Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. It's really a shame we've come to this point where the dysfunction of this Congress is going to inflict harm on families, on the military, and on communities throughout America. I have great respect for my friend from Oklahoma. He has reached across the aisle, and he has tried to work with us to find common solutions, but he knows the truth. The truth is that discretionary domestic spending as a percentage of our GDP is at the lowest it's been since the Eisenhower administration. He knows that the Federal tax burden, the revenue side of the ledger, is the lowest since Harry Truman was in the White House. He knows that the gap between spending and revenue has grown since the last time we balanced the budget under Bill Clinton, when it was much closer. We have to get our arms around spending, but not in a mindless, meat- ax way. It is going to hurt America. And to bake it into this continuing resolution, in my view, is a terrible mistake. If the Republican side of the aisle wants to embrace sequestration as its own with this fairy tale that ``it's just a haircut; it's not much, especially when you look at the overall size of Federal spending,'' that will come as news to communities, to travelers, to consumers, and to the American public who, in fact, will feel the brunt of the sequestration in this continuing resolution. The other aspect of this continuing resolution, and why I oppose this rule, Mr. Speaker, is that, once again, we treat the Federal employee like a punching bag. For the 3rd year in a row, we freeze their salary. They have already contributed, and they were the only group singled out to contribute to the Federal debt reduction to the tune of $100 billion in lost wages and benefit cutbacks. We use the freeze on Congress as a subterfuge to get at Federal employees. I urge my colleagues to vote against the rule and support my bill to freeze congressional salaries, H.R. 636. Seventy-three cosponsors have already decided to do so. It is a shame that House Republicans cannot find a way to put aside ideology to work with us to avert the devastating cuts of sequestration. The Continuing Resolution presents the perfect opportunity to stop this self-inflicted wound on our economy, our military, and our families. The consequences of Republican inaction will be particularly hard felt in my community, which is home to so many people who work for or partner with the federal government. That pain will spread across Virginia and the rest of the nation as no community will be spared from these meat-axe cuts as they ripple through the economy. Every community that receives direct federal assistance, has residents who work for the federal government or is home to an employer who does work with the federal government will be affected. The slowdon in government spending has been a drag on local and state economies across the entire country and the unemployment rate for the past two years. GDP growth in the 4th Quarter of 2012 slowed to 0.1% after growing at 3.1% in the 3rd Quarter based largely on a 22% reduction in defense spending. Now the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects economic growth for this year will be half of what it otherwise might be as a result of these new cuts. In addition, a study by George Mason University estimates sequestration will lead to loss of more than 2 million jobs. Since last August, I have joined members of the regional delegation, as well as industry leaders and federal employee groups, in calling on Congress to find a balanced alternative to sequestration. I agree that we must take reasonable steps to address our debt. However, I cannot accept the House Republican philosophy that the only way to do this is through cuts alone. We cannot cut our way to prosperity. We must have a balanced approach that finds strategic cuts and savings while maintaining critical investments that ensure our competitiveness in the global economy. I urge my colleagues to vote against this rule so that we can bring up a balanced approach to replace sequestration along with my bill to protect federal employees from yet another pay freeze. My bill, H.R. 636, would freeze Member salaries for the duration of the 113th Congress. If anyone's salary should be frozen as a result of our nation's fiscal situation it is Members of Congress. Our dedicated Federal employees are on the front lines protecting and serving the public every day in our communities. Yet House Republicans have routinely used them as a punching bag. The men and women who have dedicated their careers to public service are still weathering a pay freeze that will have lasted more than two years, and they have made sacrifices in pay and benefits totaling more than $100 billion to help reduce our nation's debt. Now, because House Republicans refuse to work with us to avert sequestration, they are facing furloughs and the loss of up to 20% of their pay in some cases on top of having their pay frozen for a third consecutive year as part of this CR. Mr. Speaker, sequestration was put in place to force Congress to act, not to become law. I remain committed to preventing these harmful cuts, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against this rule so we can bring up a balanced approach that will do just that.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce (the DRCC) for its ongoing dedication to local businesses and our community. The DRCC sponsors a fundraising event, Casino Royale, the proceeds of which will support programs for homeless children in Fairfax County. In addition, during this event, the DRCC will present its 2013 ``Educator of the Year'' Awards to educators who demonstrate exceptional effort and achievement. The DRCC dates back to 1959, when it began as the Herndon Chamber of Commerce. Since its founding, the Chamber has witnessed explosive regional growth and now serves the Town of Herndon; western Fairfax County, including the communities of Chantilly, Centreville and Fairfax; and eastern Loudoun County, including the communities of Sterling/Dulles, South Riding, and parts of Ashburn. The DRCC defines itself as a workforce chamber and is known for its leadership in the areas of diversity, education, and transportation advocacy. As the former Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and now as a Member of Congress representing much of this community, I have been proud to partner with the DRCC on promoting the region's pro- business climate and expanding Metro's Silver Line into the Dulles Corridor. Northern Virginia is considered one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, and raise a family. One factor in this designation is our outstanding school systems. The DRCC recognizes the importance of a globally competitive K-12 education system to our workforce development and believes the most important investment Virginia can make is in human capital. The jobs of the future and the ability of our businesses to compete rest in having a well-trained workforce. As an elected representative and a parent, I believe that investing in education and college access programs, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, is an investment in America and will spur innovation and set our young people on a path for lifelong success. This year's awardees have demonstrated how outstanding educators are crucial leaders on that journey. Therefore, I am pleased to join the chamber in congratulating the following recipients of the 2013 Educator of the Year Award: Ms. Whitney Branisteanu, Dranesville Elementary School; Ms. Hallie Case, Herndon Middle School; Ms. Barbara Clougherty, Chantilly High School; Ms. Jen Howe, Chantilly Academy; Mr. Jeff Jones, Mountain View High School; Ms. Cheryl McGovern, Herndon Elementary School; Ms. Kelly Mosgrove, Ormond Stone Middle School; Ms. Amy Valint, Herndon High School; Ms. Kay Ward, Liberty Middle School. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals and thanking them for their many contributions to our children's success and our nation's future.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of my constituent, Lori Saltzman. After 34 years of service in the United States federal government, Lori is retiring as the Director of the Health Sciences Division at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Lori began her career in the federal government in 1978 as a research scientist in the Pulmonary Branch of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, while attending graduate school at George Washington University. In 1984, she joined the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Directorate for Health Sciences as a toxicologist, where she spent the remainder of her career. In 1991, Lori was selected to be a candidate in CPSC's Women's Executive Leadership Program, where she learned valuable management skills that helped further CPSC's regulatory and policy development. In 1994, Lori was named acting director of the Health Effects division of Health Sciences and eventually Director of the Division of Health Sciences. Under her leadership, the Health Sciences staff made significant contributions in helping the CPSC address a number of important consumer product issues, including assessing the toxicity and risk associated with the use of lead and cadmium in children's jewelry, fire retardant chemicals in upholstered furniture and mattresses, phthalates in children's products, and arsenic from pressure treated wood preservatives used on decks and playgrounds. Lori also represented CPSC on numerous federal interagency groups and task forces. She served as one of the early co-chairs of the federally mandated Committee on Indoor Air Quality (CIAQ), as a federal liaison to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (ACCLPP), and as a representative to the recent Interagency Task Force on Problem Drywall. Because of Lori's understanding of CPSC's scientific issues, as well as its compliance and enforcement activities, her opinions and technical expertise were often relied upon by Compliance officials to support their actions against regulated industries. Throughout her career she has been dedicated to developing and mentoring her staff to assure that the Commission's compliance activities continue to be supported with the best scientific analyses possible. Her talents in both the scientific and policy arenas led to detail assignments as a special assistant with former CPSC Chairman Ann Brown and Commissioner Nancy Nord, as well as Associate Director in the CPSC's Office of Compliance. Among her many honors and accomplishments, Lori is also a licensed medical technologist registered with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lori Saltzman and in extending our Nation's gratitude to her for her honorable and dedicated service to the United States government. I wish her the best of luck in her retirement and all her future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Kristian P. Biggs for thirty years of dedicated service in the United States Navy. Captain Biggs will retire as the Director of Missile Defense and Integration in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Ships. Captain Kris Biggs was born on July 23, 1961 in Jacksonville, Florida. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics (Departmental Honors) and Mathematics at Jacksonville University, where he received a commission in April 1983 as an Ensign, via the NROTC program, into the Restricted Line (Engineering Duty Officer). He holds a Master of Science Degree in Engineering Acoustics from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and is a graduate of the Advanced Program Manager's Course from the Defense Systems Management College in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. After completing the Surface Warfare Officer School Basic Course in Coronado, California, he reported to the USS Lang (FF-1060) where he qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer while serving as Antisubmarine Warfare Officer, Assistant Navigator, and Personnel Officer. In September 1986, Captain Biggs entered the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and graduated in December 1988 with a Masters Degree in Engineering Acoustics. After attending the Engineering Duty Officer Basic Course in Mare Island, California, Captain Biggs reported to Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force in Norfolk, Virginia where he served as the Operational Test Director for the AN/ SQQ-89(V) ASW Combat System from 1989 to 1993. During this time he completed the Engineering Duty Officer Qualification Program and participated in the planning and execution of the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) Operational Evaluation. Captain Biggs' next assignment was Combat Systems Officer on USS NASSAU (LHA-4) in Norfolk, Virginia, where he reported in 1993 following the Surface Warfare Officer Department Head Course in Newport, Rhode Island. Captain Biggs reported to Program Executive Officer for Undersea Warfare in Crystal City, Virginia in the fall of 1995. His initial assignment was as an Assistant Program Manager in the Naval Signal Processors Program Office (PMS 428). Following the Advanced Program Manager's Course at DSMC in 1997, Captain Biggs was assigned to the Undersea Weapons Program Office (PMS 404) where he worked on advanced technology. He was selected to become a member of the Acquisition Professional Community and completed his Level III Program Management qualification. In 1998, Captain Biggs was assigned to the Program Executive Officer for Theater Surface Combatants where he served as the Navy Area Theater Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD) Test and Evaluation Branch Head in the Navy Area TBMD Program Office (PMS 451). From August 2000 to July 2002, he served as the Navy Area TBMD Systems Engineering Branch Head. In August 2002, Captain Biggs reported to Program Executive