Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment regarding the Department of Defense workforce, which is particularly important as we face a shutdown. However, first, I need to address two of the biggest workforce challenges facing the military, both wholly manufactured by my friends on the other side of the aisle. First and foremost, to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, do not shut down the Federal Government. Step up to the plate and govern on a bipartisan basis. I know it is hard, but the country needs you to set aside impeachment inquiries, ideological crusades, and infighting to do your job. Second, Senator Tommy Tuberville's holds on more than 300 military promotions are a direct threat to our national security and undermine the leadership of our military. For the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, three of the five military services were operating without Senate-confirmed leaders. General and flag officers are being required to perform double duty in acting roles. Military families are having their lives put on hold. How are we going to retain talented officers if their careers face a graveyard in the U.S. Senate, buried under the desk of one Senator who cannot name the three branches of government? Senator Tuberville's holds, which would require more than 700 hours of floor time in the Senate to overcome individually, are an outrageous assault on our Nation's military at the altar of a far-right culture war. I call on my colleagues to join me in condemning this reckless behavior. But I digress. My amendment would prevent Congressional Republicans from further compounding their attacks on the Department's workforce. The amendment would prevent any cuts to the Department of Defense civilian workforce that undermine our military and national security. Please follow along closely. Defense appropriations bills routinely include language that says: None of the funds appropriated by this act may be used to reduce the civilian workforce programmed full-time equivalent levels absent the appropriate analysis of the impacts of those reductions. This language has received broad bipartisan support. It was included in the 2023 omnibus. It is in the current FY24 Department of Defense Appropriations bill in the Senate, and it was adopted as part of other past fiscal year Department of Defense appropriations bills in this body and in the other. This language is derived from section 129(a) of Title 10, General Policy For Total Force Management, which states, ``The Secretary may not reduce the civilian workforce programmed full-time equivalent levels unless the Secretary conducts an appropriate analysis of the impacts of such reductions on workload, military force structure, lethality, readiness, operational effectiveness, stress on the military force, and fully burdened costs.'' My amendment would restore that important language and legacy by prohibiting dangerous civilian workforce cuts that do not prioritize those enumerated priorities. It is helpful to understand the broader context to appreciate why this is essential. The underlying bill cuts the civilian workforce by $1.1 billion. The Committee Report for the bill refers vaguely to robotic process automation and artificial intelligence as ways to reduce the civilian workforce. That is a low bar for due diligence. Forgive me, but I prefer the previous standard Congress reiterated and endorsed, which was to remind the Department that any such reduction in the civilian workforce must first prioritize the lethality, readiness, and operational effectiveness of the military. My amendment would restore that consideration and that language. Mr. Chair, I include in the Record a letter from the American Federation of Government Employees in support of my amendment. American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO, Washington, DC, September 21, 2023. Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE), which represents over 750,000 federal and District of Columbia employees, including 250,000 Defense Department civilian employees, I write to provide AFGE's views on several amendments that were made in order by the House Rules Committee with respect to H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, that the House is expected to consider today. Specifically, AFGE strongly urges you to oppose amendment 168 that will be offered by Rep. Hageman (R-AZ), amendment 167 that will be offered by Rep. Greene (R-GA), amendments 155 and 156 that will be offered by Rep. Boebert (R-CO), amendment 161: that will be offered by Rep. Fallon (R-TX), amendment 178 that will be offered by Rep. Roy (R-TX), amendment 172 that will be offered by Rep. Norman (R-SC), and amendments 176 and 184 that will be offered by Rep. Rosendale (R-MT) during floor consideration of H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024. Hageman amendment 168 would arbitrarily and without justification prohibit regular telework and remote work for Defense Department civilian employees and contractors. Longstanding policy has, with considerable success, directed DoD agency managers and personnel to collaboratively develop and implement telework policies that address the specific needs of agencies and further their missions. Importantly, the workplace flexibility that telework enables has improved DoD's capacity to maintain continuous operations in the event of a natural or national security crisis. It has also helped DoD agencies recruit and retain talent, be more productive, and reduce traffic congestion and emissions. Not insignificantly, remote work and telework are particularly important for military spouses who are frequently deployed to remote places with few job opportunities but can otherwise contribute to the federal civilian workforce. Greene amendment 167, Boebert amendments 155 and 156, Fallon amendment 161, and Roy amendment 178 would invoke the so-called Holman Rule to either reduce to $1.00 the annual salaries of various DoD officials. These cynical amendments, if enacted, would do great damage to the Department's ability to maintain readiness and recruit and retain personnel who reflect the diversity of America. Rosendale amendments 176 and 184 would strip the Defense Department of its authority to set policy as it pertains to the prevention of COVID-19. These amendments are singularly irresponsible and reckless. Enactment would risk the health of tens of thousands of DoD military personnel and civilian employees in the event of a future COVID-19 outbreak--all to make a cynical political point. Senior Defense Department officers and medical personnel are in a much better position than Congress to determine appropriate measures to protect the health of military