Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my friend from Michigan, and I take his word seriously. I think it is good counsel for both sides. Let's wait and see what the fine print has to say before we draw our lines in support or opposition. I take those words to heart. I must say, I echo the words of Chairman Ryan. We are here today not under some cynical ploy to use the Africa bill to pass Trade Adjustment Assistance, rather, we are here to save Trade Adjustment Assistance because some decided it was worth sacrificing to get at Trade Promotion Authority. That was their political judgment, and they are entitled to it. But they are not entitled to then accuse those of us trying to save that program of cynicism. That is the least thing happening today. We are all about trying to keep workers who might be displaced, who will be displaced from globalization and, yes, maybe trade, get some training, get some help. That is what this program has done. It is a democratic program, and Chairman Ryan and Speaker Boehner have kept their word. That is what today's vote is also about: redeeming a pledge made to us that we would have a second bite at this apple. And thank God we do, because American workers are going to benefit from it.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I and many business leaders are having trouble fathoming this foolhardy decision by House Republicans to allow the Export-Import Bank to expire. I thought my Republican colleagues wanted to support small businesses and create jobs. Well, last year, the Bank helped 121 Virginia businesses, and thousands more nationwide, reach new global markets with their American-made products and services. Nearly 90% of its loans benefit small businesses, and those loans supported 164,000 jobs, most of which had higher-than-average wages. I also thought my Republican colleagues wanted to help reduce the deficit. The Bank returned $675 million to the Treasury last year and more than $1 billion in each of the previous two years. By allowing the Bank to expire, House Republicans are casting aside a program that has consistently created jobs, strengthened small businesses, and helped reduce the deficit. Every other industrialized nation has an export-import bank, and this unilateral disarmament cedes American competitiveness. Mr. Speaker, there is a bipartisan majority that supports the Ex-Im Bank. I urge you to bring up a clean extension and let the House work its will.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. I thank my good friend Eliot Engel from New York, the distinguished ranking member of the full committee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and I thank my friend Ed Royce, the chairman of the full committee. They are both distinguished men, and I echo their sentiments. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in reluctant opposition to the measure offered by my friend from my home State of Massachusetts, Mr. McGovern, whose sincerity can never be questioned in this body. I understand the purpose underlying this legislation, and I identify with the frustration that it expresses as, I think, do all of us. Proponents of the measure want Congress to debate and vote on the use of military force in Iraq and Syria, and so do I. Proponents of this measure believe that Congress has failed to perform its constitutional duty by not taking up the Authorization for Use of Military Force against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and so do I. In fact, I believe the failure to debate an AUMF against ISIL is a continuation of a sad but 60-year pattern of Congress' abrogating one of its most fundamental constitutional roles and responsibilities. For an institution that constantly laments its subjugation at the hands of the executive branch, the retreat from its constitutional responsibility on this matter, frankly, is jaw-dropping. It is time Congress makes crystal clear to the administration, to our allies, to our constituents, and to our military families the circumstances and parameters under which we would, once again, authorize engagement for our and by our men and women in uniform in this tumultuous region of the world or, for that matter, anywhere; but one cannot endorse the tactic of this measure. This is constructed to be a sort of sword of Damocles that threatens us, Congress, with the automatic withdrawal of our forces in the region in order to force congressional action with an AUMF. Congress should not heed such a message, nor should it cater to such a sword hanging over its head in order to do its job. An ill-defined mission with no clear mandate and conflicting objectives is hardly a formula for a military or a political victory. We should welcome a robust and transparent debate on the matter of an AUMF but not at any cost on the battlefield itself--a withdrawal, as this resolution proposes, mandated irrespective of battlefield reality, of battlefield progress lately against ISIS, a withdrawal mandated irrespective of our commitments to the Kurds or, for that matter, to the Iraqi Government itself. That would be irresponsible and unworthy of a great power, however noble the underlying cause is. We have responsibilities on the ground. This resolution was drafted, as they say in Latin, ceteris paribus-- all other things being equal. That is to say, in a perfect world. We don't live in a perfect world. Our engagements are what they are. Our commitments are what they are. I don't share the distinguished chairman's criticism of this administration. It is a murky region to begin with. Our leverage is limited; our choices are dark and complicated. But we are making progress in the region as we speak. To simply ignore all of that and insist we withdraw, in my view, would be irresponsible and unworthy of this great Nation.