Officer for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) Detachment Huntsville, Alabama where he served as the Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System (JLENS) Deputy Project Manager (Navy) in the Army Program Executive Officer for Air, Space and Missile Defense. He went to Afghanistan in 2003 and Iraq in 2004 in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. He was promoted to Captain in July 2004. In October 2004, Captain Biggs became the 11th Commanding Officer of Aegis Technical Representative in Moorestown, NJ. Under his leadership, the command earned ten field activity excellence awards (five from PEO IWS and five from Aegis BMD) and was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its critical role in the historic ``Satellite Shootdown.'' He reported to the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Ships in August 2010. Captain Biggs' personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars, Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various service related awards and campaign ribbons. Captain Biggs is married to the former Marina Reese. The Biggs' have four children; Justin, Eric, Juliana, and Joshua. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Captain Kristian P. Biggs for his thirty years of service to our country. Captain Biggs has demonstrated a deep commitment to the security of our nation. His exemplary career is a testament to the level of dedication exhibited among our men and women in the armed forces. I would like to personally wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to see the Republican Leadership in the House has decided to relent on its ideological objections to renewing the landmark protections and support services for women who are victims of violence or domestic abuse. Until just days ago, it appeared the House was again preparing to stand in the way of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, which was supported by a majority of Republican Senators when the bill passed that chamber on a stronger, more bipartisan vote than it did in the 112th Congress. I am proud to cosponsor the House companion, which now has 200 cosponsors. Far too many of us have been touched by domestic violence in one way or another. Maybe it was a mother, a sister, a college roommate, or co- worker, who was forced to suffer in silence following an attack. Domestic violence is a real and troubling problem in our communities, and the need for these protections continues to grow. In my district, Turning Points, the only domestic violence intervention program in Prince William County served 6,000 clients last year. In neighboring Fairfax County, there were more than 8,000 cases of domestic violence reported, and we have seen a 40% increase in homelessness due to domestic violence. This vital legislation will renew our successful partnerships with local nonprofits and law enforcement agencies. It will improve protections for underserved communities, particularly immigrants and victims of human trafficking. It will expand housing assistance for victims and provide support regardless of sexual orientation. Since these victim protections were first adopted in a bipartisan fashion 19 years ago, reporting of domestic violence has increased as much as 51% as more victims are coming forward. Today's legislation will ensure more women, children and families receive this lifesaving assistance so they can finally move from a situation of crisis to one of stability. Again, I commend my Republican colleagues for compromising on this important legislation. This is yet another example of the tremendous work we can achieve for our constituents when we work together, and I hope we continue in that spirit as we turn to address the devastating cuts of sequestration and the budget for the rest of this fiscal year, which will affect these new victim protections among our many other priorities.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of Fairfax County 2012 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. 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: Belvoir Corporate Campus: Owner: Loisdale 24, LLC. Superintendent: Bruce Reed. Contractor: Goldin & Stafford, Inc. Engineer: Urban, LTD. Site Inspector: Jim Getts. Small Commercial: INOVA Lorton Healthplex Phase I: Owner: INOVA Health Care Services. Superintendent: Giancarlo Bulfom. Contractor: Metro Earthworks. Engineer: Vika Virginia LLC. Site Inspector: Martin Klema. Infill Log: Bull Run Woods Lot 12, Section 8: Owner: Trust Communities, Inc. Superintendent: Peter Judge. Contractor: Basheer & Edgemoore Bull Run, LLC. Engineer: Smith Engineering. Site Inspector: David Nichols. Best Protected Environmentally Sensitive Site: Bull Run Woods Lot 12, Section 8: Owner: Trust Communities, Inc. Superintendent: Peter Judge. Contractor: Basheer & Edgemoore Bull Run, LLC. Engineer: Smith Engineering. Site Inspector: David Nichols. Outstanding Engineering Firm: Smith Engineering for Bull Run Woods Lot 12, Section 8 and Urban Ltd. for Mallory Square and Belvoir Corporate Campus. Outstanding Contractor: Basheer & Edgemoore for Bull Run Woods Lot 12, Section 8. Outstanding Superintendent: Giancarlo Bulfon for Belvoir Corporate Campus. Outstanding E/S Inspectors of the Year: David Nichols, Tom French and Martin Klema. Outstanding E/S Plan Reviewers of the Year: Aileen Santiago, Durga Kharel, and Thakur Dhakal. Tree Preservation Award Recipients: Walker Nature Education Center. Developer: Reston Association. Design Professional: Paciulli Simmons & Assoc. Tree Preservation Contractor: HITT Contracting. Tree Preservation Consultant: Thrive, Incorporated--Plant Health Care Solutions. Dolley Madison Library: Developer: Fairfax County, DPWES. Design Professional Engineers: Atkins Global. Design Professional-Contractor: Harvey Cleary Builders. Tree Preservation Contractor/Project Arborist: Zimar and Associates, Incorporates. Valleybrook Montessori: Developer: Montessori School of Northern Virginia, Incorporated. Design Professional: Patton, Harris, Rust and Associates (A Pennoni Company). Tree Preservation Contractor: Zimar and Associates, Incorporated. 