head in our community. Whether it was discrimination in the workplace, the housing market, the school yard or anywhere else, we as a community have established a zero-tolerance policy for such abhorrent behavior. That is in no small part due to the efforts of Michel and his fellow commissioners. Michel's commitment to fighting discrimination and promoting justice and human rights is one which is deeply ingrained in every fiber of his being. As the son of Russian Jews living in Belgium at the time of its invasion by the Nazis during World War II, Michel along with his family were forced to flee to Southern France where they were detained as refugees, but managed to escape. This long and difficult odyssey led them to France then through the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain. He remembers the long, perilous journey, during which the family had to avoid capture and survive the constant bombing and strafing happening all around them as war engulfed the European continent. Sadly, the family became separated during the journey and Michel later traveled to the United States--one of more than 1,400 unaccompanied minors that arrived from Europe--where he lived with a foster family. Not until some years later were all family members reunited in America. They were among the few lucky survivors of the Holocaust. While most individuals would take time to reflect on such a harrowing ordeal, Michel wanted to give back to the country that had provided him and his family safe haven. After earning a college degree in chemistry, he decided to utilize his multi-lingual fluency and joined the U.S. Army in 1952. He was deployed to Europe as an interpreter, though he would also serve as a medical corpsman. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1954 as a Private First Class. Upon his return to the United States, he earned a master's degree in chemistry in evening school and pursued further studies in Florida. He retired in 1990 from federal government service after serving as a senior chemist with the Food and Drug Administration. Eight years later, Michel moved to the Greenspring community in Springfield where he still lives and has served as the head of the Democratic Club as well as facilitator of the French Conversation Group. As someone who has borne witness to some of the darkest moments of humanity, Michel knows that we must never forget the honors of the Holocaust or sit idly by while others are persecuted. Since 1993, he has volunteered his time at the U.S. Holocaust Museum, working in the Speakers Bureau and sharing his experiences. In 2003, he was appointed to the Human Rights Commission of Fairfax County where he has continued his efforts to advance the causes of equality for all. During his tenure on the HRC, he led the campaign for the creation of a Holocaust Day of Remembrance in Fairfax County and has advocated for similar remembrances at the state and national level. It is this aspect of Michel's character that I perhaps admire most: his desire to use history as a tool not only from which to learn the lessons taught by our past failings but also to teach future generations of those failings to ensure that they are not repeated. Our human history is filled with unpleasant and dark chapters and the temptation is all too often to bury those chapters for the pain they cause. That impulse is of course understandable, especially in the case of monstrosities such as the Holocaust. Michel has made it his mission in life to ensure that this particular monstrosity is never forgotten and, most importantly, never repeated. Only by acknowledging that injustices have occurred can we begin the process of healing the wounds they created and guarding against similar tragedies in the future. Mr. Speaker, our community and our Nation have been made better by the life and presence of Michel Margosis. While he may be officially stepping down from the Human Rights Commission, I have no doubt that he will continue to be engaged in our community and in the cause of human rights that is so dear to him. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Michel for his many years of service and for enriching the lives of all around him. I wish him many years of health, happiness and continued success.