personnel and civilian employees. Norman amendment 172 would, if enacted, reverse important strides the Defense Department--one of the least diverse agencies in the federal government--has made in recent years to recruit and retain the best and the brightest personnel from all corners of America. AFGE recommends that you support amendment 159 that will be offered by Rep. Connolly (D-VA). This amendment would restore important language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on workload, military force structure, lethality, readiness, operational effectiveness, stress on the military force, and fully burdened costs. By omitting the provision that Rep. Connolly's amendment proposes to restore, H.R. 4365, if enacted, could lead to reckless cuts in the civilian workforce that the armed services depend on to protect and defend our nation. Please vote against these amendments should recorded votes be requested. For questions or more information please contact Julie Tippens or Keith Abouchar. Sincerely, Julie N. Tippens, Director, Legislative Department.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on the occasion of its Alloy Project, a fundraising initiative that offers both art and art experiences for audiences of all ages. The event brings together artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, and professional leaders from not only the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, but from many unique parts of the country. This non-profit endeavor was founded in Reston, Virginia as the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) in 1974 to showcase the phenomenal talent of Northern Virginia. Tephra ICA works with artists, galleries, institutions, thought leaders, and collectors around the globe to promote creativity and the generation of ideas and growth that the arts can facilitate. They are committed to promoting innovative contemporary art and innovative thinking to accompany it. By building intimate connections between artists and audiences, including insights into the creative processes by which this art comes to be, Tephra ICA is able to extend their impact beyond the museum itself and instill these values into the Northern Virginia community at large. The event will include many unique aspects for a diverse audience that includes works for purchase, an opportunity to listen to artist dialogues, live music, and more, promising attendees a jubilant and interactive night of fun. Tephra's ``Choosing to Portage'' is an exemplary collection that emphasizes diversity. The raw authenticity of this project is palpable as it delves into topics such as the absurdities of white masculinity, the erasure of indigenous cultures, police killings of Black men, the visibility of Iraqi culture in the U.S., the ravages of war, and the loneliness of grieving. This dedication to creation around such vital and urgent topics that simultaneously are difficult for many demonstrates the necessity of contemporary art. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art on its Alloy Project and in recognizing the visionaries and leaders who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centreville Immigration Forum on the occasion of its 6th Annual Dinner. The theme of this year's gala is ``Celebrating a Community United for Justice'' and will recognize the rich diversity of cultures in Northern Virginia. The Centreville Immigration Forum has done tremendous work in Northern Virginia to support our immigrant community by implementing sustainable programs that provide immigrants in need with the means to improve their lives and become more integrated into the community. Northern Virginia is blessed by its diversity. In Fairfax County, nearly 1 in 4 residents are foreign born. More than 200 languages are spoken in our schools, and we are home to more minority-owned technology firms than anywhere else in the Nation. Our variety of cultures and heritages do not divide us; they make us stronger. Three exceptional individuals will be honored during this gala who have gone above and beyond in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their country of origin, has full access to the benefits and opportunities this community and our nation provide. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of the following 2023 Annual Dinner honorees. Ms. Annabel Park Annabel Park is a Korean American documentary filmmaker, political activist and community volunteer. She shined light on the struggles of immigrants in America through her documentary 9500 Liberty which was an interactive project, allowing viewers to comment and give direction to the production. It highlighted the struggles in Manassas and Prince William County in 2008 through 2009, when some leaders passed laws to make life difficult for immigrants. The story of building community in the face of bigotry inspired Centreville to organize in the years following. Ms. Park went on to co-produce the Story of America documentary series about voting rights across the country. Mr. Hassan Ahmad Hassan Ahmad is the principal and founder of HMA Law Firm. He is fluent or proficient in eight languages in addition to English, and this gives his clients comfort when telling their stories. His perspective on immigration as a means to prosperity is borne from his belief in unity in diversity, advising nationals of 117 countries around the world for nearly 20 years. He is a strong voice for justice and writes and speaks fearlessly against laws and policies that limit the lives of immigrants. He is an expert on the roots of anti- immigration organizations. About one-third of his practice is devoted to asylum cases. Monica Sarmiento Monica Sarmiento is the Executive Director for the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights (VACIR), an organization dedicated to the defense of dignity, power, and quality of life for all immigrant and refugee communities. She is from the DC metropolitan area and is Salvadoran- American. She was the founding Executive Director of VACIR and built it into a coalition of immigrant rights groups with a respected voice in the Virginia General Assembly. She organized lobby days, press conferences. and campaigns that led to Driver Privilege Cards, increased language access to public information, and in-state tuition for all high school graduates. Mr. Speaker, the efforts of these individuals are noteworthy not only because they are rooted in an appreciation for our region's cultural and ethnic diversity, but also because they help to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation in our community. I congratulate them on their awards and ask my colleagues to join me in commending them for their service to the Northern Virginia region.