Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the second vote series today due to NATO summit engagements. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 340, NAY on Roll Call No. 341, YEA on Roll Call No. 342, and NAY on Roll Call No. 343.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my bipartisan Amendment No. 11 to support the Georgian people in their Euro-Atlantic aspirations. My amendment will increase and decrease funding of this bill by $10 million to emphasize our commitment to a future for Georgia that follows a Euro-Atlantic trajectory, one where democratic institutions are upheld, not denigrated. Mr. Chair for the past decade, I have served as co-chair of the Georgia Caucus here in the House of Representatives. It has been from that position that I have advocated for Georgia's territorial integrity and their turn away from Russia and towards the West. As we meet here today, Russia still illegally occupies and controls 20 percent of sovereign Georgian territory. Russian officials continue to commit human rights violations and brutally repress Georgians living in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Let us make clear that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are Georgian, just as Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhizhia, and Crimea are Ukrainian. And it is equally important for us to support the Georgian people in their wishes to join the European community, which received a boost with Georgia being granted EU candidate status on June 23, 2022. But we must speak out about Georgia's current trajectory and make clear that the democratic backsliding in Georgia, which has culminated in the passage of a Foreign Agents Law that mimics what Putin used to eviscerate civil society in Russia, is unsustainable. As we speak, Georgia's democracy is in danger. Boundless investigations of political parties, changes in election systems that violate the Venice Commission and OSCE, and now the Foreign Agents Law, bring Georgia further away from EU membership, not closer. Attacks on the United States Ambassador, against independent judges, civil society members, the political opposition, and the rights of LGTBQ+ individuals only push Georgia closer to the Russian model, and away from the liberal democratic model of the West. Our amendment makes clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Georgian people, in support of its democratic institutions, in support of the rule of law, in support of accountability for those that engage in corruption, in support of an independent judiciary, and in support of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my Amendment No. 10 to support civil society in Tunisia. My amendment will increase and decrease funding of this bill by five million dollars to express concern for Tunisia's authoritarian trajectory and an intensified crackdown against political opponents which has dissolved parliament, annulled the existing constitution, and disbanded the independent judicial system. Since President Saied's takeover in July 2021, Tunisian authorities have deliberately dismantled fundamental freedoms, imprisoned political opponents and perceived critics, and ramped up rhetoric disparaging civil society and sub-Saharan migrants. Tunisia-based NGO's and journalists have also documented an increase in racially motivated assaults against sub-Saharan Africans by ordinary citizens. More dissenting voices continue to be arrested or summoned for questioning on an almost daily basis. Recently, the Tunisian government has weaponized a draconian cybercrime law, Decree 54, to silence free expression and imprison journalists and lawyers who have criticized the government. President Saied has continued to assert that there is a foreign conspiracy to increase migration to Tunisia, and has accused civil society groups helping migrants of committing ``treason''. These alarming developments and Tunisia's continued autocratic consolidation not only endanger the country's stability in a period of deep economic insecurity, but they also raise serious concerns about the future of the U.S.-Tunisia relationship, which since 2011 has been anchored by a shared commitment to democratic principles. It was these shared values that led the House Democracy Partnership to partner with Tunisia's parliament, and the U.S. Government to designate Tunisia as a Major Non-NATO ally, strengthen security cooperation, and dramatically increase bilateral aid over the past 12 years. My amendment reiterates concern for Tunisia's authoritarian trajectory and an intensified crackdown against political opponents which has dissolved parliament, annulled the existing constitution, and disbanded the independent judicial system. These developments undermine the confidence in the rule of law that is essential for a flourishing U.S.-Tunisia relationship.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, if you gave truth serum to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I am pretty sure they would admit they would rather not be here today doing this. They would admit that Attorney General Merrick Garland is collateral damage in a failed effort to impeach the President of the United States. There is no honor in that, and my colleagues are, for the most part, I think, honorable people, so this is not something they want to do, but it is demanded of them nonetheless. Former President Trump has repeatedly threatened the House Republican Conference that they must impeach President Biden or else. So here we are. They found the Attorney General in contempt for providing a transcript, a full transcript and not an audio recording, of an interview from an investigation that ended up finding nothing. By the way, Mr. Speaker, the recording in question is now subject to executive privilege, so their fight is not even with the Attorney General of the United States. It is with the White House. I take some solace in the fact that many of my Republican friends and colleagues are here doing the dirty work of one individual against their will and better judgment. I know deep down, very deep down, they would rather do the honorable thing and give up this miscarriage of justice today.