Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Joyce-Gillespie- Harrington Charitable and Educational Foundation and the Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the occasion of their 36th annual Black and Gold Scholarship Ball. Since 1980, these two organizations have made tremendous contributions to promoting academic opportunities for youth in Northern Virginia and in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. The programs offered by the foundation are vital to the success of our students. This year's Black and Gold Scholarship Ball will support scholarships for ten college-bound high school students. During the last eighteen years, ninety students have received scholarships awarded by the foundation and have attended some of the top colleges and universities in the country. With the typical college graduate's debt averaging about $30,000, the foundation's continued support of these students is absolutely crucial. I am pleased to enter the following names of the 2016 scholarship winners: Alisha Harris (Robinson Secondary School), Charles Sterling (Stone Bridge HS), Cory Pringle (Annandale HS), Diego Flores (Herndon HS), Evan Belcher (AOS Stone Bridge HS), Gene Jones (Washington and Lee HS), Jordan Randle (St. Stephens/St. Agnes School), Madalyn Peyton (Loudoun County HS), Simone Smith (South Lakes HS), Stefan Carter (Potomac Falls HS). Mr. Speaker, these students represent our country's next generation of gifted leaders who will have great impact on our society and future. I thank the Joyce-Gillespie-Harrington Charitable and Education Foundation and the Zeta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for their dedicated commitment to fostering success in our youth and commend all of the scholarship winners for their academic excellence. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these talented students and in wishing them great success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated group of men and women in Northern Virginia. Every year, each member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors selects two people from his or her district who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service, heroism, or other exceptional commitments and contributions to our community. Since the program's inception in 1984, approximately 600 individuals have earned the honor of being named a Lord or Lady Fairfax by his or her representative on the Board of Supervisors. The Board also traditionally recognizes these individuals during a reception held in conjunction with the annual Celebrate Fairfax! Festival in June. This year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will recognize those individuals who have made tremendous impacts through their support of our public schools, parks, youth sports leagues, arts community, public safety, and human service programs. It is nearly impossible to fully describe the diversity of accomplishments of the honorees. Their efforts contribute greatly to the quality of life for the residents of Fairfax County and are worthy of our praise and sincere appreciation. It is my honor to submit the names of the 2016 Lords and Ladies Fairfax: At-Large: Lady Shirley Ginwright and Lord Michael J. Hershman Braddock District: Lady Ellen Jean ``Nell'' Hurley and Lord George C. Klein Dranesville District: Lady Barbara A. Glakas and Lord William Glenn Yarborough, Jr. Hunter Mill District: Lady Michele Hymer Blitz and Lord James G. Lewis, Jr. Lee District: Lady Burnette G. Scarboro and Lord Jack Pitzer Mason District: Lady Deborah ``Debo'' Burk and Lord Charles de Seve Mount Vernon District: Lady Marcia Hanson and Lord Larry Clark Providence District: Lady Anne Suter Zimmer and Lord Stephen A. McLaughlin Springfield District: Lady Lisa Friedrich Becker and Lord Mark W. Fitzpatrick Sully District: Lady Kelly Lavin and Lord E. Mark McConn, Jr. I also commend the following recipients of the James M. Scott Community Spirit Award and the Celebrate Fairfax! Festival Volunteer of the Year Awards: James M. Scott Community Spirit Award: The Peterson Companies & The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office Community Labor Force Celebrate Fairfax! Festival Volunteer of the Year Award: The Levy Family. In addition, several students will be recognized as Celebrate Fairfax Community Spirit Scholars and Emerging Artist Scholars. I congratulate the following honorees for receiving these awards: Community Spirit Scholars: Alec Soulders, Bridget Ray, Michelle Ma, Rebecca Jacobi, Revathi Mohan, Layla Fawaz, Lauren Eller, Alek Langford, Joel Galloway, Anastasia Slepukhova, Kayla Blatman Emerging Artist Scholars: Doi Kim, Annie Saavedra, Hee Ra Pyo Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending and expressing our gratitude to these men and women who volunteer their time and energy on behalf of our community. Their efforts provide immeasurable benefits to their fellow residents and serve to strengthen and enrich the Fairfax County community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Alexis Frost, who is a 6th grade student at Lorton Station Elementary School, for placing second in the Junior Division, Individual Performance Category, of the Virginia National History Day Contest. She, along with winners from other states competed at the Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Conference, which took place June 12 through 16 at the University of Maryland in College Park. Each year there is a specific theme on which the students' research must focus with this year's theme being: ``Exploration, Encounter, Exchange in History.'' For her entry Alexis created a performance titled ``Amelia'' in which she portrays Amelia Earhart, an early aviation pioneer who was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and who was an inspiration to women throughout the world. This year approximately 600,000 students from across the United States participated in these contests. For the contests, students create entries showcasing original historical research utilizing primary and secondary sources. They then present their information in one of five categories: documentary, exhibit, paper, performance, and website. Less than 1 percent of all contestants are invited to go to the national competition. At the National History Day Finals, Alexis' project along with those of the other state winners were evaluated by more than 300 historians and education professionals. Scholarships totaling $150,000 were awarded to the winners of the contest ranging from $250 through $1,000 per award. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Alexis Frost for her outstanding performance in the National History Day contest and in wishing her the very best at the National Finals as well as throughout her educational career.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend David P. Bobzien, of Reston, on the occasion of his retirement after a distinguished career spanning three decades of public service to the residents of Fairfax County, the largest local jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the National Capital Region. For the past 23 years, David has served as the Fairfax County Attorney. Prior to that, he served four years on the Fairfax Planning Commission, representing the former Centreville District, and he also is a past chairman of the Fairfax County Goals Advisory Commission. I had the great pleasure of working with David throughout my 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, particularly during my 5 years as chairman. David was responsible for providing sound legal advice to the Board of Supervisors on any number of issues, from land use and zoning applications to civil litigation to personnel matters. He was always meticulous and thoughtful in his approach and was a trusted counselor to the board and county staff. David also has more than a decade of service with the federal government, where he served as assistant counsel in the Office of Professional Responsibility of the Department of Justice. Prior to that, he spent four years in private practice as an associate with the Fairfax firm of Fitzgerald and Smith, and he also served four years as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corps of the United States Army. Mr. Bobzien has ably represented Fairfax on