Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Arts Council of Fairfax County and the recipients of its 2015 Arts Awards. These awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of artists and arts organizations, as well as individuals and businesses in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church, that support the arts in our community. Founded in 1964, the Arts Council of Fairfax County is a non-profit organization designated as Fairfax County's local arts agency. The Arts Council operates programs and initiatives that include grants, arts advocacy, education, and professional development opportunities for artists and arts organizations. In fiscal year 14, the Arts Council awarded more than $500,000 in County, public, and private funds through competitive grants and awards to arts organizations and individual artists. These grants helped to fund approximately 13,000 performances, which were attended by more than 1 million people. I also would like to express my appreciation to the Arts Council for its steadfast support of the 11th District Congressional Arts Competition, which has helped make it one of the largest and most successful in the country. The annual Arts Awards honor supporters of the arts in four categories: the Jinx Hazel Arts Award, the Arts Achievement Award, the Emerging Arts Award, and the Arts Philanthropy Award. It is my honor to submit the following names of the 2015 Arts Awards Recipients: The 2015 Jinx Hazel Arts Award will be presented to Earle C. Williams, the former president and chief executive officer of BDM International, for his outstanding leadership and advocacy in the arts and in the Campaign for Wolf Trap. The 2015 Arts Achievement Award will be presented to Rebecca Kamen, a contemporary visual artist, sculptor, and a pioneer of the STEAM effort to integrate Arts in the traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, or STEM fields, for her outstanding achievements bridging the arts and education with chemistry, neuroscience, and astrophysics. The 2015 Emerging Arts Award will be presented to the Vienna Jammers for providing exemplary outreach to area youth and participating in community building activities in the Town of Vienna and the Washington, D.C. area. The 2015 Arts Philanthropy Award will be presented to Richard Hausler, co-founder and CEO of Insight Property Group, for his vision, commitment, and leadership in establishing a new arts facility, the Workhouse Arts Center, in southern Fairfax County. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2015 Arts Awards and in recognizing and thanking the visionaries, leaders, and supporters who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John C. Harvey, Jr. and Department of Veterans Services Benefits Director Tom Herthel on the opening of the new Veterans Benefits office in Fairfax City. The 11th District of Virginia is home to almost 54,000 veterans. More than 70% are veterans of the wars in the Persian Gulf. The opening of this new center will ensure that they receive timely access to the benefits they have earned. The opening of this office is yet another step in addressing the needs of our veterans. While the statistics indicate that overall, veterans in the 11th District may be more economically or professionally secure, the dedicated men and women who have served our country in uniform are still plagued by the same issues that veterans around the country face including prolonged disability or appeal processing times, difficulty scheduling appointments with the VA medical centers, and delays in receiving Post 9-11 GI Bill educational benefits. We must do more to ensure that these issues and others are addressed and resolved. For our community, the statistics are encouraging. The percentage of unemployed veterans is 3.3%, two percentage points better than the national average. The percentage of veterans living below the poverty line is 2.2%, well below the national average of 12.5%. More than 60% of veterans in this district have a bachelor's degree or higher, almost twice the national average. These numbers speak to the character of these individuals and also to the network of support services that have emerged in the 11th District. We, as a community, are united in our efforts to provide any and all assistance and guidance needed. Mr. Speaker, providing care for our men and women in uniform after they return home from the battlefield is a sacred obligation. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and its dedicated staff on the opening of this new Veterans Benefits Office, and I offer my continued support and assistance to these ongoing efforts.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia. On July 3, 1902, the late William Chin donated a parcel of land for what would later become the site of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Initially, the site was used for the Agnewville Mission Sunday School. Under the leadership of Sister Florence Chin and Reverend Bras Clark, with the support of Neabsco and Ebenezer Baptist Churches, members of the community established a Sunday school class for the residents of Agnewville. It was not until years later when the members of the Agnewville Mission Sunday School founded Mount Olive Baptist Church. The cornerstone for the church was laid on October 15, 1915. Together, Brother George W. Ray, Brother William Chin, Brother George Thomas, and other men from the congregation built the original church edifice on Telegraph Road. Since the founding of Mount Olive Baptist Church, six pastors have graced the pulpit leading the congregation in worship, praise, and discipleship. It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the following names of each of the governing pastors of Mount Olive Baptist Church since the church's founding in 1915: Reverend William Davis, Reverend William Tyler, Reverend George W. Pratt, Reverend Edward W. Burrell, Reverend Frederick L. Ray. Most recently, Reverend Clyde W. Ellis, Jr. was called to the pulpit on March 3, 2011, to lead the congregation. Reverend Ellis, the spiritual son of Reverend Ray, became the sixth pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Under Reverend Ellis' leadership, Mount Olive has both literally and figuratively flourished beyond the walls of the sanctuary on Telegraph Road. With more than 400 members, Mount Olive's weekly worship is temporarily being held at Freedom High School on Neabsco Mills Road until the construction of the new edifice is complete. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Pastor Ellis has nurtured a thriving congregation that will no doubt continue to grow and fulfill Mount Olive's mission of worship and praise. I would like to wish Pastor Ellis and his congregation the very best as they celebrate their heritage and plan for a successful future.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2015 Honorees of the Fairfax County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The Fairfax Branch is recognized as the NAACP's first rural chapter. In 1915, a few brave African American citizens in Falls Church, Virginia, fought a proposed ordinance that would have segregated housing. They called themselves the Colored Citizens Protective League (CCPL) and the group evolved to become the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP. Since its inception, the NAACP has promoted equal rights and justice for all and has shown a spotlight on issues of great importance including civil rights, education, voting rights, desegregation, and prison reform. I have been honored to work with this organization and pledge my continued support of our shared goals. Each year, the Fairfax County NAACP honors several deserving individuals and organizations that have shown extraordinary support of the Branch or the community. I am honored to submit the names of the following award winners: President's Awardees: Cassie Marcotty, Abby Conde, Anna Rowan, Lidia Amanuel, and Marley Finley. These high school student leaders formed ``Students of Change,'' now known as CAALM (an acronym of their initials), to spearhead the initiative to rename JEB Stuart High School as Thurgood Marshall High and to remove all symbols and mascots that honor the Confederate Legacy. The President's Award will also be presented to Virginia House of Delegates member Scott A. Surovell of the 44th District, for his exceptional leadership and support to the communities of Hybla Valley and Gum Springs in southern Fairfax County. Community Service Awardees: Debbie Kilpatrick for her exceptional leadership, advocacy, and dedication as President of the Fairfax County Council of PTAs. Celeste Peterson for establishing the Erin Peterson Scholarship Fund and her devotion to the Young Men's Leadership Group at Westfield High School. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2015 honorees of the Fairfax County NAACP and in thanking them for their tremendous contributions to our youth and our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember an extraordinary advocate for individuals with disabilities, Mr. Tony Young. Tony dedicated his life to advocating on behalf of individuals with disabilities and more importantly--helping individuals with disabilities advocate on behalf of themselves. He was the founder and first executive director of the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia, a community resource and advocacy center run by and for persons with disabilities whose mission is to END dependence by empowering people with disabilities to live independently. Tony also served as a senior public policy analyst with United Cerebral Palsy, Inc. He worked as the director of Residential Services and Community Supports for the American Rehabilitation Association in Washington, D.C. and served as president of Open Access, a consulting firm focusing on the design, development, evaluation and analysis of policies, programs and services for persons with disabilities. For the past 16 years, Tony has held various positions at SourceAmerica where he led strategic and policy initiatives all with the singular goal of helping more individuals with disabilities to join the workforce. Tony was a positive force in the lives of thousands, if not millions, of people with disabilities across the nation through his advocacy and the positive changes he supported. Tony passed away earlier this week at his home in the 11th District of Virginia. Although he will be greatly missed, his legacy will endure through those he touched, those he helped, and the societal changes he championed.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Brahma Kumaris and Sister Jenna on the grand opening of the Meditation Museum II in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The Brahma Kumaris is a non-profit organization with over 9000 branches in 120 countries. Founded in Hyderabad, Sindh in 1936, the Brahma Kumaris seeks to help individuals re-discover and strengthen their spirituality through self-reflection, meditation, and participation in activities of social and humanitarian concerns. Sister Jenna began her spiritual journey with the Brahma Kumaris and is the founder and director of both the original Meditation Museum in Silver Spring, Maryland as well as this new location in Tysons Corner. Sister Jenna and several of her colleagues created the ``Pause for Peace'' campaign which has expanded into new programs including the Pause for Peace in the Classroom and Pause for Peace Spaces. Sister Jenna's commitment and influence have been recognized with numerous awards and proclamations including the President's Lifetime National Community Service Award, the Every Day Hero Award, and the Friendship Archway Award. The benefits of meditation are scientifically proven. According to Psychology Today, meditation has been shown to increase immune function, decrease depression and anxiety and even positively affect higher-order cognitive functions in the brain. Perhaps the most profound aspects of mediation are those that cannot be measured scientifically. Self-awareness, inner-peace and tranquility, becoming one with your surroundings and your faith, and true acceptance of and respect for all others regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or economic status are but a few immeasurable and invaluable benefits. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Sister Jenna and all who have worked to make the grand opening of the new Meditation Museum II a reality and in wishing them continued success.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the dedication of the ``Betty DeVane Covington Library'' at Dumfries Elementary School in Dumfries, Virginia. This year marks Mrs. Covington's 54th year in education and her 53rd year with the Prince William County Schools, having served as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and now School Board member. Mrs. Covington's tireless work has helped shape the minds and hearts of thousands of students, both young and old. Mrs. Covington's longevity in the community is noted by many firsts. She served as the principal of the Saunders Kindergarten Center, the first public kindergarten in Prince William County; in 1995, she became the first elected School Board member in Dumfries, now Potomac Magisterial District; and she received the inaugural Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington/Prince William-Manassas, Educator of the Year Award, which was later renamed in her honor. With a career dating back to 1961, Mrs. Covington has worked in numerous elementary schools within the county. Nine of her 11 years as a classroom teacher were spent at Dumfries Elementary School. Three years were spent as an assistant principal of Dale City Elementary School. During her tenure, the school participated in a pilot program for year-round education. From 1974 to 1976, Mrs. Covington served as principal of the Saunders Kindergarten Center. She ended her career after 19 years as principal of Kilby Elementary School. That same year, she was elected to the Prince William County School Board. Mrs. Covington served as the Dumfries School Board member for one year before returning to Dumfries Elementary School as the appointed principal for six years. Upon her final retirement from education administration in 2005, Mrs. Covington was again elected to the Prince William School Board to serve three consecutive terms. Over the course of her career, Mrs. Covington has been recognized for her commitment to educating the students of Prince William County. She has been nominated for The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award and Prince William County Principal of the Year. Her accolades also include receiving the Service Award from the School Board, Women of the Year from the Soroptimist Club, the Zontas Club, and Commission for Women, Minerva Award for Public Service by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Human Rights Award from the Prince William County Human Rights Commission, to name just a few. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Betty Covington for her unwavering dedication to serving the children of Prince William County, first in the classroom and more recently as a member of the School Board representing the Potomac Magisterial District. Mrs. Covington has been an integral and essential part of Prince William Public Schools through her commitment to public service for the betterment of our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Northern Virginia Community College. Over the past two decades, the National Capital Region, especially Northern Virginia, has experienced explosive growth, becoming one of the most economically vibrant and diverse regions in the country. Northern Virginia Community College has been a major contributing factor to this success. Established in 1964 under the name Northern Virginia Technical College, the school opened with 761 students in a single building in Bailey's Crossroads. Renamed in 1966, Northern Virginia Community College, known locally as NOVA, now serves more than 100,000 full and part-time students at six campuses and three satellite educational centers, and through online learning. NOVA graduates who receive passing grades in designated courses are guaranteed admission to more than 40 area four-year colleges and universities. An in-state student can save approximately $15,000, or 30% of tuition and fees, for a baccalaureate degree by attending NOVA for two years and then transferring to a public four-year institution. High school students can take advantage of this opportunity beginning at age 16. It is the largest public educational institution in Virginia and the second-largest community college in the United States. It is also one of the most internationally diverse colleges in the nation, with 20% of the student population consisting of individuals from more than 180 countries. Nearly 4,000 faculty and staff members serve the students and the broader community. Nearly 300,000 individuals attend community activities on NOVA campuses each year. NOVA offers a wide variety of programs that support academic achievement and personal growth, and that promote civic engagement, leadership development, community involvement, health & wellness, and culture. Dozens of student-led organizations enrich campus life and specialized populations such as the disabled or current and former members of the military receive services tailored to their unique circumstances. Our local economy and our nation's security have benefitted from NOVA's innovative workforce development programs and cybersecurity curricula. Employers can rely on new-hires with credentials from NOVA and can partner with NOVA to develop customized training solutions so that recent graduates or current employees possess cutting edge skills required to succeed in a dynamic economy. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated NOVA as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance, and representatives from the intelligence community routinely recruit graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity from NOVA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating NOVA on 50 years of delivering world-class post-secondary education and workforce development to ensure our region and the Commonwealth of Virginia continue to have such a highly-educated population and a globally competitive workforce. NOVA truly exemplifies the crucial role that publicly-supported higher education plays in our society. I look forward to seeing what NOVA will accomplish in the next 50 years.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. I thank my friend from Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise more in sadness than in anger. This debate has gone on long enough. Too many of our fellow Americans have been victimized by gun violence because we are enthralled by the gun lobby. Who do we serve in this body if it isn't the American people? It is the sacred responsibility of every Member of this body to protect that public, not a special interest lobby. Are we ever going to be willing to put aside what we perceive we owe that lobby and act on behalf of the American people? If we can't do it in this example--preventing guns from getting in the hands of people on a terrorist watch list--I would venture to guess, Mr. Speaker, that the American people who are watching this debate think it is made up, that it can't be true, that it can't be true that somebody on the terrorist watch list qualifies and is going to be protected by this body to exercise his Second Amendment right and buy a gun. Surely that cannot be true. I hope we examine our hearts as well as our minds in this discussion and come to our senses and do something vitally important for the American people.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bonnie Carroll on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her life- long public service and dedication to veterans and their families. Bonnie is the Founder and President of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). TAPS was founded in 1994 as the nation's first national support network for the families of fallen service members. Since then, TAPS has supported over 50,000 surviving family members, casualty officers, and caregivers. When President Obama said, of all of the November 24 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, that ``these men and women have enriched our lives and helped define our shared experience as Americans,'' he was referring in part to the 50,000 lives of surviving military family members that have been touched by Bonnie's work. TAPS has affected lives through a myriad of undertakings: a 24/7 helpline for those grieving the loss of a loved one, peer-based and community-oriented emotional support, casework assistance, informational resources, and the annual Good Grief Camp for young people. All of this work is offered at no cost for survivors. In addition to her service at the helm for TAPS, Bonnie is a retired Major in the Air Force Reserve and currently serves on the Defense Health Board and the Board of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. She also co-chaired the Department of Defense Task Force on the Prevention of Suicide in the Armed Forces. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Bonnie Carroll for the work she has done on behalf of veterans and their families. Her record of service is truly deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her work serves as a reminder of our sacred compact with those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to this nation and their families.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend Gerry Hyland, Mount Vernon District Supervisor on the occasion of his retirement from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors following 28 years of faithful service. Gerry was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1987, serving as Chairman of the Fire Commission and co-chair of the Community Revitalization and Reinvestment Committee. He also served as a member of the Budget Policy, Development Process, Environmental, Housing and Community Development, Human Services, Information Technology, Personnel and Reorganization, and Transportation Committees. Yet serving on the Board of Supervisors was just one part of Gerry's commitment and service to our community. Prior to being elected to that position, he also served on the Board of Zoning Appeals and as both President and Member of the Board of United Community Ministries and the Fairfax Human Rights Commission. Gerry's commitment to service has extended across regional boundaries. He served on the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments, the Virginia Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties, as past chairman of the Virginia Railway Express, and as a past board member of both the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. Gerry was also appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve on several boards and commissions including the Virginia History Initiative, the Commission on Population, Growth and Development, and the Local Government Advisory Committee for the Chesapeake Bay over the course of his career. In addition to his numerous contributions at the civilian level, Gerry served 30 years in the United States Air Force, 6 years active duty (4 of which were spent overseas) and 23 years in the Reserves. He retired at the rank of Colonel while serving as a White House Liaison. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award for Outstanding Leadership to the Washington Metropolitan Area from the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments, Cooperator of the Year Award from the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, the Dedicated Support Award from the Medical Care for Children Partnership, and the Gold Medal for Lifesaving from the Grande Prix Humanitaire de France. These awards and accolades are testimony to Gerry's quality as a leader and the determination with which he approached his work. One need look no further than his own Mount Vernon district for evidence of this. Whether it was shepherding the community through the BRAC process and helping to manage the enormous growth at Fort Belvoir, to the establishment of the Richmond Highway Express Bus Route, the creation of the South County Government Center, advocating for the construction of a new high school and middle school to serve the growing population, the preservation of Inova's Mount Vernon facilities or the securing of affordable housing for seniors at Gum Springs, you could always count on Gerry Hyland being knowledgeable and fully engaged with every situation that was brought to him. Gerry truly cares about his constituents and has dedicated every minute of his time in office to improving their lives and our South County community. I will always remember the grace with which he approached his work. Even in the face of unimaginable tragedy brought by the death of his wife, he continued to put the needs of others before his own. When we served together on the Board of Supervisors, he would routinely bring fresh produce from his farm on the Eastern Shore to share with us, a tradition that continues to this day. Just when you didn't think it was possible for one man to give any more, Gerry would prove you wrong. Mr. Speaker, Gerry Hyland has been a fixture of the community in Fairfax County for more than 35 years. While he may be officially retiring from the Board of Supervisors, I suspect that he will remain an active advocate for the causes that are dear to him. I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating him on his retirement, in thanking him for his immeasurable dedication and commitment to our community, and in wishing him all the best for continued health and success.