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2024 recipients of the IES Sales Excellence Awards presented by the Institute for Excellence in Sales and 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. Each year, IES recognizes individuals, teams, and organizations who demonstrate exemplary performance though leadership, risk taking, innovation, vision, and customer development. The recipient of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement in Sales Award is Jim Kelly, Senior Vice President North American Federal Sales for Dell Technology. He is responsible for supporting federal customers and their missions, providing the technology and expertise needed to transform and protect their data. The recipient of the 2024 Woman in Sale Executive Leadership Award is Gerilyn Horan. Gerilyn is the Vice President, Group Sales and Strategic Accounts at Hilton Worldwide Sales. She is responsible for driving the growth of the group segment for all Hilton brands and oversees a total account management approach to Hilton's largest customers. The 2024 Entrepreneurial Sales Leader of the Year Award is presented to Reggie Aggarwal. Reggie is the CEO and Founder of Cvent, a market- leading meetings, events and hospitality technology provider. Chuck Ghoorah will receive the 2024 Institute for Excellence in Sales Entrepreneurial Sales Leader of the Year award. Chuck is Co-founder and President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Cvent. Chuck has been instrumental in building Cvent from a startup to a 4,800-person company. The 2024 Sales Partner of the Year Award is presented to Rebecca Wetherly. Rebecca leads the strategic development and accelerated growth for AWS's diverse and expanding Systems Integrator (SI) partner ecosystem. This rich partner ecosystem enables government, education, and nonprofit customers to grow and deliver impact by leading with AWS cloud services. Margo Edris will receive the 2024 Institute for Excellence in Sales Rising Sales Star award. Margo Edris is a Regional Vice President of Sales at Salesforce. She leads a team of accomplished Sales professionals who partner with State and Local Governments across the Rocky Mountain Region to modernize Government services. Tom Snyder will receive the 2024 Institute for Excellence in Sales Speaker of the Year award. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Funnel Clarity, LLC, a sales training and consulting firm headquartered in Washington, DC. Finally, Tom is listed among America's 100 Most Influential Sales Leaders. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this year's awardees for their innovative and effective leadership and in wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1994, NVCT undertook a mission to sustain abundant, thriving and natural places in local neighborhoods and communities. Over the past 30 years, their efforts have led to the protection of over 9,000 acres of land, comprising parks, streams, forests and farms in both rural and urban settings. In a region of over 3 million people and growing, that is an incredible accomplishment that deserves high praise. NVCT has achieved many significant milestones by demonstrating the energy and willingness to address grassroots environmental concerns and connect with their community. Their mission has been to add and sustain abundant, thriving natural places in out Virginia communities while cultivating inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in every facet of their work. Regardless of our backgrounds, the land and water surrounding us connect us. NVCT believes that if we are to truly execute our vision of a more equitable Northern Virginia, we must address conservation's systemic injustices and inequities. As they look towards the next 30 years, NVCT has renewed their commitment to land conservation and the promise of an even more impactful future. Their theme this year is ``Rise to the Occasion,'' which includes the acronym of RISE, ``Responsibility to Impacting Sustainable Environments.'' NVCT believes that rising to the occasion will mean being more strategic in their approach, identifying critical areas of our region that are most at risk of development and essential to protect. In those places, we must be undeterred in safeguarding natural habitats to secure a bright future for Northern Virginia's nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The existence of organizations like NVCT is a testament to the high level of civic engagement and citizen activism that we are blessed with not only in Fairfax County, but in Northern Virginia as a whole. The actions of governments, while important, will never be sufficient by themselves. Organizations like NVCT provide an invaluable supplement, which ensures that we will continue to prioritize preservation and conservation of our natural resources for future generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust on three decades of preserving nature. I commend them for their service to our community and our region and ask my colleagues to join me in wishing them great success in all their future endeavors. Cheers to another 30 years.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May 16th as Hereditary Angioedema Awareness Day and to call attention to challenges and opportunities faced by this patient community. Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) is a rare, severe, and potentially life-threatening genetic condition in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. HAE symptoms include painful and disabling episodes of edema, or swelling, in all body parts including the abdomen. Throat swelling can close the airway and cause death by asphyxiation. While minor trauma or stress may trigger an attack, swelling often occurs without a known trigger. Symptoms of hereditary angioedema typically begin in childhood and worsen during puberty. Untreated individuals may have an attack every 1 to 2 weeks with most episodes lasting 3 to 4 days. HAE used to be associated with an incredibly high mortality rate, but recent breakthroughs in medical science have taken the condition from a death sentence to a manageable chronic illness. With the advent of innovative therapies, HAE patients no longer experience disability and dependency, but rather live full, productive, and largely suffering- free lives. HAE affected individuals require near constant access to life-saving care and medication and additional research advancements are needed to sustain progress toward an elusive cure. Loss of productivity at work and school is one of the many side effects of those suffering from HAE, particularly when it is not managed correctly and comprehensively. In an earlier survey conducted by the U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association (HAEA), 57 percent of patients reported as not having equal advancement in career pathways and 48 percent stated they did not achieve the educational level that they wanted. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to improve coverage and access and lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients with rare and chronic illnesses. I am also proud to recognize the HAEA. This organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary and the tremendous advancement in research and patient care improvements over that time. They are an exemplary patient research advocacy organization in terms of support for the community and impact for the patients they serve. I call on my colleagues to continue to support efforts to advance medical research, improve coverage and access, enhance patient care, and join me in recognizing May 16th as Hereditary Angioedema Awareness Day.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act (H.R. 5527) and thank Chairwoman Mace for partnering with me on this very important piece of legislation. In in 2017, Republican Representative Will Hurd and I coauthored the original MGT Act, which did two fundamental things. First, it authorized all CFO Act agencies to establish IT Working Capital Funds (WCF), which the Subcommittee has historically tracked through the FITARA Scorecard. Second, the bill established a centralized Technology Modernization Fund (TMF) and a governing board for the TMF. While we have never been able to get sufficient support for the TMF from our colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, the Biden Administration saw the value of the Fund when it requested $9 billion for the TMF as part of its COVID recovery plan. We were ultimately able to secure $1 billion in the American Rescue Plan Act (117-2). The TMF has used that funding to help bring agencies into the 21st century. Examples include digitizing the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) customer support and Better Veterans Benefits Management systems, modernizing the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) website, and implementing a zero-trust architecture at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Building off the original MGT Act's success, the MGT Reform Act will extend the authorization for the TMF through 2031 and sustain this critical IT investment tool for federal agencies. The bill also directs agencies to create legacy federal IT inventories that includes information about each high-risk legacy information technology system used, operated, or maintained by an agency. This legacy federal IT inventory provision could be critical to finally retiring all unsupported and costly legacy systems from government use. We cannot afford to wait until we are in the midst of the next global disaster to modernize federal IT. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote yes on the passage of the Modernizing Governrnent Technology Reform Act.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Volunteer Fairfax and express my sincere appreciation to recipients of the 2024 Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards. Established 50 years ago, Volunteer Fairfax matches the skills and interests of thousands of volunteers with the needs of local non-profit organizations. The success of this model and its impact on delivery of needed services is beyond question; Volunteer Fairfax has been rated as one of the most effective community service organizations in the nation. Each year, Volunteer Fairfax selects a few exceptional individuals, groups, or organizations to receive special recognition. It is my great pleasure to include in the Record the following names of the 2024 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards honorees: Anthony Amos--2024 Rising Star Jeffrey Katz--2024 Volunteer Manager Michael Mixon--2024 Volunteer of the Year Food for Neighbors--2024 Volunteer Program of the Year Able Moving & Storage--2024 Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year Eileen Ellsworth--Lifetime Achievement Award Jeff Bentley--2024 Executive Leader of the Year Tom McCook--Braddock District Champion Angie Guevara--Dranesville Community Champion Hasan Shah--Franconia District Champion Dr. Eric Goplerud--Hunter Mill District Champion Nancy Hall--Mason District Champion Cathy Hosek--Mount Vernon District Champion Carrie Conley--Providence District Champion Isabella Solano--Springfield District Champion Patti Cooksey--Sully District Champion Robbie Mosley--Chairman's Champion Mr. Speaker. I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Volunteer Fairfax for its decades of outstanding community service. I congratulate the recipients of the 2024 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards and thank them and the thousands of other local volunteers for their incredible contributions to our community. Their selfless dedication is worthy of our highest praise and is one of the main reasons that our community is often ranked as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Volunteer Fairfax, a non-profit focused on engaging people and organizations to amplify their community impact. Volunteer Fairfax was created in 1974 and was known then as the Voluntary Action Center of Fairfax County (VAC). In the late seventies, VAC referred 211 volunteers to worthy causes in support of the greater Fairfax County community. Today, the organization engages over 6,000 volunteers annually who donate more than 18,000 hours serving more than 650 nonprofits and public agencies, a value of over 600,000 added to the community. Over the past five decades, Volunteer Fairfax has had many milestones, and evolved into the organization they are today. In 1992, the focus of the VAC had begun to change and the center was renamed Volunteer Fairfax. Staff began utilizing an electronic process to accommodate the growing interest from volunteers and created a youth volunteer directory to assist students who are looking for service opportunities. In 1993, Volunteer Fairfax Hosted their first Volunteer Service Awards to showcase the vital role volunteerism plays in our community. In its first year, 350 people attended the County-wide event. Since its inception, over 3.000 individuals, groups, and corporations have been recognized for their volunteer efforts. Among the many programs and offerings of Volunteer Fairfax, they have served as the