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing October as National Spine Health Awareness Month. In the U.S. 100 million people suffer from neck or back conditions every year according to the CDC. Back pain is the number one cause of missed workdays, the leading cause of job-related disability and pain in the U.S., and the most common non-cancer related reason for an opioid prescription in the U.S. In addition, those with back and neck pain are four times more likely to become clinically depressed. The National Spine Health Foundation located in my district in Reston, Virginia, is the only national patient-centered non-profit dedicated to helping patients overcome debilitating spinal conditions and take back their lives. During the past 5 years, the Foundation has renewed its commitment to and has developed award winning patient education, advocacy, and research work to give patients the tools they need to make informed decisions about their spine health and navigate their own treatment journeys with confidence. I would like to congratulate the National Spine Health Foundation on its award-winning year in patient education and clinical research. NSHF received a 2023 Digital Health Award for its patient education videos, the E Healthcare Leadership Award for best healthcare podcast, and the Global Spine Congress award for best research paper for work on examining augmented reality for improving spine surgery. In addition, NSHF received the best paper award from the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery for their work on the nation's only prospective, multi-center spine robotic surgery study. The Foundation is strongly committed to spine health research. Patient reported outcomes have been part of the fabric of NSHF since its inception. As they are deeply invested in supporting evidence-based health care decision making, it is important to be part of the process of creating the evidence. Their cloud-based research tool called `Spine-online' enables them to conduct multi-center studies and partner with research teams both in the U.S. and internationally. Active studies are currently occurring on robotic surgery, enhanced surgical recovery, augmented reality, genetic basis for personalized spine treatments, stem cell therapy, and more. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the importance of good spinal health, supporting individuals who suffer from spinal issues, and thanking the NSHF and the health care providers who help not just in October, but all year long.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2023 graduating class of Fairfax County High School Firefighter program. In 2016, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools created its High School Firefighter Program to provide training to students who are considering a career as a firefighter. Students who participate in this program attend courses taught by qualified instructors at the Fairfax County Fire Academy. In fact, they receive the same training as new professional and volunteer firefighters. The course is grueling but upon successful completion, the students will earn a Virginia Certification as Firefighter I & II and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations. Should these students decide to apply to the Fairfax County Fire Academy, this program will make them competitive candidates and will have prepared them for recruit school. Fourteen seniors and one junior are graduating as the Class of 2023 of the High School Firefighter Program. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the following graduates: Sydney G. Bates; Braden A. Dasher; Callie J. Desrosier; Alec T. DiLeonardo; Ian S. Dingman; Regan N. Kelley; Peter D. Mangone; Connor J. Marshall; Casey W. Martin; Hunter J. Piotrowski; Eric S. Verrier. Mr. Speaker, the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department is 1 of the best fire departments in the country and in the world. I commend the department as well as the public school system for partnering in the creation of this program. I also applaud these young people for their desire to learn more about the department and for their interest in protecting our community. Northern Virginia is fortunate to have such dedicated young citizens. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these students on their successful completion of their program and in wishing them great success in their future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of my dear friend Janet Amend Carver, a dedicated public servant who passed away on July 23, 2023, at the age of 90. Born January 7, 1933 near San Jose, California, Janet graduated from high school in 1949 from Immaculate Heart High School in Hollywood. In 1954, she graduated from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Far East history. While at Redlands, she was the editor of the college newspaper and a stringer for the Los Angeles Times. Janet then pursued graduate studies at the University of Oslo on a scholarship from the Storting (Norwegian Parliament). Janet moved to Washington, D.C., where she joined the U.S. Foreign Service in 1955 and in 1957 joined the staff of Senator Thomas H. Kuchel (CA). Later, she served as the district manager for most of Northern Virginia for the 1980 Census and ended her working career as a staff member for Mount Vernon Supervisor Gerry Hyland. In 1963, Janet embarked on an admirable career as a volunteer with many different Virginia Democratic Party organizations. Her tireless efforts earned her widespread recognition. Janet joined the Fairfax County Democratic Committee in 1965, campaigning for progressive candidates in opposition to the then ruling Byrd Machine. She held numerous positions over the years, including member of the Virginia Democratic State Central Committee; First Vice Chair of the 8th Congressional District Democratic Committee (CDDC); First Vice Chair of the 11th CDDC; and 3-time chair of the Springfield Democratic Committee. In 2002, she received the 8th CDDC's Eagle Award for outstanding lifetime achievements in civil rights and public service. In 2008, she was elected to represent Virginia's 11th Congressional District in the Electoral College where she cast her vote for then- candidate for President Barack Obama. Beyond her professional achievements, Janet was an avid traveler, camper, and bird watcher. She visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and many countries in Europe, Africa, and South America. Janet instilled in her children their civic duty and sacred right to vote in every election. Her kindness and lively spirit touched the lives of many, leaving a mark on those who knew her. Janet leaves behind her beloved husband of 65 years, John; her