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, today's vote is about America's future. Who will shape it? It is not shaped by a recitation of grievance. It is not shaped by making trade a symbol of all that we find bad in economic progress. It is by seizing that future and shaping it, and that is what TPA does. It pries open foreign markets. It sets American rules setting. It allows us to frame the issues in 40 percent of the world's trade and economic activity. We have never had an opportunity as important as this one to shape the global economy to our advantage and to those of our trading partners. We must not lose this opportunity. The grievances are legitimate, the concerns and fears are legitimate, but we must look beyond them. We must address the future for future generations of American workers. I support the bill in front of us and urge my colleagues to do the same. Again, I thank Mr. Ryan for his courtesy.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize my dear friend, the Reverend Dr. Luke E. Torian, on the occasion of his 20th Pastoral Anniversary at First Mount Zion Baptist Church of Dumfries, Virginia. First Mount Zion Baptist Church has a long, prosperous history starting with its founding in 1867, which now continues under the tutelage of Dr. Torian, who became its first and only full time pastor in 1995. Since his installation, Dr. Torian has served an instrumental role in the growth of the church. More than 4,000 now call First Mount Zion Baptist Church their religious and spiritual home and approximately 70 different ministries now serve the needs of the congregation and community. Not only has Dr. Torian served his congregation, but he also has dedicated his time to serve the community at large. He is currently a member of the Prince William County Ministerial Association. He has served on the Cardinal Bank Advisory Board; the Board of Directors of the Baptist General Convention, and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In June 2004, former Governor Mark Warner appointed Dr. Torian to the Virginia Board of Counseling. He also served on the ACTS Board of Directors for three years. In addition, in 2009 he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 52nd District. Dr. Torian's dedication to his faith and his congregation, combined with his exceptional leadership abilities have been recognized by others. In 2002, Howard University presented him with the James Floyd Jenkins Pillar of Faith Award in recognition of the outstanding contributions that he has made to his church and the community. In the fall of 2003 and 2004, Dr. John Maxwell, renowned expert in leadership development, selected Dr. Torian as one of 50 leaders from across the country to participate in a special leadership institute in Atlanta. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my Colleagues join me in recognizing Dr. Luke E. Torian and the First Mount Zion Baptist Church congregation as they celebrate this significant milestone in their history and in wishing them continued success and prosperity.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Shirley Jeanne Moscov Stark. Mrs. Stark passed away May 4, 2015, and, during her nearly 85 years, she impacted the lives of everyone she touched. Trailblazer is a word we hear often about those who pave the way for future generations. Rarely has that term been more fittingly used than now as we pay tribute to Shirley. Shirley Jeanne Moscov was born October 18, 1930, and raised in Canonsburg, PA, a small town outside of Pittsburgh. She was the daughter of Polish Jewish immigrants who first arrived in New York and eventually settled in Western Pennsylvania. Her parents ran one of the few grocery stores in town and lived above the store. As was true with so many immigrants of that era, they never took a vacation or attended family events together--the store had to be open to serve the community. This was the Great Depression; her parents would extend credit to their neighbors who couldn't afford to pay for needed food and supplies, and Shirley learned from a young age the value of charity and serving the needs of others. Shirley was an exceptionally bright and curious child. She read every book in the local library and excelled at school. But in a small coal town, educational opportunities were scarce. Few boys went to college and even fewer girls. In her early teens, one of her teachers recognized her abilities and potential and encouraged Shirley to apply to a very select program for gifted high school students offered by the University of Chicago. Shirley took the entrance exam and earned not only a perfect score, but admittance to the University. At the age of 15, Shirley boarded a train to Chicago to begin her studies. Two years later, at 17, she had earned a Bachelor's Degree. Shirley returned to Pennsylvania where she enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh earning a Masters Degree in Mathematics. She was recruited by Westinghouse and heralded by the press as ``The World's Youngest Nuclear Physicist at 19.'' While working at Westinghouse, she continued her studies and received yet another Masters Degree in psychology. A few years later, she married Sidney Stark, Jr. and decided to postpone her professional career in favor of raising a family. Parallel to Shirley's love of science was her passion in the fields of travel, music, art, and architecture. When her children, Seth and Sid, entered elementary school, she decided to pursue her passions and enrolled in graduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh Fine Arts Department. She spent summers and vacations in Europe expanding her knowledge and expertise. During her life she traveled to five continents and dozens of countries. Shirley was an inspiring teacher; she chaired the Art Department at Chatham College for seven years and taught various courses in Art and Architectural History at Carnegie Mellon University well into her later years. During this time, she also opened a small business, Travel Bound Books, and served as a consultant to specialized tours throughout Europe that focused on mankind's greatest artistic and architectural creations. With all of these achievements, Shirley is best remembered as charming and vivacious. Her home was always full of laughter, music, loved ones, and of course, great food. New Year's Eve parties, Seders, crab and lobster feasts, and holiday dinners at the Stark house were legendary. Shirley was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and she made every person she met feel special and unique. Her sharp wit and sparkling spirit were infectious, and all who met her felt they were lucky and blessed to have known her. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Shirley Jeanne Moscov Stark and in extending my deepest condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Korea Times as the newspaper celebrates its 10,000th edition and its 46th anniversary of providing news to the Korean-American community. It is the Korean-American community's largest and oldest newspaper. In my congressional district, across Northern Virginia and the Washington region, and across the nation, the Korea Times fills an invaluable role in providing the community with a daily mix of news and features highlighting local, regional, national, and international issues of interest to Korean-Americans. Here in the United States, the Korea Times provides its readers with insightful coverage of the latest news and events from the Korean Peninsula. When 304 people, many of them secondary school students, perished in the tragic sinking of the ferry MV Sewol in April of 2014, the Korea Times served as a lifeline to those Korean-Americans seeking information about family and friends involved in the disaster. During my more than 20 years of elected office as a district supervisor and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and as the current Congressman for the 11th District of Virginia, I've had considerable interaction with the professional staff of the Korea Times, based in my district and in Washington, D.C. On issues I have worked on as co-chair of the Congressional Korea Caucus and as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee ranging from Korean family reunification and North Korea sanctions to the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement, Korea Times' journalists have diligently reported on the importance of these matters to their readers. In print, on the Internet, and via social media, the Korea Times is an important asset to the Korean-American community in my Northern Virginia district and across the nation. I join my Korean-American constituents and community leaders in congratulating the Korea Times on its 46 years of service and wish the newspaper many more years of success.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 30th anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Chi Omega Chapter. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University January 15, 1908, as the first Greek-letter organization established by collegiate black women. Inaugurated with the founding principle, ``To be supreme in service to all mankind,'' Chapters today continue to be conscientious members of their communities, sensitive to the needs and struggles of underserved populations. Prince William County's Omicron Chi Omega Chapter was founded August 26, 1984, and chartered May 19, 1985, by five exceptional women: Rosyln Dunn, Venus Miller, Jannette Smithson, Alice Taylor and Mary Williams. During its 30-year history, the Chapter has received many local community awards and recognition from the Commonwealth of Virginia and Alpha Kappa Alpha for its involvement in the Back to School/Stay in School Program, its support of SAVAS (Sexual Assault Victim's Advocacy Services), and its contributions to ACTS and the American Heart Association. The 2014-2018 International Program focuses on five areas of engagement: Educational Enrichment, Health Promotion, Family Strengthening, Environmental Ownership, and Global Impact. Working under the banner of Environmental Ownership, Omicron Chi Omega recently restored the Dumfries Elementary School playground. In addition to the global program, Omicron Chi Omega provides $10,000 annually in scholastic scholarships to graduating high school seniors, sponsors food drives for the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center and SERVE Family Shelter, provides school supplies and coats to Prince William County Public Schools students, sponsors programs on physical and mental awareness for senior citizens and their caregivers, and established a drive to deliver black dolls to the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to reflect the diverse cultures of children in need. In 2014, I had the honor of participating in the Chapter's Restoration of Voting Rights forum. One of the Chapter's longest standing initiatives, the Little Miss AKA Scholarship Pageant, is now in its sixteenth year. The pageant highlights the Chapter's dedication to the young women of our community. The six-month long program allows for young girls between the ages of five and seventeen to enhance their personal development, build self-esteem, increase social skills, and meet women of diverse professions and positive role models. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omicron Chi Omega Chapter. The Chapter continues the legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha's founders and continues to be an invaluable force for good in our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the invocation of the point of order. This is a provision that has been in law for the past 6 years, and I believe that it ought to be enshrined in law for a 7th. We represent the entire National Capital Region. This is a unique region. This is the Nation's Capital. And we ought not to be reneging on a deal that was worked out with great effort 6 years ago based on a point of order. With that, I oppose the point of order, Mr. Chairman.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend. Mr. Chairman, I sympathize deeply with the concerns expressed by my friend and colleague from Florida (Mr. Mica), and I know Metro is committed to working with the wireless carriers to ensure seamless coverage throughout the rail system. I appreciate his willingness ultimately to withdraw the amendment so as not to jeopardize other vital safety improvements underway at Metro by conditioning the Federal commitment, which has already been reduced and which is matched by our State and local partners, on completion of this wireless upgrade. Without question, the January arcing incident at L'Enfant Plaza underscored the urgent need for having working communications in Metro's underground stations and tunnels. While faulty electrical wiring was to blame for the fire and hazardous smoke, a breakdown in communications, as Mr. Mica has indicated, led to passengers being stranded in dangerous conditions aboard that Yellow Line train for an extended period of time. It wasn't just public safety personnel who experienced problems communicating. Stranded riders also reported having spotty or no cellular service in the tunnel.