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I thank my dear friend from New York, the distinguished ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, for his great leadership and for always being supportive of all of our work. I also want to thank my dear friend from Texas, Ted Poe. He has been a wonderful partner and initiator of reform and of thoughtful legislation on our committee. It has been my privilege to cosponsor a lot of legislation with Mr. Poe to try to make things better. Today, I rise in support of another such example, the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015. Madam Speaker, this bill is a project I have worked on with Judge Poe for a number of years now. In the 112th Congress, a previous iteration of the bill passed this body by a unanimous vote. We hope for a similar outcome in this Congress and for quick Senate consideration and passage. The bill directs the President to establish monitoring and evaluation guidelines for the 22 Federal agencies that are charged with implementing some piece of development and economic assistance. The guidelines will require M&E plans as part of the project development process, and agencies will be encouraged to incorporate the findings of evaluations and impact studies into subsequent foreign assistance programs. This feedback loop will include measurable goals, performance metrics, and a clearinghouse for lessons learned on U.S.- led aid projects, something long overdue after 60-plus years of foreign aid. Additionally, the legislation requires that the documents and reports created under this M&E regime be made available to the public on foreignassistance.gov. This administration has developed an encouraging record on foreign aid transparency. The Foreign Assistance Dashboard, which was created in 2010, is a great example of demonstrating a promising inclination toward disclosure that we hope to enshrine in this law. This measure will strengthen and codify those transparency best practices to ensure that they exist as agency policy under future administrations that might not be as accommodating of the aid community's demand for this information. Aid programs that are held accountable for their performance and results can be made more effective, and their impact on communities and countries abroad can be more easily demonstrated. Perhaps, with more information, we can dispel the commonly held belief that 26 percent of our budget goes to foreign aid, when, as my friend Judge Poe pointed out, it is actually less than 1 percent. The U.S. foreign assistance operation does not lack passion. The men and women who put themselves in harm's way overseas and who take their families to remote areas of the world, often dangerous, in the interest of helping vulnerable populations, are certainly not seeking fame, glory, or fortune. They do it because they can envision a path to prosperity in even the most poverty-stricken areas of the world, and they see the promise of democracy in the face of the most repressive and authoritarian regimes. While our passion is well-defined, our mission and metrics are not. Regarding our mission, I was a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee the last time Congress actually passed a foreign aid authorization bill in 1986. The original Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, which Judge Poe cited, listed five principal goals for foreign aid. Today, we have more than 260. Some are competing and some are redundant. What is our core mission today? Until January 2014, USAID's mission statement read as follows: ``USAID accelerates human progress in developing countries by reducing poverty, advancing democracy, building market economies, promoting security, responding to crises, and improving quality of life. Working with governments, institutions, and civil society, we assist individuals to build their own futures by mobilizing the full range of America's public and private resources through our expert presence overseas.'' That is not a clear mission statement. I am hopeful this bill will help us focus on the foreign assistance operations. While I think we have some distance to travel in streamlining the legislative construct for foreign assistance and clearly articulating our mission, we have an opportunity today to make immense progress toward establishing badly needed metrics for aid programs with the passage of this bill. It is time to apply a data-driven approach to constructing an assistance operation that has the support of both this Congress and of a well-informed public. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Again, I particularly thank my friend, Judge Poe, for his leadership, for his initiative, and for his vision with respect to this subject. I know it is going to actually make U.S. foreign assistance investments in the future a lot more effective and a lot more accountable.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Again, I want to thank my friend, Mrs. Bustos, for her leadership on this very important issue. I, also, in closing, just want to say to my friend from South Carolina, part of improper payments is also fraud, and the biggest chunk of that is Medicare fraud. We need the help of U.S. Attorney's Offices to go after that. I am aware of one U.S. Attorney's Office last year that identified and recovered $3 billion of Medicare fraud. Now, I believe there are 99 U.S. Attorney's Offices in the United States. If every one of them made going after this fraud a priority, I assure you, we could significantly reduce improper payments by a commensurate amount. I would be glad to work with him and my friend, Mrs. Bustos, on a bipartisan basis to address that aspect of it as well. Again, I want to thank Mr. Mulvaney for his leadership and for the bipartisan approach we have approached this legislation. We have no more speakers on our side, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Federal Improper Payments Coordination Act before the House this afternoon. I am pleased to join my friend from South Carolina (Mr. Mulvaney) in sponsoring the House companion of this bipartisan legislation. He has already mentioned the cosponsors, Cheri Bustos, Buddy Carter, and Lynn Westmoreland among them. I also want to thank our Senate partners for their work on this important initiative. I want to assure my friend, Mr. Mulvaney, we are going to be marking up a companion bill to this tomorrow in our committee, and hopefully we will send it over to the Senate with a House number on it. Fair is fair. This is the latest in a series of commonsense, good-government laws we have enacted over the last decade as we work to reduce, if not outright eliminate, billions of taxpayer dollars in improper payments made by Federal agencies. The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Mulvaney) pointed out just how large a number this is: $125 billion a year. Now, over a decade, that is $1.25 trillion. That exceeds all of sequestration. We wouldn't have to make any cuts to investments or raise any taxes to deal with sequestration if we just dealt with this. With the GAO reporting nearly $125 billion of improper payments, it is clear that more can and must be done to deal with government waste and fraud. Today's legislation would expand the use, as Mr. Mulvaney indicated, of the Do Not Pay Initiative to the legislative and judicial branches