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. Mr. Speaker, as the nation's capital hosts a weekend celebration of women's suffrage on March 2 and 3, I want to share with my colleagues a little-known, national landmark in my--the Turning Point Memorial at the former Occoquan Workhouse, in Lorton. From 1917 to 1919, more than 200 women from 26 states were arrested for ``obstructing traffic'' and ``holding a meeting on public grounds.'' Around 70 of those women, suffragists who were called ``Silent Sentinels,'' were imprisoned for picketing with signs and banners on the White House sidewalk demanding their right to vote. Police hauled them to the then Occoquan Workhouse, later called the Lorton Prison, in Fairfax County, where they were jailed. Their incarceration was one of the most significant but least known events of the women's suffrage movement and a true turning point in the ultimately successful struggle. The gutsy women--labeled by some as ``unpatriotic'' -- held firm to their goals. Choosing jail over paying a $25 fine, one protested, ``Not a dollar of your fine shall we pay. To pay a fine would be an admission of guilt. We are innocent!'' Winning the right to vote took 72 years when Tennessee ratified the 19th Amendment in 1920, the largest extension of democratic rights in the nation's history. The suffragists' nonviolent actions pioneered civil rights tactics later used in other civic movements and their refusal to back down became a model for activists. To recognize their struggle, the all-volunteer Turning Point Suffragist Memorial Association is building the memorial in the shadow of the nation's capital in Fairfax County. It will feature a waterfall and 19 stations (for the 19th Amendment) along a winding garden path to relate the history of the movement and the story of empowerment and perseverance. More information can be found online at www.suffragistmemorial.org. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the members and supporters of the Association and wishing them continued success with the memorial.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank and commend Lee Wright of Woodbridge, Va., for his 30 years of honorable service with the United States Air Force and for his subsequent 18 years of civilian service with the Defense Intelligence Agency. We are fortunate to have among us veterans with Mr. Wright's sense of duty and continued commitment to public service. Mr. Wright began his career stationed at Cam Rahn Bay, RVN in 1964. After the war, Mr. Wright served at multiple air stations, eventually serving on staff at the USAF Military Air Command, Non-Commissioned Officer Academy. Mr. Wright soon moved on to DIA assignments spanning Western Europe, Turkey, Eurasia and Russia where he served multiple roles in intelligence operations. His devotion, hard work, and expertise on Russia led to successive roles within DIA's Russia/EURASIA Division, where Mr. Wright would eventually become Division Chief. Since August of 2011, Mr. Wright has lent his considerable experience to DIA's Office of Congressional and Public Affairs where his leadership, work ethic and knowledge base have proven invaluable to his colleagues. There is little doubt that after 48 years of serving his country, Mr. Wright has earned some well-deserved R&R. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues rise to join me in recognizing and thanking Lee Wright for his committed and selfless service to his colleagues and our country. We wish Mr. Wright, his wife, Dottie, and his family well in retirement.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fairfax County Youth Football League and to congratulate the 2013 Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame honorees and scholarship award recipients. The importance of youth sports cannot be overstated. Participation in organized sports instills in our youth many values that will serve them well throughout life. These values include sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, a sense of belonging, and maybe most important, the work ethic developed by striving for success and working to achieve a common goal. Organized youth sports also contribute to our society. Studies have shown a correlation between participation in sporting activities and increased academic performance. Some studies indicate that a reduction in gang activity can be partially attributed to refocusing at-risk children into organized, supervised activities such as youth sports. I commend the Fairfax County Youth Football League for providing opportunities for our children to succeed and be a part of a team. I also congratulate the following students, coaches and community leaders who are being recognized at the 23rd Annual Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame: $1,500 Scholarship Award Recipients: Raina Aide (Cheerleading, J.E.B. Stuart HS), Harrison ``Sonny'' Romine (Football, Chantilly HS), Brian Deely (Football, Westfield HS), and Ben Sanford (Football, Madison HS) Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame 2013 Inductees: Evan Royster (Washington Redskins, Penn State, Westfield HS, FPYC), Bruce Hanson (Head Coach, Yorktown HS), and Steve Wilmer (Coach/Commissioner--McLean Youth Football) Football Official of the Year--Youth Sports: Steve Caruso (Fairfax County Football Officials Association) Karl Davey Community Achievement Award: Tom Healy (Southwestern Youth Association, FCYFL) Tom Davis Meritorious Service Award: Deb Garris (Manager, Synthetic Turf Branch, Fairfax County Park Authority) Gene Nelson Commissioner of the Year Award: Jason McEachin (Dulles South Youth Sports) High School Players of the Year: Jonathan Allen (Stone Bridge HS), Tyler Donnelly (Yorktown HS), Oren Burks (South County HS), Sean Huelskamp (Chantilly HS), Scott Carpenter (Gonzaga College HS), Nick Newman (Battlefield HS) High School Coaches of the Year: Mickey Thompson (Stone Bridge HS), Jason Rowley (Oakton HS) Youth Sports Players of the Year: Avery Howard (Manassas YFL), Virginia ``Ginny'' Delacruz (SYC), Justin Burke (RYA), Preston Bacon (CYA), Miles Thompson (Fairfax Police Youth Club), Anthony Eaton, Jr. (Alexandria Youth Football), Hunter Godin (APYFL), Robbie McGoff (SCAA), Nicholas DiVecchia (SYA), Markel Harrison (VYI), Carlo Esposito (BRYC), Michael Bayeux-Gary (HOYF), Phillippe Oliveros (CYA), Joshua Breece (Ft. Belvoir Youth Sports), Noah Adler (VYI), Christian Jessup (Dulles South Youth League) Youth Sports Coaches of the Year: Anthony Price (Gum Springs Community Center), Buddy Morris (BRYC), Tommy Durand (Arlington Football League), Donny Cooke (VYI) Youth Cheerleaders of the Year: Haley Clay (Dulles South Youth League), Rachel Strauss (VYI), Angel Bailey (HOYC), Asjah Snead (HOYC), Meghan Adams (GHYFL) Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Fairfax County Youth Football League as well as those students, coaches and community leaders who are being honored at this 2013 Hall of Fame celebration.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Springfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7327 and the recipients of its 2013 Annual Awards. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its beginnings to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish American War established local organizations to bring awareness to their service and to advocate for veterans retirement benefits and improved medical care. Today, with membership of 2.2 million at approximately 8,100 posts worldwide, the VFW continues its efforts to support the men and women who have served our great country in uniform and their families. The VFW has a distinguished record of service to the broader community. The VFW and Ladies Auxiliary contribute more than 13 million hours of volunteerism every year. In this field of champions, the Springfield VFW Post 7327 stands out for the depth of its commitment to our community. Often called ``The Friendliest VFW Post in Virginia,'' Post 7327 has one of the most aggressive ADOPT-A UNIT programs in the entire VFW organization to support our service members stationed overseas. VFW Post 7327 visits the VA hospital at least quarterly; bringing along goodie bags for our Wounded Warriors. Each Thanksgiving and Christmas, VFW Post 7327 adopts military families in need through the USO and provides them with meal baskets for each holiday, Christmas gifts for all the children, commissary cards for the parents, and a Christmas party where the children can meet Santa and receive a gift filled stocking. The Ladies Auxiliary members collect, sort, and distribute more than 2,000 pieces of clothing each month to various charitable organizations. VFW Post 7327 is a strong supporter of local youth organizations including the Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Little League Baseball that contribute greatly to the education and well being of our children. Each year, VFW Post 7327 bestows awards to outstanding local citizens in recognition of their extraordinary actions and dedication. I congratulate the following individuals on receiving these 2013 Awards: Teachers of the Year: Erin Poppe and Michael Walser. Voice of Democracy: 1st Place: Michael D. Marriott, 2nd Place: Kathryn Cummins. Patriot's Pen: 1st Place: Shane David King, 2nd Place: Sion Kim, 3rd Place: Rishon A. Elliott. Police Officer of the Year: George Joca. Emergency Medical Technician of the Year: Kayla Thompson. VFW Post 7327 has also recognized JW & Friends Restaurant and the Northern Virginia Surgery Center for their continued support to the Post and its Ladies Auxiliary. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2013 Awardees and in thanking the members, Ladies Auxiliary, and supporters of VFW Post 7327 for their continued service to our country and our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from Maryland. The distinguished chairman of this committee says that we're entitled to our opinions, but not our own facts while he calls upon our friend from Florida, a former member of our committee, who cherry-picks from the Simpson-Bowles committee, the same committee that said we need a $4 trillion hit on the debt over the next 10 years and it has to be a balance between revenue and spending cuts. My friend from Florida and my friend from California fail to cite that fact. That's a fact. The chairman just put up a sign talking about the exit rate in the Federal workforce. What he doesn't tell you is that 47 percent of the existing Federal workforce is eligible for retirement over this next decade because of the baby boom demographic. How will we replace them, especially the higher-skilled set? My friend from California, like me, came from the private sector before he came here. He was more successful than I. Very successful. I applaud him for that. But I would hope that in that success we don't lose sight of that GS-3 making $27,000 a year serving our veterans at a veterans hospital. It's easy when we don't suffer low wages to perhaps lose perspective about the real need, even in our Federal workforce. And at the higher end, the more we disparage our Federal workforce, the more we make it less attractive. The more we treat them like a piggy bank, the less attractive that service will be. We are a far, far distance from when John Kennedy called Americans to public service because he saw it, as did so many of that generation, as a noble calling. We haven't just asked for a few hundred dollars from every Federal worker. We have attempted or succeeded in freezing their wages 3 years in a row. Another fact that my friend from California, the distinguished chairman of our committee, conveniently does not point out is that we have done more than that, and we've attempted to do more than that. We've funded the payroll tax cut with $15 billion of cuts for prospective Federal employees in the pension programs. We attempted for the first time ever--unheard of, no nexus--to fund transit in the transportation bill to the tune of $50 billion in cuts from existing pension programs, breaking an existing contract. That's a fact too. Maybe an inconvenient one. Federal workers deserve the dignity of the work they provide. Federal workers need to be respected for serving our constituents. The losers in this debate won't just be them; it will be the people they serve.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments we've just heard. The bill before us today is just the latest partisan jab at Federal employees who are on the front lines protecting and serving our constituents every day. I remind my colleagues that more than 85 percent of Federal employees do not work here in the D.C. region. They live and work in your districts. They are the law enforcement agents, park rangers, researchers, and health inspectors who make our communities safer. These are middle class families struggling to make ends meet just like everybody else, yet House Republicans have routinely used them as a punching bag, chipping away at their pay and their benefits. So far, the tab is $103 billion and counting. It is time to say, ``Enough.'' I was pleased to join with Congressman Bera and 10 of our colleagues in cosponsoring the amendment Mr. Polis referred to this partisan bill that at least would have separated the questions of freezing our pay from that of Federal employees. In fact, three such amendments were submitted, but each was rejected by the Republicans in the Rules Committee, underscoring that this really is nothing more than another political potshot at Federal employees and using us as the subterfuge. If anyone's salary should be frozen as a result of our Nation's fiscal paralysis, it's ours; it's Members of Congress. That's why I introduced an alternative bill, H.R. 636, with Ranking Member Cummings from the Oversight Committee, to freeze Member salaries for the duration of this Congress. Of course, my Republican colleagues fail to acknowledge that we already voted to freeze Member salaries through September of this year, as Mr. Polis indicated, so there is no real sense of urgency here. Why aren't we spending this time working on a bipartisan solution to avert the devastating consequences of sequestration 2 weeks from now? The $85 billion in across-the-board cuts in defense and domestic spending for the rest of this fiscal year would slam the brakes on this economy and throw us potentially back into recession. GDP performance in the fourth quarter shows that. It declined by one- tenth of 1 percent, largely because of shrinkage in public sector investments. That was led by a 22 percent drop in defense spending, the largest since the end of the Vietnam War. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have shown almost no interest in addressing this threat, despite the pleadings of the Secretary of Defense.