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend from North Carolina, the distinguished ranking member. Tragically, one rider--Carol Glover of Virginia, my home State--died as a result of smoke inhalation, and dozens of others required medical treatment and/or hospitalization. This was, and remains, an unacceptable situation, and I and all of the members of the national capital region delegation are committed to working with the NSTB, FTA, Metro, and our regional partners to ensure corrective actions are taken to restore public confidence. I would note for my colleagues, the current Federal law already includes language requiring Metro riders to have underground access to wireless telecommunications services if the service providers work with Metro to install such services. Unfortunately, they have lagged behind again, as my friend from Florida has indicated. Congress approved that requirement as part of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. One year later, as required by the law, the wireless providers did successfully establish service in the 20 busiest underground rail stations. However, Congress has granted an extension on the timeline to install wireless service to the tunnels and the rest of the system because Metro and the wireless providers have run into delays with scheduling work while Metro trains are not running, performing higher priority safety improvements as directed by the NTSB, and other factors. However, they continue to work toward meeting this requirement, albeit at a very slow and glacial pace. Metro is particularly motivated to complete this work as it also involves a parallel upgrade of its own underground radio communications services. Metro is an essential component of this region's transportation network, moving hundreds of thousands of commuters every day, including a significant portion of Federal employees. It also serves as America's subway, transporting 12 million visitors from across the country to the Nation's Capital each year. It is critical that we maintain this bipartisan commitment to match local and State funding so that Metro can continue working with the NTSB and FTA on its critical safety upgrades. Mr. Mica is right, and all of us from the national capital region agree with him. I pledge upon withdrawal of this amendment we will work with Mr. Mica to ensure that Metro meets deadlines at a much more expeditious pace than has been the case in the past. Again, I thank my friend from North Carolina for yielding, and I thank Mr. Mica for his leadership. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chair. I rise to offer an amendment with my colleagues in the national capital region that would restore full funding of the Federal commitment for vital rider safety improvements to ``America's Subway,'' the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, or Metro. Let me remind my colleagues, this is not like the traditional transit or capital funding under the Department of Transportation. The Passenger Rail Investment Improvement Act of 2008 specifically authorized a $150 million annual Federal commitment for 10 years, and Congress has worked in bipartisan fashion the past 6 years to fulfill that. It was a Republican initiative initiated and authored by my predecessor, Republican member Tom Davis of Virginia. As required by law, the Federal funding is matched dollar for dollar, with $150 million coming from Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. I appreciate the efforts of my fellow Virginian, Mr. Rigell, and the subcommittee chairman, my friend, Mr. Diaz-Balart, to try to work with us to restore some of the funding at full committee markup. But reducing any of this funding would renege on the Federal commitment and jeopardize the successful local-State-Federal partnership we have worked so hard to create. It would also open the door for our partners to pull back on their commitments commensurately, which would only exacerbate Metro's challenge in upgrading its aging infrastructure. This partnership is funding critical safety improvements throughout the system identified by Metro itself, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Transit Administration following the tragic 2009 Red Line accident and the recent tragedy on the Yellow Line this past January. The most visible improvement is the purchase of 7000-series new rail cars with advanced crash-resilient technology and extra capacity to replace the oldest and original cars in the fleet. Congress and the Federal Government have a responsibility in the operation and safety of Metro. Half of all Metro stations are located on Federal property, and approximately 40 percent of rush-hour riders on Metro are, in fact, Federal employees, including many Members of Congress and their staffs. It is critical we maintain this bipartisan commitment to match local and State funding so that Metro can continue making these safety upgrades. I want to thank Mr. Hoyer, Ms. Norton, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Sarbanes, Mr. Delaney, Mr. Beyer, and my friend Mrs. Comstock for working with us on this regional priority. I now yield the balance of my time to the distinguished delegate from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished chairman and the distinguished ranking member and their staffs for their cooperation on this amendment. The amendment increases the funding for Veterans Treatment Courts by $1 million. I offered a similar amendment last year that the House also adopted on a voice vote. With the additional funds provided by this amendment, a total of $6 million would be available for such courts, which is still short of the $8 million Congress has authorized under the bipartisan Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act. Our Nation's heroes are returning home