a number of boards and associations and has used his passion for the law to benefit communities across the Commonwealth. He is a former president of the Virginia State Bar. He was the first government attorney ever to hold that post. He is a past chair of the Local Government Law Section of the Virginia State Bar, a past president of the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, a past president of Lawyers Helping Lawyers, the organization that assists lawyers in Virginia suffering from substance addiction or mental illness, a past president of the Fairfax Law Foundation, and a past president of the Virginia Law Foundation. Even as he neared retirement, David has remained active and is the current chairman of the Virginia CLE Committee of the Virginia Law Foundation and is a board member of Virginia Law Foundation, the Fairfax Law Foundation, and Lawyers Helping Lawyers. He is a Virginia State Bar delegate in the American Bar Association's House of Delegates having previously served on the ABA's Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence. He is a fellow of the Fairfax Law Foundation and the Virginia Law Foundation and a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation. His leadership and commitment to the law have been recognized by his peers. In 2012, David was selected to receive the Golden Gavel Award from the Fairfax Law Foundation's Society of Fellows. The Golden Gavel Award recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses for their exceptional community service. Mr. Speaker, David Bobzien's commitment to our community and the mission of local government is unparalleled, and he leaves behind a legacy of integrity that will benefit our community for generations to come. His career in public service is truly commendable and deserving of our sincere appreciation. When I was chairman of the county board, we often joked when retirement announcements like this came before the board that we should pass an ordinance to disallow such talented and dedicated professionals to leave public service. I certainly wish that was the case here. I have been privileged to call David not only a professional colleague but also a constituent and a friend. I wish David and his wife, Cathy, and the rest of their family the best of luck in his retirement, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in expressing our appreciation for his unswerving devotion to serving the residents of Fairfax County.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the West Springfield Rotary Club and to congratulate the recipients of the 2016 Fire, Rescue, and First Responder of the Year Awards. The West Springfield Rotary Club (WSRC) was established over 25 years ago, making it one of the oldest of the nearly 60 clubs that comprise Rotary District 7610. Throughout its existence, the WSRC and its members have dedicated themselves to service to our neighbors and our community. Each year, the WSRC recognizes area first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. This year, the three individuals who will be honored are stationed at West Springfield Fire Station 27, and it is my honor to submit their names and to congratulate each of them on receiving this award. Master Technician Hyun Lee has been a Fairfax County firefighter for 12 years, the last six as an engine driver. Two years ago, she earned the proficiency designation of Master Technician (MT) and assumed additional responsibilities including company and battalion level training and ensuring proficiency of the station. Master Technician Lee is known for her hands-on instruction and training of newer firefighters and personal attention to their professional growth. Her dedication has allowed her to instill her work ethic and passion into the trainees at Fire Station 27. In addition to her work on the job, Master Technician Lee serves as Secretary and Treasurer of the Fairfax County Asian Firefighter Association. Technician William Harrington has been a Fairfax County firefighter for eight years, serving as an EMS Technician for the past four. He is also a paramedic and has volunteered as a preceptor to instruct new medics. He is described as tireless and thorough, and goes above and beyond even on his days off. Technician Harrington truly exemplifies the motto of ``service above self,'' through his initiative and ability to lead by example in even the most dangerous of situations. He is a role model to all and sets the tone for others to follow and succeed. Fire Technician Antwaun Hawkins has served for more than 11 years with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and has been with West Springfield station since 2012. He currently serves as the EMS Technician on the B-shift and is Operator in Charge of Medic 427 nearly every day. He has successfully completed Hazmat School and is completing Inspections training to build his skills, expertise, and to open up advancement opportunities in the future. Even with the demands of his position and family responsibilities to his wife and sons, he is known for his calming presence and philosophical conversations. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me commending the West Springfield Rotary Club for its support of our community and our first responders, and in congratulating the recipients of the 2016 Fire, Rescue, and First Responders of the Year awards. These individuals along with their colleagues throughout the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department do not hesitate to place themselves in harm's way to protect and serve county residents and property. I thank each of them for their service, bravery, and dedication. Stay Safe.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the North Springfield Civic Association on the occasion of its 60th anniversary. North Springfield was forest and meadows when developer Edward R. Carr received the permits to create a community here. Construction started in 1954, and the first homes were occupied around July 1, 1955. The North Springfield Civic League (later renamed Association) was formed shortly thereafter with the first official meeting on January 25, 1956. Over the last 60 years, the North Springfield Civic Association has led the effort to promote civic pride among its residents, inform the community about local and regional issues that affect the residents, and advocate for land use policies and public service investments that benefit the community. The quality of life and community spirit enjoyed by the residents now is a testament to their success. As the former president of my own civic association, I know firsthand that when residents invest their time, care, and energies in their communities, it benefits us all. Fairfax County is considered one of the best places in the nation in which to work, live, and raise a family, largely because of the willingness of so many to become actively involved. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the North Springfield Civic Association on its 60th anniversary and in thanking all of the residents for their tireless efforts and dedication to the community and region.