cherished children and their spouses, Wendy, Ted (Mary), and Andy (Terri); her treasured grandchildren, Elisabeth, Derek, and Annemarie; her dear sister and brother-in-law, Carole and Ernie Labastida; nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Janet Amend Carver. Her leadership and commitment to public service was inspirational, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, Americans are not fighting and dying in Ukraine, Ukrainians are. All they ask of the great country they admire and they want to emulate is that we help with equipment and training. Putin benefits from this amendment. Putin, a sociopath, who is engaged in the most depraved behavior in our lifetime: killing innocent men and women, targeting hospitals, targeting schools, and showing no restraint. This Congress must stand with Ukraine. This Congress can never be seen as Putin's enabler. That is what this amendment does. That is what is behind it. The author of this amendment has already said she wants to give zero to Ukraine, so we know the motivation behind the amendment. Let's reject it. Let's stand with Ukraine and make sure Putin gets that message loud and strong with a forceful voice here on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act introduced by my friend, the ranking member, Mr. Meeks of New York, to place international pressure on elites in Haiti who have exacerbated and benefited from widespread instability of violence in that turbulent country. Nearly one-half of the country's population, close to 5 million Haitians, face acute hunger today. Haitians face drastic food, fuel, and medical equipment shortages. Cholera outbreaks are now widespread not far from our shore, and gangs dominate the Haitian economy and daily life through corruption, extortion, and brutal violence. In fact, the Haitian National Police and Haitian politicians are so compromised by gangs that lawlessness and instability are the new norm. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Meeks for keeping our attention on Haiti. The situation is, as he said, dire. The only way we will start helping Haiti root out corruption is to create a cost for those among the Haitian elite who benefit from crime and corruption. A little over a century ago, U.S. soldiers landed on Haiti's shores to stabilize a country in upheaval following the assassination of a Haitian President. With the country now, once again, destabilized following the assassination of another Haitian President, the United States must work with allies and partners to give the Haitian people a voice and to allow for them to take their country back from the gangs and the instability rampant in Haiti today. This time we must do so with an appreciation for our Nation's sordid history in Haiti, mistakes we have made, and how we can do better by the Haitian people this time. We have a chance to redeem our own history. Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the ranking member, Mr. Meeks, for keeping our attention focused on Haiti, as it should be, and for bringing this important piece of legislation to the floor, and I urge all of our colleagues to support it.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3203, the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act of 2023, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. On both sides of the aisle, we recognize the devastating impact the opioid crisis has had on our families and communities. There has been too much tragic loss of life and too many families torn apart. Challenging problems require our working together to find solutions. Here at home, we need expanded education programs for students so that they understand the deadly risks associated with fentanyl consumption and better funded rehab programs to help people get clean. We need law enforcement and prosecutors to target major trafficking networks, but we should be careful not to repeat the excesses and inequities that undermined the war on drugs previously. In the international context, we need to incentivize countries to work with us, but we also need to demonstrate there are consequences for actions that increase the supply of these dangerous drugs with impunity. This bill takes the latter approach. It will beef up sanctions on major Chinese fentanyl traffickers that aid and abet opioid traffickers. The legislation bolsters reporting requirements on fentanyl trafficking under the national emergency declared by the President and includes reforms to the International Economic Emergency Powers Act. I want to be clear: We can't sanction our way out of this fentanyl crisis alone. Sanctions are an important tool, but we will also need cooperation, as well. If we want countries to limit the export of fentanyl precursors and work with us to prevent such substances from entering our country and poisoning our people, we will need the cooperation of law enforcement in other nations like China and Mexico. That is a simple fact. Tough talk and asset freezes have their role, and I support them, but diplomacy and law enforcement cooperation are also part of the picture we need if we are going to conquer this problem. I thank Mr. Barr, my friend from Kentucky, and Chairman McCaul for their advocacy on this important issue and bringing this legislation forward. Congress works on behalf of the American people best when we can collaborate, when we can support each other, when we work together. Both sides worked in good faith to get this deal done, and I salute the gentleman from Kentucky for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Again, this is a scourge that has cost way too many lives. Educating our young people about its dangers but also cracking down on those who, with abandon, are willing to poison our young people and damage our country is an important step. I support Mr. Barr's effort. I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I echo the gentleman from Kentucky's fervent desire that we merit unanimous support for this piece of legislation. I rise in support of the Taiwan International Solidarity Act which I authored with the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis), my friend, to stand up for Taiwan's participation in international organizations against the backdrop of an ever-bellicose People's Republic of China. Our bill responds to Beijing's aggression by strengthening the TAIPEI Act of 2019 to clarify that U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 does not--does not--preclude the United States from using its vote, voice, and influence to resist the reckless campaign against Taiwan's rightful place on the world stage. The Taiwan International Solidarity Act amends the TAIPEI Act of 2019, a bill that passed by a unified bipartisan