from more than a decade of war. Upon their return, they bear the visible and invisible wounds of deployment. Substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and various mental health disorders can lead our returning heroes down a difficult and often lonely path during their transition to civilian life. Twenty percent of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffer from post- traumatic stress disorder or major depression. One in six battle with substance abuse. Left undiagnosed or untreated, these illnesses can result in an encounter with the justice system. Worse yet, these illnesses can also lead to suicide, which veterans commit at twice the rate of our civilian population. Fortunately, specialized Veterans Treatment Courts are being developed across the country, including in my home county of Fairfax in Virginia, to help veterans who do find themselves in the justice system and suffer from substance addiction or mental health disorders so that they can alter their course and find the assistance they deserve, Mr. Chairman. The first such court was established in Buffalo, New York, in 2008; and since then, more than 200 have opened across the Nation. Hundreds more are currently going through the planning and training process. Today, there are more than 11,000 vets enrolled in Veterans Treatment Courts. Virginia is home to the sixth largest veteran population in the country, with nearly 850,000 veterans, more than 10 percent of whom live in my district, the 11th Congressional District of Virginia. The comprehensive treatment program provides eligible veterans with an alternative to jail and incarceration. Participating veterans must commit to an 18- to 24-month program, during which they receive group counseling, a dedicated veteran mentor, and enroll in vocational education and self-help programs. By bringing veteran service organizations, State veterans service departments, and volunteer mentors into the courtrooms, Veterans Treatment Courts can promote community collaboration and connect veterans with the programs and benefits they have earned and that they may need. Having a veteran-only court docket ensures that everyone, from the judge to the volunteers, specializes in veterans care, and the involvement of fellow veterans allows the defendant to experience a camaraderie to which he or she became accustomed in the military. We know this model works, and it is our hope this amendment will provide these courts with the resources they need to help our veterans who fall into the justice system to get back on the right track and transition successfully back into the society they swore to defend. In closing, again, I want to thank the distinguished chairman, the distinguished ranking member, and their respective staffs for their cooperation in this matter. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the volunteers of the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna and to thank them for their many contributions to the Northern Virginia community. Organized in 1997, the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna (SCOV) is a non-profit that provides services to help older adults continue living independently, and it offers programs that supply opportunities for enrichment, learning, and socialization. Every year, approximately 200 volunteers support older residents who want to age in place in their homes and stay engaged in social activities. Services are available free of charge to anyone age 50 or older who resides in the local community. Last year was a particularly successful year for SCOV. In 2014, drivers provided over 1100 round-trip rides for medical reasons and other errands. Volunteers made regular contact with individuals who may have limited interaction and may feel isolated in their homes. ``Handy Helpers'' made minor home repairs to help older adults keep their homes safe and livable. The Health Team provided individual health counseling, referral to community resources, and blood pressure readings. Volunteers also run programs such as Lunch n' Life, Adventures in Learning, trips and outings, special events, and caregivers' support groups. All told, SCOV served more than 3000 individuals in 2014. For these accomplishments, SCOV was recognized as 2014 Outstanding Volunteer Caregiving Program by the National Volunteer Caregiving Network. The services and programs offered by this extraordinary organization help to ensure that our seniors stay connected to the community through promotion of active lifestyles, ongoing social integration, and availability of resources for older residents to use their experience, training, and skills in significant roles in society. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Shepherd Center of Oakton-Vienna for its work to enable older adults in our community to age in place and enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence. I thank the many volunteers who generously dedicate their time and efforts to the welfare of our neighbors. The value of their contributions cannot be overstated and are deserving of our highest praise.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize May as the Direct Deposit and Direct Payment via Automated Clearing House (ACH) Month. NACHA--The Electronic Payments Association serves as trustee of the ACH Network, enabling payments such as direct deposit and direct payment via ACH. Annually, the network processes 23 billion ACH transactions valued at more than $40 trillion. As a self-governing, collaborative rule maker and educator, NACHA helps to expand and diversify electronic payments, ensuring the Network remains universal and secure, creating value, and enabling innovation for all participants. To coincide with this year's recognition of Direct Deposit and Direct Payment via ACH Month, the NACHA membership has approved an Operating Rules change to enable same-day settlement capabilities for virtually any ACH transaction. The proposal received broad support from financial institutions, businesses, government agencies and regulators, consumer groups, and other interested parties. This new same-day service ACH allows the financial services industry to offer an option to consumers, businesses and governments, who want to move their money faster. I commend NACHA's commitment to enhancing the versatility and improving the strength of the ACH Network for consumers, governments, businesses, and financial institutions that rely on the network to move their money via ACH. This introduction of same-day ACH is an immediate action undertaken by financial institutions to modernize the payments system, and it creates a building block for a variety of innovative products and services. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing NACHA-- The Electronic Payments Association for its work to move payments safely and more efficiently through same-day ACH and in recognizing May as Direct Deposit and Direct Payment via ACH Month.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of Fairfax County 2014 Land Conservation and Tree Preservation and Planting Awards. Fairfax County is considered one of the best counties in the nation in which to live, work, and raise a family. One reason for this designation is the innovative environmental protection policies that have been implemented by the County and embraced by its business partners, and I was pleased to have led that effort during my tenure as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. These awards recognize the following developers, designers, and site superintendents, who have excelled in their stewardship of the environment: Large Commercial: Cinder Bed Road Bus Division Owner: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Project Manager: Fred Robertson Superintendent: Denver Callahan Contractor: Strittmatter Contracting, LLC Engineer: Wendel Site Inspector: Jim Getts Large Single Family Residential: Gambrill Pointe Owner: Brookfield Ridge Road, LLC Project Manager: Scott Gookin & James T. Devine Superintendent: Donnie Stewart & Billy Huff Contractor: William A. Hazel, Inc. Engineer: Land Design Consultants, Inc. Site Inspector: Keith Anthony Small Single Family Residential: Abbots Wood Owner: Palisades Development, LLC Project Manager: Mike Dropik Superintendent: Donnie Stewart & Billy Huff Contractor: William A. Hazel, Inc. Engineer: Walter L. Phillips, Inc. Site Inspector: Jim Getts Infill Lot: 9022 Falls Run Road, McLean Owner: Joe & Sarah Shamess Project Manager: Ross Richmond Superintendent: Rich Shaffer Contractor: Joy Custom Design Build, LLC. Engineer: LS2 PC Engineering Site Inspector: Frank Degboe Outstanding Engineering Firms: Wendel (Cinder Bed Road Bus Division) Outstanding Superintendent: Clarke Newbill and Billy Huff (Gambrill Pointe) Outstanding Contractor: Strittmatter Contracting, LLC (Cinder Bed Road Bus Division) Outstanding Developer/Owner: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Cinder Bed Road Bus Division) Certificate of Voluntary Merit: Jackson Ayers, Member of Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1539, Eagle Scout Service Project Best Protected Environmentally Sensitive Site: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Cinder Bed Road Bus Division) Outstanding E/S Inspectors of the Year: Frank Degboe (North Branch), Jorge Tagle (Central Branch), Jim Getts (South Branch) Outstanding E/S Plan Reviewers of the Year: Roshna Gafoor (North Branch), Jennifer Vargas (Central Branch), Ambachew Nigatu (South Branch) Tree Planting Awards: Project: Capital One--Rt. 123 Median and Tree Transplanting Developer: Capital One Design: William H. Gordon and Associates, Inc. Landscaper: Ruppert Landscape, Inc. Davis/Gilford Construction Project: East Market at Fair Lake, Phase III Developer: Peterson Companies Design: Lewis Scully Gionet TWS Designs, Inc. Landscaper: KT Enterprises Project: Jennings Toyota Developer: Chesapeake Contracting Group Design: Walter L. Phillips, Inc. Landscaper: Live Green Project: Newington DVS Maintenance Facility Developer: EE Reed Construction Design: Adtek Engineers Landscaper: Blake Landscapes Tree Preservation Award Recipients: Project: National Library for the Study of George Washington Developer: Mount Vernon Ladies' Association Engineer: Rummel Klepper & Kahl Tree Preservation Consultant: The Care of Trees Tree Preservation Contractor: Bartlett Tree Experts Project: The Preserve at Scott's Run Builder: Stanley Martin Homes Engineer: Land Design Consultants Tree Preservation Consultant: Zimar & Associates Project: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Developer: UUCF Engineer: Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd Tree Preservation Consultant: Davey Resource Group Tree Preservation Contractor: The Care of Trees Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these honorees. Fairfax County and its residents have benefitted greatly from the collaborative spirit that is represented by these awards today, and I thank each of the awardees for their efforts.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. I thank my friend for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of a bipartisan amendment I introduced with my colleague, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot). This amendment prohibits the authorization of funds to implement any action that recognizes Russian sovereignty over the Crimea. The language mirrors my legislation, H.R. 93, the Crimea Annexation Non- recognition Act, which passed out of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs unanimously. It also is consistent with language included in the CR/Omnibus signed into law in December. Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea undermines Ukrainian sovereignty and sets a dangerous precedent that cannot be overstated. The U.S. must make a simple, declarative statement on Russia's illegal annexation. This bipartisan amendment does just that. I also want to thank the Armed Services Committee leadership and staff for working with us on three other amendments that promote monitoring and evaluation for humanitarian assistance programs, improve management of information technology projects, and foster better communication between government and industry. I thank both Mr. Thornberry and Mr. Smith for their leadership.