designated lead agency for recruitment and deployment of affiliated and spontaneous volunteers, as well as the management of spontaneous volunteers during an emergency in Fairfax County since the early 2000s, Emergency Response activations include Hurricane Isabel, Derecho. Winter Storm Jonas, and, most recently, the Centreville fires in May 2018. Volunteer Fairfax continues to fulfill its mission by mobilizing people and resources to meet community need through involvement in Fairfax County and Regional Emergency Response and Recovery functions. Volunteer Fairfax believes that volunteerism, as an ideal and a practice, is a vital part of our American history and heritage. They build their programs around the needs of nonprofit and public agencies and individuals throughout Fairfax County in ways that are flexible and accessible to anyone who wants to get involved. From their Alternative Community Service (ACS) for court and attorney referred clients, to the RSVP-Northern Virginia program that is part of AmeriCorps Seniors, to corporate partnerships that allow people in any industry to take part in volunteer efforts. Volunteer Fairfax is making sure that everyone has a chance to be of service to our community. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Volunteer Fairfax on 50 years of service. Their efforts, made on behalf of some of the most vulnerable populations in our community, truly merit our highest praise. The staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers from Volunteer Fairfax help make Fairfax County one of the best places to live, work, and play. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding these remarkable citizens on half a century of service to our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Venron C. Walton for his 10th Anniversary as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Church and community have always been staples of the ministry of Dr. Vernon C. Walton. Dr. Walton, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, has served as Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Vienna, Virginia, since February, 2014. He is the 19th Senior Pastor in the history of this 156-year-old congregation, First Baptist Church of Vienna. Dr. Walton's primary mission is to ``make a difference in our community and be a light of hope for the World.'' His charismatic, energetic, and innovative leadership has led the congregation of First Baptist into a season where they are ``Empowered by the Past and Excited About the Future.'' As a result of his leadership, First Baptist has increased its community engagement, mission opportunities, and strengthened the capacity of its 33 ministries--making a difference in the lives of those within and outside of the church. During his tenure at First Baptist, Dr. Walton has focused much of his ministry efforts on missions, cultural awareness, and social justice. Under his leadership. First Baptist Vienna has been on the forefront, helping to ensure that the needs of Fairfax County's marginalized communities are addressed by implementing programming geared toward education and justice such as the annual Juneteenth Celebration and Justice and Legislative Sunday. First Baptist also partners with area elementary schools and community partners to provide tutoring, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas presents for students and families. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the church distributed over 25,000 boxes of food throughout Northern Virginia and held multiple vaccine clinics delivering over 3,000 vaccinations. First Baptist has also provided meals to nearly 1 million food insecure people around the world by partnering with Rise Against Hunger and hosting meal packaging events. He also initiated ``Be the Church Sundays'' which serve as opportunities for church members to go outside the walls of the church to serve others throughout Northern Virginia. Dr. Walton serves on Fairfax County's Affordable Housing Advisory Council, the Police Reform Task Force, and the Fairfax County Public Schools Strategic Planning Team. Most recently, he has served on the Chairman's Task Force on Equity and Opportunity in Fairfax County, chairing the Public Safety Committee, and is a founding member of Voices of Black Fairfax. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Dr. Walton for his tremendous efforts as a leader in our communities, as he celebrates his 10th Anniversary, as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I say to Mr. Raskin, what is so troubling is these are 100 percent preventable tragedies. Not one of these lives had to be lost but for the callousness and lack of regard at the Postal Service in vetting freight contractors.

Mr. CONNOLLY. I think, again, that is a fair conclusion, Mr. Raskin.

Mr. CONNOLLY. I think that is a fair conclusion.

Mr. CONNOLLY. As the USPS OIG stated in a report released this past March, while it is a welcome step, the Postal Service still does not have a single written policy requiring the tracking of trucking contractor accidents and fatalities. The OIG's number one recommendation was that the Postal Service fix this serious safety oversight immediately, and that is what we are doing today. Our legislation would codify the number one recommendation of the OIG, to begin to improve USPS freight trucking safety and provide accountability. This bill will maintain an internal database, and I hope it will lead to reforms by the Postal Service and save lives.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from Maryland, the distinguished ranking member, for yielding, and the Republican manager from Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the bill, the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act. This necessary bill which I am co-leading with my distinguished colleague, the chairman of the Oversight and Accountability Committee, Mr. Comer, has strong, bipartisan support. It passed through our committee 40-0. I am thrilled that the chairman and I could partner, write, and introduce the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act, which requires the United States Postal Service to collect, track, and report on serious crashes and fatalities involving vehicles transporting U.S. postal mail. The chairman and I have both met with the families of truck crash victims. We have heard their painful stories and are committed to stopping preventable tragedies involving mail transport. These