vote of 415-0. It instructs the U.S. to use its voice, vote, and influence to resist Beijing's efforts to distort the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of international organizations regarding Taiwan. It encourages the U.S. to work with allies and partners to oppose the People's Republic of China's efforts to undermine Taiwan's diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally. It expands reporting requirements to include information relating to any prior or ongoing attempts by the People's Republic of China to undermine Taiwan's participation in international organizations as well as its ties and relationships with other countries. Over the past decade, the People's Republic of China has successfully weaponized a distorted interpretation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognized the People's Republic of China as China's representative to that body in 1971. Since then, it is no secret that the People's Republic of China has leveraged its growing influence in the United Nations and international organizations to make sure that they could exclude Taiwan's meaningful participation in the international arena and preclude its technical and scientific expertise, as we saw in the pandemic, from which the world can benefit. Delegates from Taiwan attended the World Health Assembly as nonvoting observers from 2009 to 2016, but in 2016, the PRC successfully bullied enough member states to rescind that invitation. The denial of Taiwan's participation at the International Civil Aviation Organization poses a direct threat to aviation safety, and without member status at INTERPOL, Taiwan is denied access to crucial information that could be used to fight international criminal activity and, I might add, the drug trade we just talked about. We face unprecedented health and security threats here in the United States and abroad, and Taiwan's distinct capabilities, public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology underscore the need for this legislation. Mr. Speaker, the People's Republic of China has made its intentions crystal clear: They have encroached on the territorial waters and airspace of their neighbors. They have made ludicrous claims of sovereignty over the entire South China Sea. They have engaged in, or threatened, kinetic activity on the Indian border, the Vietnamese border, and, of course, across the Taiwan Strait. Mr. Speaker, I rise to make clear that any decision by the PRC to intimidate, bully, and exclude Taiwan will not be condoned or tolerated by the United States of America and certainly not by this Congress. The United States, in the spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act, must continue to reject any unilateral aggression against Taiwan, including within international organizations and bodies. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to heed the advice of the gentleman from Kentucky and pass this bill unanimously. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lieu).

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Again, I thank my friend from Kentucky (Mr. Barr) for his leadership and cosponsorship, and my partner, Mr. Curtis, for his enormous effort in trying to bring this bill before our committee for markup and to the floor. Mr. Speaker, acting on this bill is not a nice thing to do to recognize an allied partner, but it is actually for practical reasons. There are consequences when Taiwan, with independent capability, and enormous scientific and technical expertise, cannot participate in deliberations about world public health during a pandemic. There are consequences when it cannot participate in INTERPOL and help us in that fentanyl drug trafficking coming from the big country just to its north, China. There are consequences when we deny Taiwan its legitimate place and voice in international deliberations. Mr. Speaker, passing this bill, I hope, will have positive and practical consequences. It will remind our friends and allies and our adversaries that this Congress believes Taiwan is entitled to its voice and its seat at the table in important international organizations that are operational and that have consequences, good and bad, for the world's population. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Chair, I rise to oppose this amendment, which would risk flight safety and increase delays at National Airport, in the strongest terms possible. I will not, cannot support this bill if this amendment is adopted. This amendment violates every Congressional courtesy we try to extend to one another as colleagues who know our districts best. One of my first local government appointments was to the Fairfax County Airports Advisory Committee. I subsequently spent 14 years in local government helping maintain the delicate regional balance between the 2 major airports in Northern Virginia, National Airport and Dulles International Airport. I also led the effort to connect our nation's capital to Dulles via rail with the recently completed Silver Line extension of the DC Metro. So let me introduce my colleagues to National Airport. It has the busiest runway in America. The busiest in America. The airport is designed to serve 15 million passengers annually. Last year, it served 24 million. That is 9 million passengers or 60 percent over capacity. The airport has the 3rd highest flight cancellation rate in the country, and 1 in every 5 flights is delayed by more than an hour. The FAA has certified that more flights would make those delays worse. This amendment, which would force even more flights out of National Airport, is reckless. The amendment, if adopted, would increase delays, exacerbate pilot and flight crew exhaustion, and risk the safety of flights in and out of National Airport. I urge my colleagues to reject this amendment.