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize this year's recipient of Leadership Fairfax's Katherine K. Hanley Public Service Award. This year's award goes to Dean Klein, a 1997 graduate of Leadership Fairfax. Leadership Fairfax is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to finding, training, and growing leaders in Northern Virginia. Leadership Fairfax seeks to build leaders who raise the tide not only in their organization or local community but also across the whole Northern Virginia region. Graduates from its programs become part of and stay connected to a fast growing number of civic leaders. I've always said, ``When you walk into a room, it's easy to spot the Leadership Fairfax graduates--they just stand out!'' Northern Virginia is blessed with many leaders who have given their time and service to make a difference in our community. To recognize these outstanding leaders among us, Leadership Fairfax instituted the Katherine K. Hanley Public Service Award. This annual award, now in its 12th year, honors an individual for his or her outstanding accomplishments in the areas of public service employment or service on a public board, authority, or commission and for lasting contributions to the quality of life in the community. Dean Klein has stood out in our community for many years. He currently serves as Director of the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness in Fairfax County since being appointed by the Board of Supervisors in March 2009. I was pleased to help establish that office under the 10-year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, an initiative the County launched when I served as Chairman of the Board. Under Mr. Klein's leadership, Fairfax has partnered with the neighboring City of Falls Church so that these jurisdictions can take a regional approach to the problem of homelessness. One of his many successes has been to increase the number of individuals moving out of emergency shelters to permanent housing. He grew this number from 243 in 2010 to 926 individuals in 2014. As a result of that and other efforts, Fairfax has actually reduced the number of people experiencing homelessness by more than one-third, becoming a standout model for success for those communities still struggling to break the cycle of homelessness. For his accomplishments Mr. Klein was recognized in 2014 with Fairfax County's highest employee honor, the A. Heath Onthank Award. Prior to working in his current position he served as the Senior Community Relations Manager at the Freddie Mac Foundation, the metropolitan area's largest corporate philanthropic funder. He oversaw the Foundation's support for housing programs throughout the United States and oversaw the Foundation's investments in the Gulf Coast area after Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Klein came to the Foundation from Doorways for Women and Families in Arlington, where he was executive director and oversaw all operations for the organization including a Safehouse for Domestic Violence, Emergency Shelter for homeless families, a Thrift Store, and transitional housing for families. Mr. Klein also served for six years as executive director of Shelter House, overseeing this organization and serving homeless families in our community. He earned a Master of Social Work degree from Howard University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Advertising from Ohio State University. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dean Klein for receiving the Katherine K. Hanley Public Service Award and in thanking Leadership Fairfax for continuing to develop such talented and passionate leaders for Northern Virginia.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 24th Annual Best of Reston Awards for Community Service. These awards are the result of collaboration between Cornerstones (formerly Reston Interfaith) and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and are presented to individuals, organizations, and businesses whose extraordinary efforts make our community a better place. I am pleased to submit the names of the following recipients of the 2015 Best of Reston Awards: Civic/Community Organization: His Hidden Treasures (Troy and Lois Hughes)--Working in partnership with organizations dedicated to ending homelessness, His Hidden Treasures transforms transitional rental housing into homes for families, personalized with lovingly restored furniture, donated store floor samples and new housewares. Small Business Leader: Maid Bright (Maria Fedick, Yusuf and Zeynep Mehmetoglu)--Maid Bright has made a difference by providing free house cleaning services to women with cancer, catering dinners for the hypothermia shelter, performing cleaning for Cornerstones' transitional housing units, offering discounts to seniors, veterans, firefighters, and teachers, and donating funds to help the homeless and Syrian refugees. Corporate Business Leader: Leidos (Mike Coogan, Director, Corporate Responsibility)--Since establishing its headquarters in Reston two years ago, Leidos--a worldwide leader in science and technology-- immediately made broad and deep connections in the community. Leidos employees have provided more than 32,000 volunteer hours benefitting a wide range of organizations. The company also has contributed significant financial support to the community. Leidos has lent its support to meeting basic human needs, and supports training, education, and employment opportunities for returning veterans. Corporate Business Leader: MAXIMUS (Susan Boren, Mark Andrekovich, Tom Romeo)--MAXIMUS provides health and human service programs to a diverse array of communities. MAXIMUS and its employees have supported a wide range of organizations that work locally to strengthen the safety net for homeless and at-risk families, or those with special needs. Individual Community Leader: Francis C. Steinbauer--A true Reston Pioneer, Fran Steinbauer has been an integral part of the community's history and success for five decades. In 1964, Mr. Steinbauer became the Design Engineer responsible for the creation and government approval of plans for Reston's buildings and infrastructure, and he remained professionally involved in the development of Reston until the 1980s. As a volunteer to this day, he has played a vital role in making sure Reston's