families-turned-advocates welcome this legislation which is endorsed by the Truck Safety Coalition. In June of 2022, the Godines family was traveling back to their home in Gillette, Wyoming. Traveling behind the family on I-25 as they passed Greeley, Colorado, was a contract freight truck carrying U.S. mail on a U.S. Postal Service contract. The truck's brakes were out of alignment, it was uninsured, and its driver had no commercial driver's license. When that truck carrying U.S. delivery material slammed into the back of the Godines' family vehicle, in an instant, Mr. Speaker, three generations of Godines were killed. They lost their lives, including a 3-month old baby, Tessleigh. Safety concerns about the freight contract trucking practices at the Postal Service have been increasing ever since. Between 2020 and 2023, as has been noted, at least 79 people have been killed in crashes involving trucks contracted by the Postal Service. The true number is higher because just last year we learned that the Postal Service did not report serious crashes involving its trucking contractors. That revelation raised serious questions about safety oversight by the USPS involving their contracted vehicles, including the troubling allegation that the Postal Service is managing truck freight operations which do not adhere to legal and commonsense safety standards. The Postal Service has, for example, set delivery schedules requiring drivers to exceed hours of service requirements and has selected carriers with extensive records of safety violations. It looks like there is no vetting of these contractors at all. Between December of 2020 and December of 2022, the Department of Transportation identified a frightening 466 Postal Service trucking contractors that had high rates of violations related to driving hours. In 2021 and 2022, 39 percent of trucking companies carrying U.S. mail by contract violated rules meant to prevent driver exhaustion and did so repeatedly. Between 2017 and 2022, one single trucking group contracted by USPS had broken those rules 200 times-plus. When I asked the Postal Service for the number of deaths involved in the contracted transport of mail, the Postal Service said that they didn't have that information because they did not collect, monitor, or report such information. Imagine that comfort to grieving families. That was until, of course, May of 2023 when I asked the Inspector General of the U.S. Postal Service to look into this issue and, all of a sudden, the Postal Service responded by establishing an ad hoc centralized reporting mechanism for serious and deadly crashes involving postal freight contractors. Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the ``Contract Trucking Safety and Compliance Report.'' Findings Summary We found that the Postal Service's highway trucking contract safety controls, contract compliance, and screening oversight were not always effective. First, the Postal Service did not track contractor accidents and fatalities. Second, the Postal Service did not always develop appropriate safety requirements, provide adequate oversight, or enforce the terms and conditions of the contracts or freight auction Ordering Agreements. Lastly, the Postal Service's screening processes did not always include a contract trucker's driving history. These collective deficiencies hindered visibility into safety performance and could compromise the safety and security of the mail and motorists. Finding #1: The Postal Service Does Not track trucking accidents and fatalities by contractors The Postal Service did not tract trucking contractor accidents and fatalities and therefore, we could not determine the total number of occurrences. We analyzed incident data between October 2018 and December 2022 tracked on the DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to help assess Postal Service contract trucker safety performance. This list does not contain all contractors utilized by the Postal Service as FMCSA does not track company safety data separately. However, we were able to identify at least 373 accidents resulting in 89 fatalities that were directly related to 43 on-duty contractors servicing Postal Service truck contracts. These 43 contractors were associated with Postal Service contracts totaling about $1.34 bi11ion between October 2018 and December 2022. We determined that the Postal Service had not terminated any contracts with trucking companies involved in accidents or fatalities prior to March 2023. The Postal Service was unable to provide statistics and information on incidents (e.g., frequency, location, time, or involved parties) as it did not monitor FMCSA or have a system for recording or tracking related contractor data. However, when accidents or fatalities occur on trucking routes contracted with the Postal Service, contractors are required to report incident data to Postal Service contracting personnel. As stated earlier, Postal Service policy also requires AOs to report accident information to the Postal Inspection Service. Despite these reporting requirements, there is no centralized collection of information concerning these incidents. Postal Service officials acknowledged the lack of such a system, noting that tracking this data was not previously required by Postal Service policy or procedures. The Postal Service has recently started to track this information. In March 2023, the Vice President, Transportation Strategy, stated that all traffic accidents involving contract trucking drivers be reported directly to him and the appropriate CO. This directive; however, was not recorded in written policy. In June 2023, the Postal Service stated they have an existing platform that could be used for storing contract trucking safety data. However, as of November 2023, the Postal Service has not created corresponding policies governing the use of this system (including related roles, responsibilities, and procedures) to record contract trucking safety data. The Postal Service is however, taking other actions to monitor, assess, and potentially act on contractor safety data. First, it hired outside experts to review changes in the suppliers' safety ratings, create a list of suppliers to avoid, and determine suppliers' insurance coverage risk. Second, it is working to establish new contract trucking processes and procedures to improve the quality of contractors, including the removal of contractors with a conditional safety rating. Collectively, these