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman, my good friend, the former and I hope future chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, for yielding. Why are my friends on the other side of the aisle trying to punish those who show basic decency? The so-called Schools Not Shelters Act targets one thing--compassion. Let me tell you a story. In September 2011, my community faced a sudden weather emergency with flooding. The combination of blocked culverts and relentless rainfall created a flood that swept through a very vulnerable mobile home community called Holly Acres in Woodbridge, Virginia. The damage to Holly Acres was swift and severe. Sixty percent of the homes in that community were left wholly condemned and uninhabitable. People were put out of their homes immediately. Thankfully, our local emergency personnel sprung into action. They conducted swift water rescues to save the lives of women and children who lived in this predominantly Hispanic community, largely undocumented, and evacuated them to our local high school for shelter. Immediately, my team and I descended on the scene. The instincts from my experience in local government kicked in. We coordinated provisions of toys, of which there were none, and clothes. All they had were the wet clothes on their bodies. They couldn't access warm clothes on their own. Hot meals from the Red Cross, none of which had been planned, were distributed to this dislocated community, many of whom were still in wet clothes from their evacuation. If the Republicans have their way, this kind of tragedy would have been compounded by robbing the school system of desperately needed funding because they were undocumented. Well, from my point of view, they were human beings in need, emergent need. My values said that we had to reach out, that we had to help. Their status was immaterial. Their need, their compelling need in front of our faces, is what drove our actions. Thank God the school was able to shelter them. Subsequently, they were able to get housing. These kinds of things happen all over the place, and my community wants to express its values in offering a helping hand irrespective of one's legal status in this country. Human beings are human beings. This legislation punishes those who show kindness in the face of such an emergency, and it does nothing to benefit our students or children. All it does is take away from our schools the crime of caring for others.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2023 recipients of the IES Sales Excellence Awards presented by the Institute for Excellence in Sales & Business Development (IES). IES was created to foster excellence in business sales and development practices and to help sales professionals and organizations maximize their efforts. Each year, IES recognizes individuals, teams, and organizations who demonstrate exemplary performance through leadership, risk taking, innovation, vision, and customer development. A recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement in Sales Award is Susan Shapero, Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Public Sector for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). With more than 20 years of holding leadership positions at HPE, Susan has retained her passion in assisting vital operations within the federal government along with state and local communities. Another recipient of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards is Joe Ayers, Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Industries for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). By being a leader at HPE for more than 8 years, he oversees all aspects of the business, including sales, marketing, customer experience, services, and integration of new acquisitions. The recipient of the 2023 Woman in Sales Executive Leadership Award is Alyssa Merwin Henderson. Alyssa is the global Vice President of LinkedIn Sales Solutions. Since joining LinkedIn, Alyssa has held numerous leadership positions. The 2023 Entrepreneurial Sales Leader of the Year Award is presented to Tien Wong, being the first ever recipient of this award. Tien Wong is a technology entrepreneur, CEO, and angel investor. He is Chairman and CEO of Opus8, Inc. He is also Chairman of Lumious, along with Lore Systems, Inc. Along with his other positions, Tien is the Founder and Host of the Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Forum, a global community of over 25,000 founders, CEOs, angels, VCs, CXOs and business leaders. The recipient of the 2023 Member of the Year Award is Bob Greene, a nationally recognized corporate sales trainer and strategic business advisor. Through his position as CEO of rcgworkgroup.com, he provides tailored solutions to companies of all sizes. The 2023 Sales Speaker of the Year Award is presented to Queirra Fenderson. Queirra is an Award-Winning Speaker, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and CEO of The Ambition Studio. Queirra has worked to ensure that The Ambition Studio improves employee retention and safeguards talent pipelines by offering credentialed expertise. The 2023 Jay Nussbaum Rising Sales Star of the Year Award is presented to Mayssa Haddad. Mayssa is a Senior Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS) within the Public Sector Partner Programs team where she leads ISV and CoSell programs for the AWS Public Sector Organization. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Susan Shapero, Joe Ayers, Alyssa Merwin, Tien Wong, Bob Greene, Queirra Fenderson, and Mayssa Haddad for their innovative and effective leadership and in congratulating them on being recipients of the IES Sales Excellence Awards.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Vienna Elementary School of Vienna, Virginia on its 150th Anniversary. Vienna Elementary has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating school in the Fairfax County Public Schools system. It is also in one of the oldest buildings still operating. The school serves nearly 400 children between kindergarten and 6th grade. The faculty and staff at Vienna Elementary strive to instill a world- class education in both academic and social domains for all students, equipping them with the skills to succeed in the 21st century. They cultivate values, attitudes, knowledge, and capabilities to nurture good citizenship in a safe, diverse, and instructionally rich environment. The students at Vienna Elementary benefit from a rich legacy of instruction focused on meaningful and practical applications to students' futures. From the PTA to local business and nonprofit organizations partnerships, Vienna Elementary is deeply ingrained in our community. The school hosts annual events like Bingo Night, a Holiday Shop, a 5K Fun Race, the GRACE Arts Program, which brings volunteer docents into every classroom to connect art and art history with the curriculum, ensuring a holistic and enriching education for the next generation. To commemorate this momentous occasion, community members will gather to enjoy cake, games, and activities for children and adults alike. The ``birthday party'' will also include acknowledgments of the school's history, including roots in segregation. While we hope that all who attend will be able to enjoy, it is now more important than ever to acknowledge the systemic injustices that have pervaded our country's history. Our children have a right to know how we got to this point if we are going to task them with creating a brighter future. Vienna is one of the most culturally rich and promising localities in Virginia's Eleventh Congressional District, and I am proud to represent this community and this school. They have striven for greatness and instilled a drive in their students to accomplish great things and to work towards a future in which we can all take pride. Mr. Speaker, this school is a testament to the hard work of Virginia's teachers, parents, administrators, and everyone else who contributes to the education and experience of our youngest and most promising neighbors. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Vienna Elementary School for 150 years of dedicated service to Virginia's students.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. This non-profit endeavor was founded in Reston, Virginia as the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) in 1974 to showcase the phenomenal talent of Northern Virginia. Tephra ICA works with artists, galleries, institutions, thought leaders, and collectors around the globe to promote creativity and the generation of ideas and growth that the arts can facilitate. They are committed to promoting innovative contemporary art and innovative thinking to accompany it. By building intimate connections between artists and audiences, including insights into the creative processes by which this art comes to be, Tephra ICA is able to extend their impact beyond the museum itself and instill these values into the Northern Virginia community at large. Northern Virginia is one of the culturally richest and most diverse regions of the Nation, and Tephra ICA seeks to illuminate that diversity. They curate globally conscious experiences that seek to contextualize artists' work in the historical and cultural canon from which they are derived, simultaneously promoting contemporary artists, and deepening their audience's understanding of artistic movements altogether. The organization recently rebranded as Tephra ICA to emphasize their growing audience beyond just the Reston Town Center, including Fairfax County and the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area. The word tephra means ``matter ejected from geothermal eruptions settling upon and changing the landscape.'' I cannot think of a more fitting name for this institute, which seeks to showcase the eruption of talent in the region and reshape perceptions of art for tens of thousands of visitors, both in person and online. Of particular importance to the community is Tephra ICA's annual Arts Festival, a celebration in which contemporary artists from across the country can present their original work to festival audiences. This is one of the most exciting and unique events of the year, and one to which thousands of my constituents and I look forward to. The individual and group experiences, performances, and special events exemplify Tephra ICA's commitment to the cultural education and enrichment of our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art on its 50th anniversary and in recognizing the visionaries and leaders who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the newly renamed English Empowerment Center (EEC), previously known as the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia (LCNV) and to congratulate the volunteers, instructors, students, community partners, and many others who will be recognized at the 61st EEC Recognition Ceremony. The mission of EEC is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities and in society as a whole. EEC serves low-literacy and limited English language proficient adults with a selection of low-cost, moderately intensive courses to help them transition into the workforce or other educational opportunities. EEC provides the crucial first steps of language and literacy proficiency for workplace, citizenship, and community integration to help adults make measurable improvements in their lives. This past year, they have served over 1,900 ESL students hailing from 95 different countries and natively speaking 50 different languages. It is evident EEC is making measurable improvements in the lives of the adults it serves. Each year EEC recognizes students and members of the community who have contributed their time, energy, and resources to achieving the organization's mission. EEC will also recognize the recipient of the Patricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship. It is my great honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2023 EEC honorees and scholarship recipient: Community Partners: Accenture, The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC), Paul M. Angell Family Foundation. Student Essay Readers: Reojin Ko, Martha Molina, Rose Nguyen. Volunteers of the Year: Stan Citron, Jeanne Johnson, Sarah Krisher. Patricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship Recipient: Eunice Carvajal. I also want to recognize those volunteers who are celebrating service anniversaries with LCNV. These volunteers are being recognized for the service milestone of 15 years. Volunteer Service Anniversaries: Veronica Cartier, Shelley Deutch, Betsy Mitchell, Jeffrey Randorf, David Webber, Glenn Allen, Stefanie Carr, and Maryanne Knockenhauer. I have always believed that education is one of the most fundamental and important skills to have in one's life. As we have learned here in our own community, reading is one of the basic foundations on which to build a person's education and their career opportunities, regardless of their age I want to extend my personal thanks to the Center and its many volunteers for your tireless efforts to promote literacy as a lifelong skill. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the English Empowerment Center and in thanking and congratulating each of the honorees of the 61st EEC Recognition Ceremony. I wish all of them great success in their future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Fairfax County Health Care Advisory Board. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized the importance of community involvement in planning comprehensive health programs and established the Health Care Advisory Board on June 11, 1973. Now, for 50 years, the Health Care Advisory Board has played a vital role in our community through advising on health and health-related issues. The accomplishments of the Health Care Advisory Board have positively impacted the health and well-being of our community in Fairfax County. Their robust accomplishments have been integral in protecting the community alongside the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and I am happy to share in some of their accomplishments. They have been able to oversee and implement proactive programs, such as the affordable health care program and the Community Health Care Network, which operated for nearly 30 years before being transitioned to a Federally Qualified Health Care Center. The work of the Health Care Advisory Board has been essential in addressing health disparities that affect vulnerable groups in our community. They have recommended polices to improve accessibility and affordability of senior housing along with support services. This includes legislation to increase direct care and staffing levels to ensure that the quality of care for medically vulnerable individuals, such as older adults, the homeless, and individuals with disabilities, are not ignored. The impact of the Health Care Advisory Board has affected public participation, encouraging health care providers, other citizen boards, and community groups to also work to address health concerns and needs in the community. This model that has been developed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is one that is admirable throughout our community. The Health Care Advisory Board continues to be an asset to the Board of Supervisors and the community as we continue to plan and establish health programs. Their leadership and commitment to our constituents continues to strengthen the community's resources and overall wellbeing. I sincerely thank the Health Care Advisory Board for their time and efforts on behalf of our community. Their work provides immeasurable benefits to their fellow neighbors and serves as a reminder of why Fairfax County remains such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fairfax County Health Care Advisory Board for their dedication to public service and congratulating them on their 50th Anniversary.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note the announced retirement of Carol Ochoa from her position as Inspector General (IG) at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) after serving there for the past 8 years. Inspectors General in agencies across the federal government are independent officials charged with promoting economy and efficiency in government programs and combatting waste, fraud and abuse. They make recommendations to the heads of the agencies in which they serve but they also independently keep Congress directly and concurrently informed about major issues in government programs. During the 8 years of her service as the IG, Carol Ochoa has performed this job in a manner which sets a very fine example, not only for other IGs, but for all of us who devote ourselves to government oversight. The Senate confirmed Carol Ochoa as the Inspector General at GSA on July 29, 2015. She came to the office well-qualified. Her prior career experience included more than 25 years of service as a federal prosecutor and manager in the U.S. Department of Justice where she served as the Assistant Inspector General of the Oversight and Review Division. Prior to that she was an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia where she prosecuted more than 40 cases before federal and local juries and specialized in public corruption and fraud matters. During her roughly 8 years of service as GSA IG, she led audit and inspection efforts which produced nearly 600 reports to GSA, and ultimately to Congress. The reports provided recommendations for corrective actions to address serious deficiencies found in GSA programs. These reports also included extremely valuable contract audits which, over her term, identified more than $4 billion in potential savings in the form of questioned costs or funds that could be put to better use. As a former federal prosecutor, she also very effectively led the law enforcement function of her office. Investigations conducted during her tenure resulted in the closure of more than 1,000 investigative cases leading to more than 300 successful criminal prosecutions. These crimes included fraud against the U.S. Government, theft of government property, as well as conspiracies and false statements associated with those crimes. Based on her office's wide-ranging investigative efforts, the federal government was able to obtain more than $900 million in civil settlements and court-imposed recoveries. That is about $113 million in each of her eight years of leadership as the Inspector General. Given the fact that her office's annual budget averaged about $67 million over her tenure, we should all be deeply grateful for the high return on investment the American taxpayers received for the budgetary funding entrusted to this Inspector General. During the eight years of her service as Inspector General she came here to the House of Representatives and gave testimony at six hearings; five of which were before the Oversight committee. Twice she testified about GSA's mismanagement of the Army's childcare subsidy program and the hard-earned money of our already struggling military families. She also testified about GSA's mismanagement of database records for the federal program which donates surplus firearms to state and local law enforcement agencies. She testified before the Transportations and Infrastructure Committee regarding the Trump Administration's oversight of the Trump International Hotel Lease in which she detailed her office's important evaluation which found that GSA attorneys decided not to address emoluments issues related to the lease without documenting their rationale, conducting any legal research, or seeking guidance from appropriate experts. She told the Committee that her staff found that the decision to exclude the emoluments issues from GSA's consideration of the lease was improper because GSA, like all government agencies, has an obligation to uphold and enforce the Constitution--a reminder which merits repeating on a regular basis. Finally, Inspector General Ochoa and I collaborated on a blockbuster report on the Trump Administration's decision to abandon plans for a new consolidated suburban headquarters campus for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and instead rebuild a new headquarters on the site of the current J. Edgar Hoover building. That report showed that GSA had obscured from Congress $516 million in relevant construction costs associated with the Administration's new plan. The report found that security requirements necessary for a future headquarters had not been fully evaluated. It also found GSA Administrator Emily Murphy provided testimony to Congress that had the effect of misleading Congress about meetings Administrator Murphy had with the White House and which she chose not to divulge to Congress. Mr. Speaker, Carol Ochoa's exemplary leadership of the Office of the Inspector General at GSA over the past eight years sets an example for others to follow. It is my hope that she transitions into retirement knowing she has the deepest appreciation from the Congress for her outstanding service to the Nation.