and to our State partners. That initiative was the result of the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012, which was also a product of our committee, and I was pleased to cosponsor it at that time. The Do Not Pay Initiative was launched by Treasury and leverages multiple data sources--many of which were formerly siloed--to create a central, comprehensive list that Federal agencies can quickly reference to determine whether an individual or organization is, in fact, eligible to receive a Federal grant, benefit, or contract; and it also allows them to verify such payments after the fact. For example, this initiative has prompted agencies to better share the reporting of death information to help reduce Federal payments to those, obviously, we have lost or for those who have had their identities stolen. Today's legislation would require the Departments of Defense and State to report information on deaths that occur overseas more quickly so that the agencies can better detect fraudulent payments or recoup improper payments if necessary. Just last week, Mr. Speaker, the Office of Management and Budget delivered its first report to Congress on the Do Not Pay Initiative, which it says resulted in more than $2 billion in stopped payments-- that is to say, savings for the U.S. taxpayer. Obviously, we can, with this bill, increase that number even more. Based on that early success, it makes good sense for us to expand the use of this valuable tool to the legislative and judicial branches, as well as our State partners, so they have the ability to quickly verify payments or the eligibility of recipients to receive such payments. This commonsense proposal was a welcomed suggestion from the GAO in its latest report on improper payments. I would also add that the Oversight and Government Reform Committee will continue this work, as I indicated, with a markup tomorrow. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank my colleague, Mr. Mulvaney, for his leadership on this matter, and I urge our colleagues to support this important reform to our government in making it more efficient and accountable to the taxpayer. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Bustos), my good friend and the cosponsor of this legislation.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember and honor a dear friend and colleague, George Burke. Full of passion and energy, he dedicated his life to fighting for our progressive Democratic values. A trusted, wise and gifted political mind, George's vision and leadership helped build and grow our Democratic Party of Virginia. A man of many talents, he was an accomplished journalist, photographer, congressional staffer, senior labor leader with the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Chair of the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee, and my trusted confidant and Communications Director. A constituent and friend of both George and mine, Mike Burke Kirby, recently endeavored to interview many of those who knew George and capture what George meant to so many. I submit Mr. Kirby's eloquent tribute to George. For more than 30 years I have been fortunate to call George my close friend. We will all miss his stories, his unwavering optimistic approach to life, and his love for his friends and family. His loss will leave a great void in all our lives and I will miss him dearly. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering George Burke. George Burke [1951-2015] (By Mike Burke Kirby, Former Chair Fairfax County Democratic Committee) With all of his spirit, I thought George Burke was going to keep beating cancer for another ten years. He certainly had ten more years of wisdom and advice, laughter and courage for all of us. After centuries of subjugation on their own island, many Irish Americans were conditioned to thrive in politics in this huge nation of democracy. Fighting for their own freedom here, and for the rights of other minorities and women. Those include Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran. George has been a hero in many of those fights. George was a ``Connector,'' like Paul Revere. Many people rode from Boston to tell people that the British were sending troops west from the city. For weeks, panicky calls were made. Finally, they only listened to Paul Revere because everyone knew and trusted him. George knew 50 times as many people as you and!. They all thought George was one of the best people they ever met. George never seemed to parse the issue differences among Democrats. He simply thought that any Democrat was more of a democrat than any Republican He fought to make sure the nominating processes were fair. With a nominee, he put his shoulder to the wheel. The print and broadcast media industries declined early in the 21st Century. When George got young people, journalists, press staff and politicians, into the ``Burke Zone,'' he mentored them into the integrity and responsibility, the professionalism and punctuality from that loss. George's effect on Hill staffers was evident the week after his death--with a hundred young faces gathered outside of Rayburn Building for a memorial. For those who lived through the 1960s, the memory of Civil Rights, the Viet Nam War, the draft, the Kennedy and King Assassinations, the demonstrations, the politics and music can all come through with just a few words, which mean little to later generations. Many of us shared that with George, especially Gerry Connolly who was with him daily for many years. George often bragged about his independent ways, including his own travel routes. In the Snowmagedon, George left the office well after Gerry and James. Six hours after they left DC, the two were only at Bailey's Crossroads, and on a radio station by phone. George called to say ``hi.'' He had been home already, far beyond Bailey's, had a coffee from Starbucks and was on his way back to Sears to buy a washing machine on sale. Gerry asked where he was; actually George could see them from his inbound car across the street. After a broken neck George's hearing suffered enough that he couldn't pick up the vibrator on his phone. So, he never turned off the sound. In a medium sized event with President Obama, George's phone went off. With everybody looking, he answered it. It was Rachel. An ``8 X 10 Glossy'' Penny called him, with vast brain power, a pure political analyst and tactician. A total friend who always remained common, who persevered with a lot more than grace through four bouts with cancer. He attended all of her weekly campaign staff meetings until he went into the hospital for the last time. George held court at the Mason District Crab Feast. The next day, he showed up again to help dismantle the ``God awful tent.'' Even with the broken neck he still came to sit under the porch and spin tales. Rachel pestered him early to write the Mason Precinct Letter. George waited until the issues were ripe. Letters almost always perfect. Mark Levine got George into Public Access TV, where he covered local politics. The stage may have been small; but George covered it like Dan Rather. He was proud of a large new set, and was completely unfazed when the lighting panel dropped and other parts of the set disintegrated, George's last student, Jake, was grateful for the little time he was able to spend with George. No conversation, no detail, and definitely no person was too big for George--it all mattered to him. Over their 20 to 30 to 90 to 180 minute phone conversations, everything mattered Every question deserves a well thought out response, every roadblock mandates a thoroughly strategized plan to go around it. George's main lesson, looking back on it, was to ``pay attention'' and not to let any opportunity, no matter how small, be wasted. George hosted the debate among the seven Democratic candidates for the 8th Congressional District nomination in 2014. On the race, he gave political advice to all of them. George spent 16 years as head of Communications at the International Association of Fire Fighters, a job he loved and talked about all the time. Even after he left the IAFF, at every big political dinner, no matter what other hat he was wearing, he always sat at the Fire Fighters table. He served with the Fire Fighters through September 11. In Fairfax County, the Fire