Mr. CONNOLLY. An amendment by our colleague, Mr. Van Hollen from the Budget Committee, to replace sequestration was also rebuffed by the Rules Committee just last night on a partisan vote. To make matters worse, the House is about to go into recess again tomorrow. In fact, we spent 15 of the 19 weeks from July through the lame duck in recess. Let's do something productive for the United States economy.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, the Postmaster General's announcement this past week that he intends to eliminate Saturday mail delivery is of great concern to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Beyond the fact that such a move completely disregards congressional intent, it also sets the Postal Service on a downward spiral that will undercut any opportunity to revitalize it and put it in a more sound financial footing for future generations. Whether it's the financial documents for a small business, a prescription refill for an elderly resident, or a birthday card for a loved one, Saturday mail delivery is important to every person in every community in America. The United States Postal Service is an American institution dating back to the founding of our Nation when it was enshrined in article I of the Constitution, and Saturday delivery has been part of that tradition for the past 150 years. The men and women who don the blue uniform of the USPS are visible in every street in every community. As a recent Washington Post story recounted, mail carriers have been known to report crimes, detect gas leaks and check on the elderly. Many serve the same routes for years, taking note of the comings and goings in their neighborhoods and offering an extra set of watchful eyes. They are, in many ways, the first responders in many of these communities. Eliminating Saturday mail service would result in the layoffs of more than 50,000 letter carriers. Job losses in the public sector have already been a drag on our economy for the past 2 years, and this only exacerbates that problem. The supposed savings would clearly be offset if these unemployed middle class workers would then need Federal assistance to make ends meet. Upon closer inspection, the economic case for eliminating Saturday delivery is specious at best. The Postmaster General claims it will save $2 billion, but that does not include the lost revenue or the broader economic ripple effect. A confidential report commissioned by the Postmaster General just last year showed that a 7.7 percent decline in mail volume, such as going from 6 to 5 days would trigger, would actually result in a $5.2 billion loss in revenue. It's little wonder that he deep-sixed his own study. Within the broader economy, 8.4 million jobs are supported by the private and public mailing industries. That represents 6 percent of all American jobs. For every job in the Postal Service, there are 10 in the private sector, and three out of four of those jobs are dependent on existing delivery infrastructure by the Postal Service, including 6-day mail. Last year, the combined industries supported $1.3 trillion in sales revenue, or 8.6 percent of our entire economy. While first-class mail volume has been trending downward for the past decade, the Postal Service is not maximizing those lines of business that are showing growth, such as package delivery. Growth in online retail sales, spurred by Cyber Monday, for example, pushed USPS package delivery revenue up by 4.7 percent, or $154 million, in the first quarter of this year alone. The Postal Service has not been able to capitalize on those opportunities largely because Congress, itself, stifled innovation with the 2006 legislation that it passed. Unlike its international counterparts, the Postal Service is prohibited by law from co-locating with such comparable businesses as banks and coffee shops, which actually offer a lot of revenue in the European postal services. We even restrict how the Postal Service can competitively market its low-priced services. Of course, the most egregious burden imposed on the Postal Service by Congress is the outrageous pre-funding requirement for future retiree health benefits. Under current law, it must pre-fund 75 years at 100 percent of those benefits in a 10-year window. No other entity on the planet has such an onerous requirement but the Postal Service, and we did it--Congress did it--in 2006. In fact, $11.1 billion of the $15 billion-plus loss last year for the Postal Service is directly attributable to that burden. That brings us back to the audacity of last week's announcement by the Postmaster General. The Postal Service has routinely testified before Congress, requesting the authority to go from six to five, but congressional intent on the preservation of 6-day mail delivery has been clear for 30 years. Even the Presidential budget request recognizes the need for Congress proactively to grant such authority. It cannot be grabbed unilaterally. The Postmaster General acknowledged he was on shaky ground--and indeed he is--in making this announcement. I, along with Representative Graves, have asked him to provide what, if any, legal justification he relied on to make this momentous decision, and we've asked the Attorney General and the Postal Regulatory Commission for their opinions on the Postmaster General's statutory authority for this ill-advised action. Mr. Speaker, Representative Graves and I have introduced a bipartisan resolution urging the Postal Service to preserve 6-day delivery. We would welcome our colleagues in joining us to highlight congressional intent that Saturday service is vital to our neighborhoods and small businesses and to the vitality of our communities. I urge my colleagues to take a closer look.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I can't resist saying the Second Amendment right does not preclude background checks to protect the very people we represent. Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court ruling last summer on the Affordable Care Act was a victory for all American families--and small businesses especially--by ensuring that our constituents have access to affordable, quality health insurance. The ruling preserved the integrity of Medicaid partnerships between the States and the Federal Government, giving Governors the option of accepting the Federal Government's generous offer to pay the cost for expanding coverage of low-income residents who might otherwise not have access to health insurance. Though some of my Republican colleagues remain opposed to the act, I'm pleased to see Republican Governors, including those from Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, and now Governor Kasich in Ohio, putting policy ahead of politics to support this expansion of Medicaid. Those Governors have acknowledged that they were motivated not only by the desire to reduce the number of uninsured, but also by the compelling business case. Medicaid expansion is part of the vision for a new continuum of coverage