actions would better inform the Postal Service when making decisions to either (a) choose a contractor based on their safety performance or (b) take appropriate termination or other corrective actions in instances of poor safety performance. However even with these actions, the lack of a finalized method and established policies to track and monitor contractor accident and fatality data in the existing safety database limits the Postal Service's visibility into contractor safety performance. This deficiency could allow unsafe drivers to transport mail and put other motorists at risk. Recommendation #1: We recommend the Vice President, Transportation Strategy, finalize the method for tracking contractor accident and fatality data and establish corresponding written policies and procedures, including related roles and responsibilities. Finding #2: Lack of Subcontractor and Team Driver Oversight The Postal Service lacked requirements and clear policies or did not always enforce the terms and conditions of the contracts or freight auction Ordering Agreements to promote safe highway trucking practices. We found the following deficiencies: Lack of Visibility in Subcontractor Use. The Postal Service did not always know who was authorized to transport the mail on its behalf. Freight auction brokers were not required to obtain prior written approval or inform the Postal Service of the specific contractors being utilized. Instead, the Postal Service relied on the broker to complete subcontractor authorization and vet the subcontractor, but those results are not required to be reported to the Postal Service. The onus is on the broker to ensure the subcontractor is in compliance with Postal Service policies. Specific to HCR contracts, per the procurement handbook, contractors should specify their intent to subcontract route operations during contract award and disclose any subsequent subcontractor additions. Further, if a contractor wants to use additional subcontractors, Postal Service policy states this is an exceptional action and should be approved only when the contractor can offer sufficient reasons for the change. HCR contract terms and conditions also require the contractor to fully disclose subcontractor relationships as part of its proposal. However, of the 15 COs and AOs interviewed, 14 (93 percent) did not know when HeR contractors utilized a subcontractor. Furthermore, HCR contractors must obtain prior written approval from the CO to employ subcontractors. However, six of the seven COs we interviewed were not aware of this requirement and therefore did not have the required documentation. Instead, the Postal Service relied on the HCR contractor to determine when to use a subcontractor and to ensure the subcontractor adhered to the terms and conditions including safety requirements. Using subcontractors without the prior written approval of the CO is a major irregularity for which the contractor may be terminated without notice or warning. However, while the SPs and Ps require approval from the CO before subcontracting, it does not state that approval needs to be written.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2024 Herndon- Reston Rotary Citizen of the Year, Renee Gorman. Every year, the Herndon-Reston Rotary Club selects an extraordinary individual who has made significant contributions to our community. This year marks Rotary's 55th year of celebrating incredible citizens in the Northern Virginia area. After decades of recipients, the Herndon-Reston Rotary has no shortage of deserving candidates, and this year's honoree is proof of that. Renee Gorman, this year's Citizen of the Year, is someone who has made an incredible impact and difference in our community for decades. As the mother of three daughters, helping children feel confident and have healthy self-esteem has been Renee's job for the last 25 years. Renee was a School Counselor for over 20 years where she was able to advocate for children and help them feel socially and emotionally strong. In her work with children in school, Renee realized that more could be done for the children and their families in our community. She began working with a non-profit, Code 3 Association, to forge positive relationships between the police department and local at-risk communities. The success of this program was featured in the Washington Post and Associated Press and helped inspire Renee to go further to address the emotional needs of young children in the community she witnessed daily through her work as a school counselor. Renee, and a group of teachers and social workers in Herndon, recognized an urgent and growing need to provide support to young girls in the community, many of whom were suffering as a result of poverty and trauma. What started as an after-school program became She Believes in Me (SBIM), a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming our community and the lives of the children in Northern Virginia. SBIM knows that every child can have the skills and resources to thrive. This primarily volunteer-run organization serves vulnerable children and their families who face a wide variety of challenges on a daily basis. When parents are focused on providing the very basic necessities for their children, they often need a little extra help. SBIM provides nutritious food and a healthy support system for the entire family. They teach children to handle conflict, manage emotions, overcome setbacks, and build meaningful relationships. Renee has spent decades focusing on not just the physical health of children, but their emotional and mental well-being, and that is at the core of SBIM's mission. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Renee Gorman on this incredible award and thanking her for her committed and selfless service to our community. Renee has impacted countless lives in her time in the schools and now continues to expand that impact through She Believes in Me. Families in our community will have a brighter future because of dedicated individuals like Renee Gorman.