Fighters called George a mastermind. After years of failing to get a federal grant for the Safety for an Adequate Fire Emergency Response, George and Gerry Connolly stepped in. They now have a grant for millions of dollars that gives the County 49 additional staff on ladder trucks. George took care of any issue, knew how the legislatures work and could always find a way to fix any problem. John Niemiec, said as a friend, George even helped people get recommendations. Dan Duncan was Communications Director for the Seafarers Union, while George was president of the International Labor Communications Association. George worked hard to get labor press respected both within the union movement and among the general media. They were all propagandists of one kind or another because, if they didn't promote their members, they certainly could not expect any one else to do so. George understood that and worked hard to transition labor media from membership newspapers and magazines to the emerging world of what would become social media. Dan Duncan knew George when he was on the 11th District Democratic Committee, which George chaired. When Dan presided at the NoVA Labor Federation, George knew the numbers and he knew the people. He worked hard for consensus, but allowed those with opposing views about candidates and/or issues to get their points across without folks becoming alarmed or challenged. Long discussions with Cathy Hoffman, a boss at Liberty Mountain Resort in near Gettysburg, of the triumphs and challenges of their teenage kids. Many stories of George, the very patient instructor of the most timid skiers. Many ski instructors are prima donnas, but not George. George's name is still on the instructor schedule at Liberty for this winter They can't seem to take it off. Kelly Kurtyka also instructed at Liberty. She tried her son, Spenser, at skiing at the age of three. His response of ``It's really cold, Mommy'' devastated her. The next year, Cathy put Spencer with George Burke. ``Mr. George'' worked on his own time and waved his magic wands, and Spencer joined his family as a great skier. George brought him stuff from skiing in Switzerland, and Spencer drew pictures of him in school. After George travelled across the U.S., he met Sharon the Nurse, who, ``took him into the woods.'' Great couple for hiking, kayaking, camping in New England. Not many spouses are blessed with a partner who loves the outdoors so. That worked really well for Sharon and George for 45 years. With different knee and ankle strengths, Sharon lost her downhill ability, but cross country skied a lot. George was better at downhill and loved it, and taught it. Still, he often cross country skied with Sharon. None of us can quite remember what George was like before he had two cell phones, on in any environment. With the blue tooth in his ear in New England, a little kid walking down the beach noticed that his arm was raised: George's hand with the phone in it, way up to get better reception. An hour later the kid came back and noticed that George's arm was still in the air. George and Sharon were a team, and you could see that whenever and wherever they were together, more often at Labor events than political ones. While folks in local politics never knew where he got the time, George was a five star dad. He changed the diapers. Mom nursed on the weekends and dad was full time. Skiing of course, but also an indulgence in swimming, crew, marching band at Jeb Stuart. The Burke kids loved the outdoors with their parents. None of George's kids got the political infection. But they did get his love of music: the Allman Brothers, Eric Clapton, B.B. King. They still mostly do the music. The youngest however follows more rap and ski boarding. Family holidays were always a very big event with them. Sharon will especially miss the big holiday related events. In the spring, Sharon will take Georges' ashes on a two hour hike to his favorite ravine in New England. When you get the vocation for public service, it can be joyful and rewarding. But you will miss a lot, mostly your wife and kids; and they'll miss you. This is a great country for public service: on the Hill, for the union, and in state and local politics. For almost 250 years, this nation has followed the path to ever more democracy. Rarely as good as spending all your time with your family, and certainly better than leaving your family a fortune, you can leave them a better country to live in. George Burke very much did that. After he last got out of the hospital, George wanted a party, sort of an early Irish Wake. Some said he wanted his kids to know what he did; some that he wanted to critique whatever we all said. His editing eyes are very much on my shoulder. We will still have George's party, maybe in January. Lots more of the best we know of him and very little of grief. Do you know many people who had such a good run? Whenever I needed advice or had a question for 30+ years, every voice mail or e-mail got an immediate answer. Nobody else ever does that. In writing this, I spoke to more than 30 people. Not all were included specifically here; but they brought a flood of great adjectives. Everyone said ``true friend.'' The list of candidates and campaigners who got great advice from George would take many pages. If you are reading this, you are probably one of them. Whatever you think about after death, the memory of George is softly etched in all of our hearts. He will continue to live in each of us as we remember him almost every day. Susie Warner with photo of smiling, skiing George on mountain in the west: ``I love to remember George like this.''

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear friend from New York, who is the cochair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition and does such a superlative job. I rise to support him in opposing this legislative effort which argues overreach, but what it is really all about is making sure that the government does not protect the public, that we live in a Darwinian world where you apparently take your chances, whether it is asthma, other respiratory illnesses, cancer, and all kinds of other ailments that can affect communities that suffer from this pollution. We, as a country, can do better. We can create jobs, not lose them. The arguments on the other side have always been that the Clean Air Act costs jobs and raises costs, neither of which are true. We have gotten lots of experience since 1970 with the Clean Air Act. I can tell you that, in my home State of Virginia, electric costs came down. They didn't go up. Jobs got created, not lost. I end, Mr. Speaker, by reminding us of what His Holiness Pope Francis has argued. When Pope Francis came to the White House, before he spoke to this body, he personally thanked the President for these rules in protecting clean air. His first encyclical is on climate change, which he believes is one of the most important and imperative moral issues facing mankind today. That is what the Pope has to say about this subject. We ought to heed his words and his moral warning as we debate this subject. Mr. Speaker, I oppose the legislation and support the amendments with respect to the Clean Air Act.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. I thank my friend. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee to condemn the November 13 attacks in Paris. This is a time of mourning for many families who have lost their loved ones. Let's pause for a moment to reflect on the lives that were cut short and honor their memory with a solemn promise to bring to justice those responsible for this senseless violence. The violent extremists who carried out those attacks have wounded a great nation and an ally of the United States. From the American Revolution to the liberation of Paris, our two countries have established a special bond forged in the darkest hours of our shared history. The full measure of our creation is, in part, owed to the people of France, and we must come to their aid in this difficult time. In doing so, we must act not out of fear, but out of confidence: confident that we have the means to maintain the safety and security of free societies in which we live, and confident that those societies are worth preserving. It is in this manner that a liberated Paris will endure. I support this legislation.