economy, community, and inclusive culture were as well developed as its physical environment. At Cornerstones, he is revered as the architect of its successful affordable housing program, and he continues to work for the ideal that anyone can live in our community. Vade Bolton-Ann Rodriguez Legacy Award: Casey Veatch--A dedicated volunteer for many different organizations, Casey leads by example and inspires others to follow suit. He has generously supported and cultivated leadership through his work with Leadership Fairfax, Reston Bible Church, Northern Virginia Family Service, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, and numerous children's sports teams. Individual Community Leader: Larry Butler--The Reston Association's Senior Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources, Larry's lifelong passion for the outdoors and physically active lifestyle has inspired his tireless volunteer work. In more than 30 years with Reston Association, Larry has been instrumental in the success of Reston's many outdoors and athletics activities. These events help create environmental awareness, build community spirit, promote healthy lifestyles, and raise funds for a wide variety of causes. 2015 Robert E. Simon Community Service Award: Lynn Lillienthal--A Restonian for more than forty years, Ms. Lillienthal was named a Best of Reston recipient in 1998, and has certainly not rested on that accolade. She has served on the board of directors of virtually every major nonprofit institution in Reston, including Reston Interfaith, the Embry Rucker Community Shelter Citizens Support Committee, Greater Reston Arts Center, and the Reston Historic Trust, just to name a few. Her decades of service have touched thousands of lives in the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2015 Best of Reston honorees for their tremendous contributions to our community. I express my sincere gratitude to these individuals, businesses, and organizations for lending their time and energy to the betterment of our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I thank my colleague and friend, Mr. Beyer, for his leadership on this issue. Our friends on the other side of the aisle are once again attempting to substitute Congress' will outside its purview, this time by prohibiting the Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA from finalizing their Waters of the U.S. rule. This is nothing new. Earlier this year they tried to get into the local permitting process by forcing states to accept the Keystone XL pipeline. As a former local government official you can imagine how shocked I was at that effort. And let us not forget how often they seek to tell the District of Columbia, and its residents, how they should be governed. Now, my friends wish to halt federal rulemaking prescribed under the Clean Water Act, almost a decade in the making and after more than a million public comments and numerous public hearings and stakeholder meetings, just before a final rule is released. Remember, it was Congress and the Supreme Court who asked for clarification for what should be defined as ``navigable waters.'' Today, nearly 60 percent of our nation's streams and millions of acres of wetlands currently lack clear protection from pollution under the Clean Water Act. Current loopholes put at risk 2 million miles of our streams, threatening the drinking water of 117 million Americans, and jeopardizing 20 million acres of wetlands. The proposed rule would provide an estimated $388 million to $514 million annually of benefits to the public, including reducing flooding, filtering pollution, providing wildlife habitat, supporting hunting and fishing, and recharging groundwater. The public benefits significantly outweigh the costs for mitigating impacts to streams and wetlands, and taking steps to reduce pollution to our waterways. Why don't we let the rulemaking process finish and then we can see if it needs to be fixed. The Beyer-Connolly amendment will do that. But let's not jump to judgement. Congress has a role to play. But it shouldn't be as an intransigent obstacle.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, which is hosting its 67th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and in thanking its volunteers for filling an essential role in keeping the community safe. The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 1948, and for more than 6 decades it has provided lifesaving fire suppression/prevention and emergency medical/rescue services to the residents of Burke, Fairfax County, 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. I am honored to recognize several of 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 or who are receiving awards for their superlative service to the department and the community. It gives me great pleasure to submit the names of these individuals: Board of Directors: President Rich Guarrasi, Vice President John Powers, Treasurer Patrick Owens, Secretary Greg Fedor, Board Members-at-Large Larry Barnett, Larry Bocknek, and Alisha Sunde Line Officers: Chief Thomas Warnock, Deputy Chief John Hudak, Deputy Chief Tina Godfrey, Administrative Member Manager Catherine Owens, Captain II Melissa Ashby, Captain II Larry Bockneck, Captain II Keith O'Connor, Lieutenant Kevin Grottle, Sergeant Jennifer Babic, Sergeant Emily Fincher, Team Leader Peter Hamilton, Team Leader James Reyes, Team Leader Paul Stracke, Team Leader Harry Chelpon, Staffing Coordinator Shaun Kurry, Chaplain Harry Chelpon Length of Service Awards: 5 Years: Richard Guarrasi 10 Years: Harry Chelpon, Ed Gilhooly 15 Years: Tina Godfrey Life Member: Harry Chelpon Department Awards: Founders Award: John Hudak Rookies of the Year: Caitlin Curran, Megan Bush, Barry Brown Firefighter of the Year: Peter Hamilton EMS Provider of the Year: James Reyes Officer of the Year: Tina Godfrey Admin. Member of the Year: Becky Dobbs Career Members of the Year: Tim Barb, David ``Happy'' Gilmore Team Award: BVFRD Train Team: Melissa Ashby, Kevin Grottle, Shaun Kurry Chief's Award: Shaun Kerry President's Awards: Nancy Stone, Charlene Murphy Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for 67 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''.