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Korean Community Service Center of Greater Washington. The Korean Community Service Center (KCSC) of Greater Washington was founded in 1974 by a pastor and his congregation who made a commitment to provide basic transportation and interpretation and translation assistance to newly arrived visitors and immigrants from Korea. This group of individuals also assisted the newcomers with rent for their apartments, set up phone and utility services, and enrolled their kids in school. Over the decades, KCSC grew and evolved into the largest bilingual and bicultural Korean social service agency in the D.C. metropolitan area. KCSC also began providing services to other Asian immigrant communities living in the metro D.C. area. The organization has served more than 150,000 Asian American immigrant families since it was founded and currently provides services to about 1,000 Asian Americans a month. Their mission is to assist and empower Asian Americans and new immigrants to become well-adjusted and fully contributing members of the United States through social services, education, advocacy, and development of resources. Offerings such as case management, immigration legal services, housing counseling, comprehensive victims' services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and dating violence, and more help KCSC fulfill their mission every day. This organization actively serves our community members and strives to improve the overall quality of life for individuals and families. Over the past five decades, KCSC has adapted and changed to meet the changing needs of the Asian American community. With culturally and linguistically sensitive services and programs, clients can feel safe and comfortable at KCSC. Throughout the lifetime of this organization, volunteers and staff from KCSC have strived to deliver effective, efficient, and accountable services. Their successes over the years are truly successes for the region as a whole. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and KCSC has allowed countless individuals to feel safe and supported here in Northern Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Korean Community Center of Greater Washington on 50 years of service. KCSC, and other groups of service- minded individuals, are why Northern Virginia is an incredible place to live, work, and play. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the staff, volunteers, and supporters of this remarkable organization.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 76th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for filling an essential role in keeping our community safe. The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 1948, and for more than seven decades it has provided lifesaving fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical equipment, provides opportunities for professional growth and development for the membership, and maintains and fosters a strong viable organization. As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve the community. I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty as Officers or as members of the Board of Directors and to include in the Record their names: Board of Directors: President--Ian Dickinson Vice President--John Powers Secretary--Maria Suarez Ortiz Treasurer--Larry Bocknek Board Member--Kathleen Beer Board Member--James Stahlman Board Member--Kenneth Senn Officers: Chief--Keith O'Connor Deputy Chief--Tina Godfrey Deputy Chief--John Hudak Captain II--Melissa Ashby Captain II--Kevin Grottle Lieutenant--Caitlin Edwards Sergeant--Gavin Kuzemchak Quartermaster--Chuck Fry In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary service during the last year: Rookie of the Year--Damion Jedlicka Officer of the Year--Kevin Grottle EMS Officer of the Year--Garrett Canterbury Career Member of the Year--Tony Albertson Administrative Member of the Year--Nancy Stone President's Award--Gary Shiple Team Award--75th Banquet Committee; Larry Bocknek, Tina Godfrey, Maria Suarez-Ortiz, and Shaun Kurry Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for 76 years of service and in thanking all of the brave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th Year Anniversary of Northern Virginia Family Service. Originally established in 1924 by volunteers in Alexandria, Virginia, Northern Virginia Family Service has been a staple in Northern Virginia communities to help people in need. Those first volunteers in 1924 in Alexandria noticed that poor children in their community had no coats, and their families had no coal to heat their homes. Northern Virginia Family Service addressed those basic and critical needs. The needs of vulnerable individuals and families in our nation will likely continue to be part of the same challenges we face in our Northern Virginia region. Northern Virginia Family Service has built a steadfast legacy of support and service that they've provided through their mission--``to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of life, and to promote community cooperation and support in responding to family needs.'' With the continued commitment of partners and supporters, many enjoy the benefits that come with that promise. This work continues today with major initiatives to address the issues of secure affordable housing in a challenging economy, provide access to necessary health care and medications for children and adults, offer job training that improves quality of life and provides adequate support for families, provide a safe, stimulating place for growing preschool children to learn and play. More than 100 years later, Northern Virginia Family Service continues to address our local communities' needs with a wide range of programs designed to deal with the current problems of today. Northern Virginia Family Service partners with Northern Virginia Community College through the ``Training Futures'' program, to provide the only community-based workforce development program in the region that affords students the opportunity to earn college credits. Mr. Speaker, Northern Virginia Family Service has grown to help more than 35,000 families and individuals every year. As needs emerge and change over time, Northern Virginia Family Service programs also adapt to respond to what is needed when it is required. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending their President and CEO, Stephanie Berkowitz, their Board of Directors, leadership team, members, and volunteers in the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Northern Virginia Family Service.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 160th Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 13 graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our community. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School consists of an extensive and demanding 24-week program. In addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits completed nine weeks of EMT training and eleven weeks of fire suppression training. Upon graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter I/II by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs. These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015. Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 160th Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 160th Recruit Class: Breckan D. Coleman Jose A. Cruz Morales Ryan P. Devine Jeffrey M. Early Robert V. Eickenhorst Kristin M. Irons Joshua R. May Xavier Pia Delgado De Molina Jake M. Rininger John-Scott Ruhren Joseph J. Tulko Ryan A. Wagner Jacob M. Wildesen Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I thank them for their service to their community and to all members of the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and Mr. Bost for their leadership and support in trying to fix a wrong. Mr. Bost, I think, perfectly described the intent of this bill and what the problem is, and I think Mr. Takano did a great job in helping us understand what pain is incurred when veterans in a fiduciary status experience fraud and cannot get reimbursed in a timely manner for their benefits. As both gentlemen indicated, we have examples of veterans who have died before this issue is adjudicated. That is wrong. No veteran and no family of a veteran should have to go through that once the determination has been made that fraud has occurred. More than 50 percent of the people in this fiduciary category are pensioners. As Mr. Takano said, this is among the most vulnerable population of veterans, so they are easy to defraud, easy to exploit and take advantage of, and the government must stand by those men and women who served in uniform, served bravely, and deserve the best treatment from their government, not negligent treatment. Today, this bill, H.R. 4016, the Veterans Fraud Reimbursement Act, grew out of actually an encounter I had with veterans in my district who were describing this very problem. We can't solve every problem, but this one we can. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for making this a bipartisan effort. I hope that it will pass with no opposition and clear the Senate so that we can start making sure that our veterans are kept whole.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Chair, I thank my friend and Mr. McCaul for their leadership. Madam Chair, today, with the vote on Ukraine security aid, we rededicate ourselves to who we are. We meet today under the white dome above us, a universal symbol of freedom and freedom-loving people everywhere. Today, we cannot disappoint those who seek what we have, freedom--the freedom to self-determine, the freedom to decide their sovereignty, their alliances, and their form of government. America has always stood for that. Will we retreat from that today? Do we understand the choices in front of us? They are clear. Some say that we have to deal with our border first. The Ukrainian-Russian border is our border. It is the border between depraved autocracy and freedom-loving people seeking our democratic way of life. Do we have a stake in that outcome? Yes. Undeniably, yes. Will we rise to the occasion? Will we stand shoulder to shoulder with our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who, for 1,151 days, have been holding off the depraved, thuggish dictator of Vladimir Putin, who has respected no norms of warfare? He has targeted children, hospitals, and schools. He has bombed apartment blocks, killing thousands. He has an advantage right now, because of our dithering, of 10-1 in terms of artillery shells, yet our brave Ukrainian brothers and sisters continue to fight. We must meet this test today. We must stand with Ukraine. ``Slava Ukraini.'' ``Glory to Ukraine.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this bill. Certainly, we can agree that federal agencies, like many large employers, need to reevaluate their office space requirements in response to more hybrid work options post-COVID. But this is not a new endeavor for the federal government. This is something the federal government was doing for more than a decade before the pandemic. When we passed the Telework Enhancement Act in 2009, federal telework participation was below 14 percent. By 2016, that number grew by more than 50 percent to 22 percent. During that intervening period, agencies created hoteling options, reevaluated office space needs, and even identified telework savings associated with reduced real estate requirements. So again, this is not new territory for the federal government. What is new is the mindless and punitive approach Republicans have started to take towards agency decisions about workplace environments. During the pandemic, Republicans on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, voted to require 100 percent of federal employees back into the office for full-time in-person work--a standard that did not exist even before the pandemic and one that envisions a 19th century workplace complete with hole-punched timecards. Concurrently, they opposed my legislation, the Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act, to implement common sense workplace public health standards to protect federal employees during COVID and any future public health emergencies. Their opposition is, as I said, mindless and punitive. With this bill, House Republicans are at it again. This bill would establish an arbitrary requirement for agencies to dispose of property and leases. It makes no accommodations for the workplace flexibility our federal agencies need, not just to compete for talent, but also to accommodate those with disabilities or military spouses whose employment would not be possible without hybrid or remote work. This bill demagogues the issue of hybrid work at a time when we should be taking meaningful action to help the federal workplace remain competitive and productive. I welcome the Administration's efforts to end pandemic era remote work postures while strengthening robust telework options for federal employees, which we helped create with the Telework Enhancement Act. There is a way forward that helps agencies adjust to post-pandemic workforce needs, but this bill is not the solution and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I was absent from the vote today due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 86.