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. I thank my friend from New York for his leadership. I also thank Mr. Chris Smith of New Jersey, of course, for his leadership, and that of the taskforce. Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism and the safety of Jewish communities in Europe are issues with overwhelmingly powerful historical context. The Continent has more than intimate knowledge of the devastation wrought by the purveyors of anti-Semitism. When we say ``never again,'' our threshold for action shouldn't be the impending threat of violence, let alone genocide. Instead, we must marshal the will and resources to stamp out even the conditions or precursors to an environment that allows for such anti-Semitism to flourish. In fact, when we face anti-Semitism today, whether it be here, in Europe, or in any part of the world, we ought to say to those purveyors, ``We are all Jews.'' That is the protection we ought to seek. The proactive measures and collaboration encouraged by this resolution are in keeping with what should be our highest standard for vigilance with respect to anti-Semitism. ``Never again'' isn't about words. It is a pledge that is sacred and must be kept.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan budget agreement that will come before us here in the House soon. It restores critical funding for our Nation's defense and domestic priorities in a balanced fashion, sparing us from the mindless meat-ax cuts of sequestration. Under previous Republican budget proposals, spending on domestic programs would have fallen to its lowest level in 50 years. It is the threat of uncertainty, of those indiscriminate cuts, that has held back our economy. This agreement also pulls us back from the brink of defaulting on our Nation's credit. Although I am astounded at how some of our colleagues continue to advocate for such a catastrophe, it would send a shock wave through the global economy. We avert that in this agreement. Mr. Speaker, governing is about the art of compromise. Today's agreement, not perfect, represents that principle. I hope your successor and, frankly, more of the Members on your side of the aisle, will embrace that spirit moving forward in this Congress so, once again, we can start delivering for the American people.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I have to speak fast. The Export-Import Bank is good for America, and the arguments against it, in my opinion, are un-American. This is the perfect Republican dream. It reduces the deficit. It adds to the Treasury. It creates jobs. It costs taxpayers nothing. It is unilateral disarmament to not recharge and reauthorize the Export- Import Bank. I support the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of reauthorizing the Export- Import Bank of the United States. In the darkest corner of the anti-empiricist wing of this Congress lies the plan to kill the Export-Import Bank. Opponents of the Bank do not care that it supports small businesses and creates jobs. Last year, nearly 90% of the Bank's loans benefited small businesses, and those loans supported more than 164,000 jobs. Opponents are loath to admit that it reduces the federal budget deficit. Ex-Im returned $675 million to the Treasury last year and more than $1 billion in each of the previous two years. Opponents disregard the Bank's support for American exports. Every other industrialized nation has an export-import bank, and this unilateral disarmament would cede American competitiveness. I ask that my colleagues reject this blind pursuit of ideological purity, and reauthorize the Export-Import Bank.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from New York and, of course, the distinguished chairman of the committee. I rise in support of H. Res. 348. The people of Ukraine have the right to hold free and fair elections within the sovereign territory of their own country. The ruthless tyranny of Russian military aggression in Ukraine must end, and we must never agree to a settlement that even hints to President Vladimir Putin that the borders of Europe are up for sale. The resolution notes: the forcible and illegal occupation of Crimea. The United States must make it clear in both our words and our deeds that Crimea is within the sovereign territory of Ukraine, and we will not recognize its forcible and illegal annexation by Russia--ever. This resolution is clear on that account, and I thank the author, Mr. Cicilline, for it. The Senate and House of Representatives recently passed the fiscal year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act conference report. That text included an amendment I authored to prohibit the authorization of funds to be obligated or expended in order to implement any activity that could be construed as recognizing the sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Ukraine's Crimea. Crimea is not an issue we can allow to fade into the background--ever. As the resolution notes in just its second clause, this was Putin's original sin in Ukraine. If we are to deter, Mr. Speaker, further Russian separatist and revanchist moves in eastern Ukraine, we must never yield on Crimea.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, as the co-chair of the Korea Caucus here in Congress, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I extend my warm greetings to President Park on her second official visit to the United States. The U.S. and the Republic of Korea share deep ties, an alliance forged in blood and sweat and toil. Out of the Korean war emerged one of the great miracles of economic development the world has ever seen, the Republic of Korea. The ROK has emerged as an economic juggernaut with a vibrant democracy and a strong alliance with us, the United States. During the President's visit, I think she will be glad also to find that those ties are familial. We have a deep and vibrant community, Korean American community here in the United States, including right here in the national capital region and in my district in northern Virginia. Alliances are often defined by military or economic ties. Our ties go even deeper. Those family ties are what connect us with the Republic of Korea and the Congressional Caucus. I wish the President well, look forward to a successful trip, and look forward to continuing to work with her and her government as the co-chairman of the Korea Caucus.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from New York (Mr. Engel) for his leadership on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This bill prohibits any waivers, reductions, or other relief from U.S. sanctions on Iran until Iran pays all court-ordered damage claims to U.S. victims. Those claims total about $46 billion. This bill would prevent the U.S. from implementing its commitments under the Iran deal, which is really what my friends on the other side are trying to do. Not being able to win directly, let's get at it indirectly and let's cover it with the patina of respectability. But the real issue is, cynically, how we use the plight of U.S. victims for another partisan shot. We all want to help American victims of Iran's terrorism and lack of justice, but this is not the way to help them. It would have the opposite effect by reducing the chance that any claims, in fact, would be paid because, by freezing assets, Iran wouldn't have the wherewithal to do what this bill says it should do before sanctions are lifted. Think about this: Iran owes $46 billion in U.S. claims, but it doesn't have the money right now, even if it wanted to pay. Iran only has access to about $20 billion of its own reserves. Realistically, the only funds that could be used are the frozen funds under U.S. sanctions held in banks around the world. Under this bill, the frozen funds couldn't be used to pay the claims, and all the money remains frozen until Iran pays the claims. It is a catch-22 if there ever was one. It couldn't sell any oil to use to free up cash because those funds, too, would be frozen. Another clue about what is really behind this bill is that all of the 76 sponsors are my friends on the other side of the aisle, not a single Democrat. Regardless of one's position on the Iran deal, a deal I probably supported because it keeps Iran from becoming a nuclear state, opposing this cynical bill is, in fact, the right vote if you care about the victims of Iranian injustice and terrorism.