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2016 recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by the Institute for Excellence in Sales & Business Development (IES). IES was created to foster excellence in business sales and development practices and to help sales professionals and organizations maximize their efforts. IES conducts a variety of workshops and programs designed to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to advance the careers and growth of those who attend. Each year, IES recognizes individuals, teams, and organizations throughout the United States who demonstrate exemplary performance through leadership, risk taking, innovation, vision, and customer development. Awards are presented in categories including Excellence in Sales Innovation, Excellence in Sales Training, Excellence in Sales Management, Excellence in Customer Partnering, and Excellence in Strategic Alliances. In addition, Lifetime Achievement Awards are bestowed to a select few who have demonstrated continued success and have made significant contributions in their fields. The recipients of the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Awards are the founders and leaders of immixGroup, a government contract management firm based in McLean, Virginia in the heart of the 11th District. I am pleased to congratulate Art Richer, Steve Charles and Jeff Copeland on receiving this prestigious award. Mr. Richer currently serves as Vice-President, Arrow ECS. An accomplished sales and business development executive who has spent more than 25 years selling information technology products and services within the government sector, Mr. Richer has extensive experience working with technology manufacturers of all sizes, ranging very large and established companies to numerous high growth and emerging technology firms. Mr. Charles co-founded immixGroup in 1997. Over the past two decades he has helped hundreds of technology manufacturers succeed in the government marketplace. Mr. Charles is actively involved in government- industry associations including TechAmerica, ACT-IAC, Coalition for Government Procurement, and the National Contract Management Association. A recognized expert in every dimension of the government technology ecosystem, he meets regularly with leaders in government and industry to increase understanding and positive action. Mr. Copeland began his career with immixGroup as co-founder of the company along with Mr. Charles. Beginning in 1997, he served as Chairman and CEO before transitioning to Executive Chairman in 2013. Mr. Copeland has earned a reputation for building and managing highly effective government teams that set records for revenue and profitability. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Art Richer, Steve Charles and Jeff Copeland for their innovative and effective leadership and in congratulating them on receiving the 2016 IES Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) and to congratulate the volunteers, instructors, students, community partners, and others who will be recognized at the 2016 LCNV Recognition Celebration. The mission of LCNV is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities. LCNV serves low-literacy and limited English language proficient adults with a selection of low- cost, moderately intensive courses to help them transition into the workforce or other educational opportunities. LCNV provides the crucial first steps of language and literacy learning for workplace, citizenship, and community integration to help adults make measurable improvements in their lives. Each year LCNV gathers at its Annandale headquarters to recognize students and members of the community who have achieved exceptional milestones. I am proud to submit the following LCNV honorees: Community Partnership Awards: Catalogue for Philanthropy, John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Outstanding Student Achievement: Sofia Abdulkadir, Medina Ahmed, Nolberto Ballestero, Melida Nohemy Banegas, John Banks, Insaf Bekkaoui, David Beltz, Mustapha Boujadi, Evelin Campos, Hai-ping Chu, Albert Costanzo, Dukjun Ha, Jihyun Han, Su Chu Ho, Bai Hui Lin, Julio Marquez, Nargis Monny, Armida Montoya, Heydy Nunez, Mulki Omar, Toyin Owolabi, Shahnaz Parvin, Nisa Rasheed, Roqiya Rasooli, Rosa Recinos, Nelly Rojas, Miriam Rosas, Karla Ruiz, Saraya Saadat, Marliya Sabur, Alejandrina Tejada-Gutierrez, Ligia Varela, Natividad Vicante Romero, Eddie Williams, Tidar Zirari, Maria Alvarado, Ana Argueta, Rosa Argueta, Sanam Azhar, Siedi Brhan, Lizbeth Caro, Lenin Foresca, Kit Ho, Leanne Lee, Maria Lujan, Juana Mata, Shaheen Mohammed, Tatiana Parras, Liliana Reyes, Huy To, Phuong Vuu Outstanding Instructor Achievement: Susan Akroyd, Karen Al-Kinani, Barbara Callen, Kathryn Contreras, Deborah Dakin, Diane DePallo, Pam DiRamio, Ruth Drees, Nancy Flores, Doris Garlock, Mimi Gronlund, Nastasya Kovalev, Beth Kramer, Janet Mackey, Rebecca McCary, Gordon McFarland, Norman Mesewicz, Betty Murphy, Michele Norris, Soo Park, Alexandra Roncal, Dennis Shannon, Mirna Solis, Stephanie Starrett, Pam Taylor, Michael Wesbecher, Susan Whitney, Loren Zander, Jody Sweet Volunteers of the Year: Anne Jillson, Rosemary Hofford, Doris Garlock, Nina Azuola, Claire Brown, William Knowlton, Patricia Matheson, Pat May, Karen Singer Americorps Recognition: Alexander Abdelwahed, Kathryn Contreras, Verro Ejiba, Rachel Lipscomb, Felisa Macaspac, Soo Park, Loren Zander In addition, the following LCNV volunteers are being recognized on their service anniversaries: 30 Years: Marykate Dougherty 20 Years: Susan Clayman, Anne Jillson, Nancy Treer 15 Years: Jan Auerbach, Michael Coogan, RoseMary Hayden, Ann Kurzius 10 Years: Claire Brown, Deborah Droller, Patricia Grajewski, Brendan Grajewski, Ryan Grajewski, Stephen Isaacson, Richard Morton, Debbie Pearce 5 Years: Karen Al-Kinani, Cynthia Baskin, Connie Bernhardt, Katherine Beyer, Maria Bolin, Alicia Brooks, Rhonda Buckner, Deborah Dakin, Molly Dias, Judy Fisher, Barbara Glotfelty, Lisbeth Goldberg, Terry Herrmann, Amy Jackson, Marshall Katz, Kim Kelley, Beth Kramer, Janet Mackey, Raymond Maier, John McElfresh, Christie Phillips, Alexandra Roncal, Sandy Tiemann, Janna Unterzuber, Stephen Weber, Susan Whitney Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating each of the honorees of the 2016 LCNV Recognition Celebration and in thanking them for their contributions to our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 25th Annual Best of Reston Awards for Community Service. These awards are the result of collaboration between Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and are presented to individuals, organizations, and businesses whose extraordinary efforts make our community a better place. I am pleased to submit the names of the following recipients of the 2016 Best of Reston Awards: Individual Community Leader: Leila Gordon--Putting Community at the Center of the Reston Experience: Inviting all who live, work, and play in Reston to participate in the Reston way of living with compassion and creativity. Civic/Community Organization: Friends of Reston for Community Projects (Katie Shaw)--The Nature of Reston Has Giving at Its Heart: Harnessing the resources of volunteers and friends to generate $2 million in community investment so all may enjoy Reston's numerous natural assets. Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award: Amy's Amigos (Olivia Wolfe, Kacey Hirshfeld and Hannah Becker)--Friends Striving to Create a Healthy, Caring Community: Channeling grief into ongoing action, modeling wellness for our youth and throughout the community, sharing the tools of action, and passing the torch to the next generation of Reston's leaders. Small Business Leader: Beloved Yoga--Inspiring Community Wellbeing: Providing the tools for self-empowerment, self-healing and self- realization coupled with the belief that giving back to the community is powerful when we thrive together. Corporate Business Leader: Bechtel--Engineering the Future with Service to Others: Giving employees opportunities to create positive impacts throughout Reston, the Dulles Corridor, and the world by encouraging them to follow through on their own purpose-driven interests and passions. Individual Community Leader: Jim Elder--A Champion of Sportsmanship for All Seasons: Teaching Reston youth that good sportsmanship and fair play are as essential to playing the games they love as skills, stats, and strategy. Corporate Business Leader: Google--Search for ``Positive Impact'': Find Google in our Community: Bringing its signature culture of innovation to tackle local and worldwide challenges in education and poverty relief; and the support of returning service men and women and our K9 heroes. Small Business Leader: Wiygul Automotive Clinic--Jump-Starting Hope for Families and Children: Making a profound difference in the lives of others by quietly and humbly delivering dependable transportation to help people secure and maintain solid employment. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2016 Best of Reston honorees for their tremendous contributions to our community. I want to thank Cornerstones and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce for continuing this wonderful tradition, and I express my sincere gratitude to these individuals, businesses, and organizations for lending their time and energy to the betterment of our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bull Run Civil War Round Table on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Established on May 9, 1991, the Bull Run Civil War Round Table (BRCWRT) was founded to promote a better understanding of the Civil War and preserve the historic sites associated with War's most important moments. Through lectures, research, field trips and active participation in the stewardship of Civil War sites, the group has made a lasting contribution to the preservation of Civil War history. In order to promote a passion for history in the next generation, the BRCWRT awards annual scholarships to students who have researched and written about the War's remaining untold stories and mysteries. This year, two scholarships were awarded. I congratulate Brooke Roberts and Aaron Pirnat for receiving these honors. The BRCWRT also offers a variety of programs featuring knowledgeable, respected Civil War historians, scholars, writers, and lecturers to educate enthusiasts and the general public. I have been proud to be a partner in the promotion and preservation of our region's rich Civil War history during my time in Congress and as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Civil War was a fateful moment in our nation's history. The War pitted brother against brother and threatened to tear apart the fabric of our young republic. Preservation of historic battlefields, homes, and other monuments ensures that we will never forget the sacrifices and pain the Civil War inflicted upon our nation, and, hopefully, through remembrance and understanding we heed the lessons of our past. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Bull Run Civil War Round Table on the occasion of its 25th anniversary and in commending the organization for its efforts to preserve Civil War history.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the one-year anniversary of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association. The Northern Virginia Veterans Association (NOVA Vets) officially launched on May 16, 2015, Armed Forces Day. With a diverse membership comprised of veterans, active military, service connected family members, community residents, and businesses, NOVA Vets' mission is to provide veterans with a comprehensive network of local resources by providing a continuum of services. Specifically, NOVA Vets provides care and support in the areas of reintegration, healthcare, employment, education, family/caregiver support, legal services, housing assistance, and community engagement. Signature programs include offering reintegration programs at Fort Belvoir and Marine Corps Base Quantico, military care and resource training for civilian medical/healthcare providers, suicide awareness, and Veterans Helping Veterans. Reintegration Program: Each reintegration program provides 24 months of comprehensive support to service members and their families relocating to or staying in Northern Virginia to ease the transition from activity duty. Over the course of the two-year cycle, data collection is used to determine what areas of support are needed to ensure comprehensive support and quality of life. Military Care and Healthcare Resource Training Program: The in- person training provides insight and details needed to effectively treat and communicate with the veteran and military population. In addition, civilian health care providers are educated on health resources available at the local, state, and federal levels for veterans and service-connected members of the community. Suicide Awareness Program: Throughout the year, NOVA Vets offer suicide prevention initiatives to include the screening of military documentaries and Mental Health First-Aid classes to ensure people are educated on the signs and symptoms of potential suicide and know how to assist a veteran, friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker in a time of crisis. Veterans Helping Veterans Program: The program is a formalized network providing skill-based veteran volunteers with non-profits who assist veterans both directly and indirectly. It is my honor to submit the names of the charter members of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association: Angela McConnell, Doug Earhart, Tom Benjamin, Scott Cox, Carol McKnight, Matt Paschal, Greg Schumacher, Kathy Schumacher, Rick Bockes, Polly Sherard, Rich Nagel, Rick Haney, Toby Terrill, Cameron Dougherty, Robin Kelleher, Gwendolyn Bush, Larry Zilliox, Henry Patterson, Mike May, Emma Artis, Lee D'Orlando, Diana Paguaga, Cindy Fox, Anthony Garris, Gerald Mazur, Rob Cork, Mike Allen, Mina Little, Dave Mather, Daniela Horsman, Jerome Atger, Brooke Ray, Aminata Jah, Marianne Catina, Al Alborn, Stephen Prasser, Erika Laos, Don Howell, John Murray, Ariel Goldchain, Christine Garris, Hope For The Warriors, HealthSouth Hospital, Semper K9, Access National Bank, VITAS Hospital, Core Chiropractic, Fauquier Chamber of Commerce, Neighbor's Keeper, Brain Injury Services, Fauquier Economic Development Center, Catoctin Estate Planning, Freedom Museum, Juncture Consulting, Habitat for Humanity-Prince William County, Atlantic Low Vision, Quarterly Advisory Committee Motorcycle Collaborative, Project Mend A House, The Better Brain Center, Volunteers of America, Men of War Motorcycle Club, Action in Community Through Service of Prince William, Inc., American Red Cross, Comfort Keepers, and Hylton Performing Arts Center. Veterans can often feel abandoned and confused after being discharged. Navigating the maze of services and programs that are available can be daunting, and reintegrating into civilian life can be overwhelming. These factors, especially when combined with the effects of traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder, can lead to depression, substance abuse, anger management issues, and even suicide. This is why programs like NOVA Vets are so important and deserving of our support. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the individuals, organizations, and businesses that comprise the Northern Virginia Veterans Association and in thanking them for their dedication and commitment to our veteran community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 2015-02 Prince William County Public Safety Training Center graduates. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, which is celebrating its 50th year, I encourage the 21 graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served to protect our community for the last half century. Each member of recruit class 2015-02 has successfully completed a rigorous application process followed by 1,248 hours of exhaustive academic and physical training over the course of 26 weeks. Upon successful completion of this program, each recruit is eligible to graduate and become a Fire and Rescue Technician I with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. A Technician I is trained in emergency medical services, fire prevention, and countless other public safety measures. The certifications required for reaching the status of a Technician I cannot be accomplished without dedication and hard work. The graduates have completed the requisite coursework for certification in CPR, Infection Control, CISM, EMTB, Firefighter I, Firefighter II, EVOC 2, EVOC 3, Flashover Simulation, RIT, Mayday, Hazmat Awareness/Operations, Swift Water Rescue Awareness, LPG with Simulation, Rural Water Supply, BLS Protocols, Rope Rescue Awareness, Vehicle Rescue Awareness and Child Passenger Safety Seat Installation. It is my honor to submit the following names of the 2015-02 recruit class graduates of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue: Matthew Baker, Zachary Burnette, John Campbell, Matthew Cone, Nathan Eppley, Tyler Frable, Jason Guimond, Patrick McKinnon, Nicholas Ntiros, Brian Pelletier, Zachary Ramey, Dontrell Royal, Andrew Ruddle, Daniel Sawyer, Joshua Servais, Brian Smith, James Spengler, Andrew Turner, Chase Walton, Daniel Worrell, Austin Wing As the newest members of the Department of Fire and Rescue, the 2015-02 recruit class graduates join the department as integral parts of the emergency response and community safety team. Just as the current and past Prince William County public safety officers have done, I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Prince William County with honor and distinction. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. I thank them in advance for their dedication to protecting the lives and property of the county's residents. In the tradition of their new firefighting family I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Asian-American Chamber of Commerce and the recipients of the 2016 Excellence Awards. The Asian-American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) is dedicated to improving economic development opportunities for Asian Pacific American-owned businesses in the Washington, D.C., region. The 11th District of Virginia is blessed by its diversity. About 1 in 4 residents are foreign born and approximately 40 percent are minorities. Half of our foreign-born population emigrated from Asia, and more than 80,000 of our neighbors speak an Asian language at home. Northern Virginia has a robust international business community and is home to the largest concentration of minority-owned technology firms in the nation. The AACC and its members contribute greatly to our economic strength and stability; Asian-American businesses generate more than 52 percent of total revenues generated by all minority owned businesses in this region. In Fairfax County alone, 25,000 businesses are Asian-owned. These businesses generate approximately $9 billion in revenue and create 54,000 jobs. Each year, the AACC recognizes businesses and non-profits in the Asian American community for their outstanding contributions to the Metropolitan Washington community and economy. I am pleased to submit the names of the following individuals and organizations: Citizen of the Year Ruth Crout, Fred Plum Young Professional of the Year Frank Chin New Member of the Year Dave and Joanne Adams Laura Drain Member of the Year Shakha Agrawal Business of the Year Kyllo and Pattana Cox Non-Profit of the Year Youth for Tomorrow Epoch Times Asian Business Leader of the Year Grace Kim Jimmy Rhee Chairman's Award Audrey Lustre Oanh Henry Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2016 Asian-American Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards and in commending the Chamber for its work to support Asian and Pacific Islander owned businesses throughout our region.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the members of Rescue Reston on being named the 2015 Citizen of the Year by the Reston Citizens Association. The Citizen of the Year Award traditionally honors an individual or group of individuals who have contributed to the quality of life in Reston, helped others in need, or acted with the goals of Reston in mind without thought of personal benefit or recognition. Rescue Reston is a grassroots organization comprised of thousands of Restonians who united to support preserving the Reston National Golf Course as open green space. Reston and the surrounding area have witnessed an explosion of growth and development in recent years. The preservation of public parks and open space is crucial in ensuring the high quality of life that is enjoyed by Fairfax County residents and honoring Reston's founding principles. It is fitting that this award is given by one grassroots organization to another. It speaks yet again to the legacy that the founder of Reston, Robert E. Simon, leaves behind. I believe that such a high level of engagement is one of the best indicators of a healthy and vibrant community. As a former civic association president, I am uniquely aware of the impact that these organizations can have, not only in their local community but also in the surrounding area. Their efforts give the members of that organization a sense of ownership and serve as a constant reminder that a thoughtful, organized group of citizens can indeed bring about change. Mr. Speaker, the efforts of Rescue Reston on behalf of the greater Reston community are selfless undertakings which are truly worthy of our highest praise. I commend them on their award and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them and wishing them great success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the volunteers of the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna and to thank them for their many contributions to the Northern Virginia community. Organized in 1997, the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) is a non-profit that provides services to help older adults continue living independently, and it offers programs that supply opportunities for enrichment, learning, and socialization. Every year, approximately 200 volunteers support older residents who want to age in place in their homes and stay engaged in social activities. Services are available free of charge to anyone age 50 or older who resides in the local community. Last year was a particularly successful year for SCOV, whose volunteer drivers provided more than 1,400 round-trip rides for medical reasons and other errands. Volunteers also made regular contact with individuals who may have limited interaction and may feel isolated in their homes. ``Handy Helpers'' made minor home repairs to help older adults keep their homes safe and livable. The Health Team provided individual health counseling, referral to community resources, and blood pressure readings. All told, SCOV served more than 3,000 individuals in 2015. Volunteers also run programs such as Lunch n' Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, special events, and caregivers' support groups. In 2014, SCOV was recognized for these efforts as an Outstanding Volunteer Caregiving Program by the National Volunteer Caregiving Network. The services and programs offered by this extraordinary organization help to ensure that our seniors stay connected to the community through the promotion of active lifestyles, ongoing social integration, and availability of resources for older residents to use and share their experience, training, and skills. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Shepherd Center of Oakton-Vienna for its work to enable older adults in our community to age in place and enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence. I thank the many volunteers who generously dedicate their time and efforts to the welfare of our neighbors. The value of their contributions cannot be overstated and are deserving of our highest praise.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue on its 50th anniversary and to commend the men and women who have selflessly served in the Department during its history. What is now the third largest career fire department in the Commonwealth of Virginia began in 1966 with the hiring of Phil Ponder from Dumfries as the first paid firefighter and Shelby Jones of Williamsburg as the first fire marshal in the county. Later that year, Mr. Jones was appointed Director of Fire and Rescue Services, the equivalent of today's Department Chief. Prior to 1966, the local community relied solely upon the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department that was formed in approximately 1938 out of necessity because there were no fire and rescue services offered between the cities of Alexandria and Fredericksburg. Since its inception, the Prince William Department of Fire and Rescue has led the way. In 1967, Prince William County became the first jurisdiction on the East Coast to implement the 911 System. That same year, Prince William became the first county in the Commonwealth and the National Capital Region to implement a physical ability exam for career firefighters. In 1994, Mary Beth Michos was hired as Chief; and became the first female fire and rescue chief of a metro-sized department. The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue continues to maintain one of the most progressive combination fire departments in the country and its legacy of ``firsts'' continues. It is one of only three jurisdictions in the Commonwealth of Virginia with delegated training authority granted by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. Always on the front lines, the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue came to the aid of those directly impacted by the tragic events of September 11th in New York City and at the Pentagon. When tragedy struck again in 2005, Prince William fire protection personnel swung into action to provide assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Department of Fire and Rescue is comprised of three sections: community safety, operations, and support systems. At the time of the Department's founding, approximately 50,000 people lived in Prince William County. Today, the Department of Fire and Rescue effectively serves a population of 432,000 with a staff of 555 uniformed and 60 civilian personnel providing around the clock services from 21 fire stations in a county spanning 348 square miles. In 2015, the Department responded to approximately 48,000 calls, and it recently broke ground for Station 26, which is expected to open in mid-2017. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue as it celebrates 50 years of service to the residents of the county. I thank the brave men and women of the Department as well as its leadership for their tireless commitment to public safety and the protection of lives and property in Prince William County.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dalena Kanouse on the completion of her term as Chairman of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce. Each July, a new Chairman assumes the responsibility of working with Chamber staff and board members to promote the interests of the local business community. After the passing of her late husband, SGM (Ret) Sam Kanouse in 2009, Mrs. Kanouse assumed the reins of his business, Management and Training Consultants, Incorporated (MTCI) as President and Chief Executive Officer. As a U.S. Department of Defense contractor, Mrs. Kanouse sets the strategic vision and strives for excellence as the leader of more than 100 employees. Mrs. Kanouse brought the same resolve to her role as Chairman. Recognizing the evolution of the Northern Virginia economy, she stressed the importance of remaining current on workforce development trends and broadening a business' footprint within the field of government contracting. She also led the Prince William Chamber's workgroup on the establishment of a 3-year strategic plan. The Prince William Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of nearly 70,000 employees in the metropolitan community of 432,000 residents. Dedicated to maintaining an environment where businesses and people thrive, the Prince William Chamber focuses its efforts in the area of business growth, economic development, advocacy, education, and community outreach. Signature events include the Prince William Valor Awards, Business Awards, Education and Innovation Scholarship Program, and Salute to the Armed Services Luncheon. As a military spouse, mother of two, and grandmother to three, Mrs. Kanouse has proven to be a strong advocate for military families and early childhood education both personally and professionally. She actively serves on multiple committees and councils within the Chamber, including the Chambers Veterans Council and Education and Innovation Committee. Under Mrs. Kanouse's leadership, the Chamber awarded $7,500 in scholarships to local high school students this year. Mrs. Kanouse is a strong believer in practicing what she preaches. As a display of her commitment to hiring veterans, MTCI maintains a Bronze Level Certification in the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program. During her tenure, Mrs. Kanouse increased Chamber membership, retention, and utilized her personal network to expand the reach of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce in the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Dalena Kanouse on her effective leadership and successes as Chairman. Mrs. Kanouse has proven herself to be a visionary leader whose efforts will leave a lasting impression on the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and the community it serves.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 31st Annual King Day Celebration and the cornerstone of the event, the 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. The 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. His legacy is one of tolerance despite the violence perpetrated against him and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. 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. 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. Each year, residents of Prince William County gather to reflect upon the past year and receive a message of hope from the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow. Contestants in the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest pay homage to the legacy of Dr. King through their effective communication. 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 26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest: Middle School Contestants Jennifer Faruque--Stonewall Middle School Zoree Jones--Ronald Reagan Middle School Sunjum Mehta--Porter Traditional School High School Contestants Ja'Neese Jefferson--Manassas Park High School Norman Jones--Stonewall Jackson High School Nicholas Smith--Forest Park 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 contestants in the 2016 MLK Youth Oratorical Contest.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the bipartisan legislation reported from the Oversight and Government Reform Committee for consideration today by the full House. I urge my colleagues to support the Fraud Reduction and Data Analytics Act (S. 2133). I joined Chairman Meadows of the Government Operations Subcommittee to introduce the House companion, H.R. 4180. Our bipartisan, bicameral legislation will prompt agencies to become more pro-active in deploying best practices to continuously monitor their financial data to better detect and deter fraudulent activities. The fight against fraud and improper payments is a long-standing challenge transcending Presidential administrations and affecting all federal agencies. Our Committee has investigated this issue in depth, and when it comes to rooting out fraud, we would be wise to heed Benjamin Franklin's famous axiom that, ``An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'' As my colleagues will recall, GAO earlier this year reported that improper payments made by the federal government totaled nearly $137 billion in fiscal year 2015. Over a 10-year period, that's more than $1.2 trillion dollars, or the equivalent of the spending cuts required under sequestration. Federal agencies ought to be doing more to stop these improper payments on the front end, and this should be considered low-hanging fruit in our ongoing effort to curb government waste. In addition, I was pleased to collaborate with Chairman Hurd of the Oversight and Government Reform IT Subcommittee to introduce the Air and Marine Officers Pay Reform Act (H.R. 4902) to improve the efficiency of the pay system for law enforcement officers of the Customs and Border Protections' Air and Marine Operations. These officers are currently compensated for their overtime through a variety of systems including Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime, which according to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel has a troubling history of misuse. Our legislation harmonizes the pay systems to avoid situations in which employees of CBP are working side-by-side yet subject to different overtime calculations. This bipartisan legislation addresses that issue and clarifies agent payroll procedures. It is imperative that Congress create a new pay system for Border Patrol agents because there are still hundreds of officers and Internal Affairs employees operating under an older, abused system. In addition to addressing inequities and saving the agency $1.6 million in the first year, this legislation continues our effort to improve efficiency and interoperability across the federal government. Our bill reflects a collaborative effort with the majority and minority, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in support of H.R. 4902. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the legislation introduced by Reps. Blum and Meadows (H.R. 4639) to reauthorize the Office of Special Counsel. Mr. Meadows and I held a Government Operations Subcommittee hearing on this subject in December. At that time, we looked at the peculiar situation of the Office of Special Counsel, along with the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Government Ethics. These three agencies are some of the smallest agencies in the federal government, but their work has a tremendous impact on the integrity of the federal civil service. Unfortunately, the authorizations for these agencies expired in 2007, yet they've been sustained by annual appropriations, so Congressional action is long overdue. The Office of Special Counsel's primary mission is to protect federal employees from prohibited personnel practices, enforce the Hatch Act, and enforce employment rights under the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act for federal employees who have served in the uniformed services. It also serves as the front line of defense for whistleblowers who disclose government wrong doing. The bill would reauthorize the OSC through fiscal year 2020. It would make several changes to OSC's statutory authority that would, among other things, enhance its access to federal agency information, increase agency accountability in whistleblower disclosure cases, and modify procedural requirements for certain prohibited personnel practice cases. For example, it would provide OSC with statutory authority to access agency information for the purposes of its investigations in a manner similar to Inspectors General. Another provision would require agencies to provide a description of the actions they have taken when OSC substantiates misconduct on the part of an employee. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the bipartisan spirit in which our Committee has worked to advance these bills, and I hope we can sustain this momentum to continue improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2016 Fairfax County Student Peace Awards. The program was begun in 2006 with the hope of moving people to think more about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. The program began with one high school and expanded gradually from there. In 2013, for the first time, it was offered to every public high school in Fairfax County, as well as to three private schools. Participating high schools choose one Junior or Senior or one student group active in promoting peace and/or removing the causes of conflict. Examples of outreach include: Committing to peace by engaging in activities that strive to end conflict, either locally or globally; Seeking to discuss or otherwise resolve potentially controversial issues within the school or community; Promoting the understanding of divisive issues and situations to bridge language, ethnic, racial, religious, gender, sexual orientation, or class differences; and Working to resolve conflicts among students or members of the community who feel isolated or alienated. I am pleased to submit the names of this year's Student Peace Award winners: Anti-Bullying Committee, Cedar Lane School Jieru Shi, Senior, Chantilly High School Smriti Subedi, Senior, Herndon High School Laith Abuhaija, Senior, Islamic Saudi Academy Renata Urbina De la Flor, Senior, Lake Braddock Secondary School Catherine White, Senior, Langley High School Cindy Le/Quan Lu, Seniors, Robert E. Lee High School Kenzie Hines, Senior, James Madison High School Doreen Ndizeye, Senior, George C. Marshall High School Michelle Ma, Senior, McLean High School Trevor Christensen, Senior, Mount Vernon High School Student Contributors to The Mountain View Mirror Mountain View High School Stepping Stones Club, Oakton High School Sara Hobbs, Senior, Quander Road School Burke Centre Library Teen Advisory Board Robinson Secondary School Kyle Engelhardt, Senior, South County High School Aditi Takle, Senior, South Lakes High School Sam Laveson, Senior, JEB Stuart High School Kristin Myers, Junior, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Bennett Shoop, Senior, West Springfield High School Logan Mannikko, Senior, Westfield High School Daniel Kim, Junior, W.T. Woodson High School Mr. Speaker, the efforts of these young people to build a more peaceful world in their own communities and the building blocks of a more peaceful world. I commend them on their awards and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them and wishing them great success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Bull Run Civil War Round Table on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Established on May 9, 1991, the Bull Run Civil War Round Table (BRCWRT) was founded to promote a better understanding of the Civil War and preserve the historic sites associated with the War's most important moments. Through lectures, research, field trips and active participation in the stewardship of Civil War sites, the group has made a lasting contribution to the preservation of Civil War history. In order to promote a passion for history in the next generation, the BRCWRT awards annual scholarships to students who have researched and written about the War's remaining untold stories and mysteries. The BRCWRT also offers a variety of programs featuring knowledgeable, respected Civil War historians, academics, writers, and lecturers to educate enthusiasts and the general public. I have been proud to be a partner in the promotion and preservation of our region's rich Civil War history during my time in Congress and as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Civil War was a fateful moment in our nation's history. The War pitted brother against brother and threatened to tear apart the fabric of our young republic. Preservation of historic battlefields, homes, and other monuments ensures that we will never forget the sacrifices and pain the Civil War inflicted upon our nation, and, hopefully, through remembrance and understanding we heed the lessons of our past. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Bull Run Civil War Round Table on the occasion of its 25th anniversary and in commending the organization for its efforts to preserve Civil War history.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Richard Gabbert on his selection as a Mansfield Fellow. Mr. Gabbert is among ten federal government officials who will begin the year-long Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program in Japan this year. Congress established the Mansfield Fellowship Program in 1994 to build a corps of U.S. government officials with substantial Japan expertise. Since then one hundred and forty Fellows--representing twenty-seven U.S. government agencies, commissions and the U.S. Congress--have entered the Fellowship Program. Mr. Gabbert is a member of the twenty-first group of Mansfield Fellows, chosen through a selective recruitment and vetting process. Japan has long been an important part of Mr. Gabbert's life, and he is highly qualified for this unique professional development opportunity. He spent part of his childhood and early career in Japan, and continued this engagement during law school and in private practice. As a Senior Special Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr. Gabbert helped develop a cross-border regulatory framework for the over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives markets and the global financial institutions active in those markets. His Mansfield Fellowship will give him the contacts and understanding needed to facilitate U.S. Japan coordination in this area, coordination that is critical for a smooth transition to this new regulatory framework in our countries and globally Mr. Gabbert will begin his Fellowship in Japan this summer with a seven-week homestay and language training in Ishiltawa Prefecture. This will be followed by ten months of practical experience in Japanese government offices in Tokyo. During his placements he will work side- by-side with Japanese financial regulators. He will seek to understand the Japanese response to the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, particularly the legislative and regulatory reforms designed to increase transparency and stability in the OTC derivatives markets. He also will explore current issues in the implementation of these reforms in Japan, including the challenges of cross-border regulation and supervision of these markets, in order to support effective domestic regulatory efforts. As a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on the Asia-Pacific, I understand the important role Japan plays in the global economy and the critical need to coordinate with Japan on financial and other matters. Close coordination requires U.S. government officials like Mr. Gabbert who are prepared to develop the contacts and expertise needed to facilitate their agencies' work on Japan-related programs. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Gabbert on his selection as a Mansfield Fellow. I am confident his Mansfield Fellowship experience will enhance the work of the SEC and deepen its cooperation with Japan. I hope you will also join me in recognizing the value of the Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program and the opportunities it provides U.S. government officials like Mr. Gabbert to learn about Japan and its government and to strengthen the U.S. relationship with this important ally.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank my friend and colleague from Oklahoma for his leadership and his support on this important bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of a bipartisan bill, H.R. 4906, which I am pleased to cosponsor with Chairman Meadows of the Government Operations Subcommittee. This simple bill makes, as my friend indicated, a technical correction to bipartisan legislation known as the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, on which I was pleased to work with the committee in passing into law just last year. That bill originally passed the House by a voice vote and then went on to pass the Senate by unanimous consent. As my colleagues will recall, that bill was intended to give temporary seasonal employees an opportunity to compete for permanent full-time employment within all agencies across the entire Federal Government. Merit promotion procedures provide an important career advancement path for Federal employees, and many nonentry-level jobs are filled using this process. Yet, no matter how long an individual has served, temporary seasonal employees never get access to merit promotion procedures. Now, who are those people? Those are men and women on the front line of wildfires in the West, who put their lives on the line to contain forest fires during the fire season out west--dangerous work, arduous work. We are simply trying to give them a fair shake, a fair shake that is available to all other Federal employees. This was intended to put them on an equal footing for vacant jobs in the civil service, including permanent seasonal jobs. God knoweth why, but the Office of Personnel Management recently issued guidance to the agency, based on a narrow reading never intended by our committee or by this Congress, of the legislative language that would actually limit the positions to which these temporary employees may apply to just those within the current agency. That was never the intent of this Congress, and I, frankly, feel, if you looked at the legislative history both in committee and on the floor, that would have been clear. Our bill, which reflects a collaborative effort with the majority and minority, as well as with OPM and employee groups such as the National Federation of Federal Employees, clarifies the intent, I hope, once and for all. The barrier to merit promotion faced by our temporary seasonal employees demoralizes the dedicated and courageous corps that serves in land management agencies, contributes to increased attrition, and ultimately leads to higher training costs and a less-experienced, capable workforce. Last year, Mr. Speaker, a record 10 million acres burned across these United States, about 4 million more than average. In Arizona alone, 294 fires burned in the first quarter of this year, double that of the same period last year. Our country cannot afford to degrade its wildland firefighting and emergency response capabilities. An individual that successfully competes for a vacant permanent position--we are not creating new ones--under the clarified intent of this bill would, upon appointment, become a career-conditional employee--unless the employee had otherwise completed service requirements for career tenure--and acquire competitive status upon appointment. H.R. 4906 defines land management agencies to include the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The legislative fix will finally give temporary seasonal firefighters and other land management temporary seasonal employees the chance to compete for vacant permanent positions, seasonal or full-time, under the same merit promotion procedures available to other Federal employees. Last year, I stated that our bipartisan bill was consistent with OPM's support for the concept that ``long-term temporaries who have demonstrated their abilities on the job should not have to compete with the public for permanent vacancies.'' Despite their misinterpretation of H.R. 1531, the original land management bill, I remain confident OPM still supports that sentiment. In closing, I strongly urge my colleagues to support the bipartisan Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act, ensuring that our Nation's hardworking, temporary, seasonal employees may compete to serve the American people on a permanent basis, if they so choose. That will improve government efficiency and effectiveness and, I believe, provide a safety valve when it comes to the fire season out west. But it is simply the right thing to do, in the final analysis, on behalf of this dedicated workforce. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Ted Deutch, for his leadership, and also my good friend, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the Florida twins who have so steadfastly brought this matter of conscience and history to the floor of the House of Representatives. It was said about the Holocaust that ``we should never forget'' and ``never again.'' What a legacy it would be that those who survived the darkest chapter of human history should live out the remainder of their years in want--in want of basic medical care, in want of home health care and caregiving so that they can have dignity in their twilight years. How can we ignore that plight? How can we say to that generation, You should go without? They are living reminders of the dark side of human nature and of how history can go so terribly wrong. Honoring them with this resolution and engaging our partner, our ally, Germany, in this one last endeavor is a noble cause. I am pleased to support H. Con. Res. 129, and I applaud the leadership of my colleagues from Florida in reminding this House of the duty still in front of us.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Pennsylvania (Mr. Cartwright) especially for his leadership on this bill, the MEGABYTE Act. Mr. Speaker, as has been indicated, we spend over $80 billion a year on IT procurement across the Federal Government, 80 percent of which maybe is used to maintain old and legacy systems, some of those systems going back to the 1960s. We are still funding COBOL, DOS, and many multiple systems that aren't integrated and aren't interoperable. My friend, Mr. Cartwright, gave what I think is one of the most glaring examples of how, even when we move to update, because of the stovepipe nature of decisionmaking all too often in the Federal Government, bad decisions get made. The Pentagon has one system for medical recordkeeping and the Veterans Administration has another. When one individual moves from Active Duty to retired status, they have to take their records with them, physically, because the two systems, upgraded recently, are not compatible. A third procurement contract had to be issued for the private sector to try to see if they could bridge these two systems, and the taxpayer had to pay a third time. Why couldn't we get that right the first time? Making sure these investments serve the purpose for which they are intended is really critical. This act helps codify that. My friend, Mr. Hurd from Texas, was gracious in bringing up the FITARA, the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act, which I think sets the construct, the structure, for every Federal agency to modernize itself to improve efficiency, to streamline management, and to make sure that these investments are efficacious. The MEGABYTE Act is a wonderful complement to that when it comes to software. I think it will help transform how the Federal Government procures and manages its information technology portfolio. I urge its passage, and I am proud to be an original cosponsor.