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. Located in the heart of Fairfax County and the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, the Dunn Loring Woods neighborhood consists of approximately 550 homes situated on about 300 acres. By the summer of 1964, construction of the homes was complete. The next spring, residents formed the Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association (DLWCA) to enable the community to speak with one voice on local issues and seek improvements in the neighborhood. DLWCA also operates an active Neighborhood Watch program which helps to ensure the area remains safe and that neighbors stay connected. Neighbors can communicate with each other through DLWCA's website, blog, and social media platforms. Dunn Loring Woods is known as an exceptionally warm, friendly, and welcoming neighborhood. Many of the original owners still reside there, and those who have moved often return to attend community events such as block parties. Residents tell stories of young residents helping their elderly neighbors, and civic association meetings that more closely resemble friends stopping in to chat. Each year, the DLWCA presents the Edward P. Day Citizenship Award to an individual in recognition of his or her service to Dunn Loring Woods and the surrounding community. I am pleased to congratulate Joe Murphy for receiving this honor for 2015. Joe is an original owner and for 38 years spearheaded the Syracuse Circle block party. While several blocks or cul-de-sacs have their own long standing traditions, nothing compared to the parties that Joe threw. Joe's enthusiasm, energy, and creativity epitomize the personality of Dunn Loring Woods. Always looking to the future, 5 years ago the DLWCA established a scholarship program. This program provides a $500 scholarship to a local high school senior who has demonstrated good citizenship and commitment to the community. I congratulate Emily Reinhart, a senior at Marshall High School, for being the winner of the 2015 scholarship. Emily is a scholar-athlete, has earned the Girl Scout Silver Award, is a member of the National Art Honor Society, and is active in Stop Hunger Now, which packages meals to be sent to more than 63 countries. 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 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 Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association on its 50th 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 and commend my former colleague Michael R. Frey on the occasion of his retirement after a distinguished 38-year career in public service, culminating in his six terms representing the residents of the Sully District on the Fairfax County, Va., Board of Supervisors. Michael has represented the Sully District in western Fairfax since it was created following the 1990 census. Prior to seeking elected office, he served 14 years as a staff member to former Springfield District Supervisor and Chairman Jack Herrity and former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell. The Sully District was carved largely out of the Springfield District, so Michael was intimately familiar with the community. I had the great pleasure of serving with him during my 14 years on the Board, first representing the Providence District and then as Chairman. Fairfax County is the largest local jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the National Capital Region, and Michael had a front- row seat for much of that growth, particularly in the western part of the county, where the once sleepy rural community has become the largest magisterial district in the County. As a testament to his skill in working with those growing communities and managing the growth in Sully, Michael has chaired the Board's Development Process Committee since 1992. In a career spanning four decades, Michael's accomplishments are many, but let me cite just a few to convey the magnitude of the imprint he will leave on the community and our county. Michael and I both share a passion for history, and the Sully District is a historically-rich community. It is home to several landmarks, including the Centreville Historic District and Park, which Michael helped to initiate and expand. The park contains remnants of one of the first fortifications constructed by the Confederate Army during the Civil War and was actually occupied by both sides during the conflict. He was instrumental in preserving historic Mount Gilead and the Sears House as well. Michael was active in the effort to launch Centreville Days, an annual community festival that attracts families from throughout the region. He championed the expansion of public facilities into western Fairfax, from new schools and libraries to parks and recreation centers to meet the explosive growth and demand from new residents. Of course, he was intimately involved in the project to construct the Sully District Police Station, in which his office is now located. I know I and the community will never forget the leadership and compassion Michael displayed following the May 8, 2006, tragic shooting outside the station in which two officers were killed. For those who don't know him, Michael has been a lifelong sports fan. He has coached youth baseball and basketball for multiple community sports leagues, and we worked together during my tenure on the board to convert playing fields to synthetic turf in Fairfax to expand such opportunities for our youth. Michael was active in the bid to lure a Major League Baseball team to Northern Virginia. He served on, and at one time chaired, the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority. As we all know, the team ultimately relocated into Washington, D.C., but the efforts of Michael and the Authority were instrumental in baseball's return to the National Capital Region. Of course, I cannot mention Michael without bringing up his steady canine companions. Since I've known him, Michael has owned a series of German shepherd rescue dogs--first Mosby, then Marley, and now Boomer-- that have been a fixture by his side at community events and in his office. They made frequent appearances at Board meetings and retreats. Our love of animals is another shared bond, and I was pleased to work with Michael on various efforts to support the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and the construction of its new headquarters. During his tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Michael has represented Fairfax on a number of regional organizations, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's Transportation Planning Board and the Environmental Quality Advisory Committee. He has served on the Inova Health Care Services Board. In addition, Michael has represented Fairfax as part of regional or statewide delegations traveling overseas. In fact, I had the pleasure of traveling with Michael to Israel as part of a trip hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council, in which we visited the Dead Sea. Wanting to have the full experience, we thought we'd partake in a mud bath, which we were assured held healing powers. Well, there's a very unfortunate picture of the two of us that will never see the light of day under a ``mutual self-destruction pact'' we've made and continue to honor, and I will remind Michael that our agreement endures past his life in elected office. Mr. Speaker, Michael Frey's commitment to our community and the mission of local government is unparalleled. He leaves behind a legacy that will enrich our community for generations to come. His career in public service is truly commendable and deserving of our heartfelt gratitude. When I was Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Michael often heard me joke at retirement announcements that we should not allow retirement for such talented and dedicated public servants. I know the residents of the Sully District certainly wish that was the case here. I join the community in wishing Michael the best of luck in his retirement, and Task my colleagues in the House to join me in expressing our appreciation for his commitment and service to not just the Sully District but all of Fairfax County.