that will begin in 2014, when the major provisions from the Affordable Care Act take effect. This will fill the longstanding gap in Medicaid coverage for low-income adults by expanding eligibility for those earning up to 133 percent of the Federal poverty level. As of 2011, there were 48 million nonelderly uninsured in America. As an incentive for States to expand coverage for those folks, the ACA commits the Federal Government to paying 100 percent of the additional costs of covering them, and after 2016, 90 percent thereafter. I wrote the Republican Governor of my State and the General Assembly membership urging them to join us in extending this critical health care coverage. The Virginia General Assembly is currently divided on the matter, but I was encouraged last week by the announcement from our Republican Lieutenant Governor, who said: There is no State better prepared to move forward with this reform and the coverage expansion of it than the Commonwealth of Virginia. Like me, Lieutenant Governor Bolling understands the economic benefits for Virginia. Expanding Medicaid will help 300,000 Virginians get access to health care coverage who currently have none and invariably wind up accessing health care through the most expensive portal there is: the emergency room. The cost of that uncompensated care is, of course, borne today by hospitals and those who are insured through their premiums. The Governor's Advisory Commission on Health Reform said expanding Medicaid, coupled with other reforms in the act, would reduce uncompensated care in Virginia by more than half. Under the Affordable Care Act, Virginia would receive more than $9.2 billion in the first 5 years. A recent State analysis shows that during that same time period Virginia would actually save $300 million by expanding coverage. And Virginia's costs for the first 10 years, now estimated at $137 million, are considerably less than originally estimated and a great return on that investment. Time is running out, and our residents cannot afford for States to miss this opportunity. In fact, I believe they would be making such a historic mistake that I am proposing an additional incentive to help motivate those Governors who might not yet still be convinced. This week I introduced the Medicaid Expansion Incentive Act. This simple bill adds a ``use it or lose it'' provision. If a State doesn't want to expand Medicaid coverage, then we will ship those dollars to other States who are willing to partner with us to help defray costs and expand their coverage. Just so the residents of a particular State are fully aware of how their Governor's decision is affecting them, my bill will require HHS to publicize the list of States that are not partnering with us and giving up this opportunity and the amount of money their Governor has left on the table and the number of uninsured people who will thereby not be covered. The Affordable Care Act is the law of the land, and residents of any State should not be penalized because of their Governor's ideological agenda. The choices we face are momentous. Will we move forward together to implement these historic reforms and reverse the unsustainable trajectory of spiraling prices, or will we let slip this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help those most in need, realize savings, and spur economic activity? I hope more Republican Governors, including my own, will follow the leader of their colleagues elsewhere and put their citizens' health ahead of partisan orthodoxy.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and its Education Foundation. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left an indelible mark on our nation in his pursuit of civil rights through civil dialogue. Despite the violence perpetrated against Dr. King and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King responded with reverent oratory and nonviolent resistance to condemn the injustice of social inequality. His legacy is one of tolerance and steadfast commitment to principled and peaceful communication. Contestants in the MLK Youth Oratorical Contest pay tribute to Dr. King's legacy with their ability to exercise the strength of the spoken word. This skill will serve them well as they seize future leadership opportunities and forge the personal relationships necessary for effective community engagement and organizing. I congratulate and applaud the following contestants of the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition: Middle School Contestants: Norman Jones--Stonewall Middle School. Hazma Mir--Mary G. Porter Traditional School. Nathaniel Raffier--Herbert J. Saunders Middle School. High School Contestants: Jacob Gonzalez--Thomas Jefferson High School. Abbas Idris--Osbourn Park High School. Cynthia Johnson--Stonewall Jackson High School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for recognizing the benefit that Dr. King's teachings bring to the development of our youth. We lay the foundations of a more tolerant society when we nurture the ability to engage and communicate with one another in a way that respects our common humanity.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2013 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors, BOCS, implemented the Human Rights Ordinance January 15, 1993, formally establishing the Human Rights Commission. Two years prior, the BOCS formed the Human Rights Study Committee to explore the needs of a community that was growing in population and diversity. An exhaustive effort that included numerous Committee meetings and public hearings identified a strong community desire for a human rights ordinance and an agency to enforce it. The Human Rights Ordinance prohibits discriminatory practices based on race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status or disability, in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and credit, in Prince William County. The BOCS approved the Ordinance in September 1992 to ensure that ``each citizen is treated fairly, provided equal protection of the law and equal opportunity to participate in the benefits, rights, and privileges of community life.'' Residents enlist the services of the Commission if they feel their rights have been violated in the areas of employment, fair housing, credit, education and public accommodation. In celebration of Universal Human Rights Day, the Human Rights Commission recognizes individuals and organizations that promote the principles of human rights in Prince William County. It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the recipients of the 2013 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards: Stephen Dittmer, Connie Moser, Lillian Garland, Ralph Smith, Lydia Stewart. The Human Rights Commission Hall of Fame honorees: Police Chief Charlie T. Deane is a two-time Commission award recipient. He is being honored for his 42-years of service to the Prince William County Police Department and for providing equitable services to all county residents. Mary Porter, Maxine Coleman, Zella Brown and Fannie Fitzgerald constituted ``The Courageous Four,'' a group of four African-American teachers who integrated the Prince William County Public Schools in 1964. They are being honored for promoting the smooth transition to desegregated schools. The Human Rights Study Committee: Donald T. Poe, Chair, Fred Allen, Richard Brown, Jr., Ethel Georges, Provi Gonzales, Bob Prevatte, Herbert A. Rountree, Rajendra P. Singh, Eric Tatum, and Manual L. Velasquez. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the recipients of the 2013 Prince William County Human Rights Commission Awards. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to these honorees for their efforts to safeguard our most basic rights and remind us of our common humanity. Let us use their example to rededicate ourselves to the fight against inequity and injustice.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2013 Officers of the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. The 2013 officers and members of the board of directors are taking leadership roles in one of Northern Virginia's longest standing volunteer fire departments. The O.W.L. Volunteer Fire Department was created to address the need for organized fire response capabilities in the growing suburbs of Northern Virginia. In 1938, the Department officially formed to become the only fire department between Fredericksburg and Alexandria. In the subsequent decades O.W.L. has expanded to staff three stations and provide emergency medical services. The members of O.W.L. are dedicated community volunteers, and the 2013 officers and directors will be diligent stewards of this tradition of service. The over 300 active O.W.L. members answer 14,000 calls and serve 60,000 people each year. Their job is demanding and the hours are long, but these brave men and women are driven by their dedication to public safety and the communities that they serve. We would all do well to follow their example. I congratulate and commend the following 2013 incoming officers: Department Chief: James F. McAllister. Fire Assistant Chiefs: Karl F. Fippinger, Wayne A. Haight, David S. Halman, Michael Clark, and Steve Godin. EMS Assistant Chief: Edward A. Craig. Fire Captains: Justin W Witt, David P. Williams, Brian J. Smith, John M. Roberts, Ernie M. Firkin, Jr. and Kurt E. Bolland. EMS Captain: Richard T. Ruggieri. Fire Lieutenants: Mike Nazionale, Derick N. Ondra, Richard P. Moore, Alexander R. Moody, Billy Campbell, Harold F. Griffith, Nathan Potter, Joshua Culp, Jon R. Colpitts, Mark A. Chandler, Robert L. Brown, and Jonathan W. Baldwin. EMS Lieutenants: Cynthia M. Young, Kelly Shaw, David Darrach, Julia Jordano, Tammy L. Hill, and Erika Estrella. President: William Spicer. Executive Vice President: Jim Dart. Admin Vice Presidents: William L. Carter, Ernest Desantis, Henry J. Neyhouse, and George W. Smith. Membership Secretary: Melissa L. Payne. Treasurer: George J. Nazionale, Jr. Election Officer: Valoree A. Brown. Sergeant at Arms: John McMahon. Board of Directors: Ron Miller, Chris McIntosh, and Barry King. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these remarkable volunteers on their new leadership positions, and in thanking all the members of The Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department for the vital service they provide to the Prince William County community.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Paul Plattner on the occasion of his retirement after 39 years of service to NISH and the AbilityOne Program, through which he has helped identify and create work opportunities for the blind and for people with disabilities here and in communities across America. Mr. Plattner began his career at NISH in 1974, working as a part-time bookkeeper two and a half days a month. It wasn't long before he advanced from that humble beginning to take on a number of other roles and duties, currently serving as Vice President for Operations. He has worked directly with, and earned the respect of, staff in every major federal agency. He also has developed close working relationships with community rehabilitation programs across the Nation. Under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act, the AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from community-based nonprofits that train and employ individuals who are blind or have significant disabilities. Whether it is performing custodial services, packing medical kits for our troops, working in food service or one of many other duties, AbilityOne workers are making a positive difference in our community. I and many of my colleagues here in the House, both Democrat and Republican, are AbilityOne Champions, and we know firsthand the positive effect this program has not only for the individuals and their families, but also for us as well. Mr. Plattner has dedicated his life's work to helping provide residents with disabilities in every community with the opportunity to learn new skills, to succeed in a workplace environment, and to gain greater independence and quality of life. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Plattner for his heartfelt commitment to improving the lives of those with disabilities and in wishing him well in his retirement.

Mr. CONNOLLY

Mr. CONNOLLY. ``But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the executive and judicial officers of a State, or the members of the legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.'' Section 3: ``No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President or Vice President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a Member of Congress or as an officer of the United States . . . ''

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Senior Airman Veronica Cox of Lorton, Virginia, for demonstrating exceptional personal and moral courage during humanitarian assistance after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit northeast Japan on March 11th, 2011. Airman Cox volunteered for humanitarian assistance duty and was part of the advanced command element in the town of Sanriku-cho as an intelligence analyst. Being able to communicate fluently in Japanese, she was able to greatly assist in integrating the Japanese-U.S. response within the crucial first 24 hours as well as the days that followed. She met with the village elder and clearly communicated necessary medical and survival instructions. She flew with nine search and rescue teams and directly enabled the delivery of 3,000 pounds of food, water and medical supplies Three days after the earthquake, Airman Cox was able to recognize the Japanese characters asking for help spelled out by rocks on the roof of a senior-care facility. A further investigation led to the discovery of 200 Japanese civilians within the rubble of the building. For her service during the crisis, Airman Cox and the aircrew received recognition from the Emperor of Japan. She received the Air Force Commendation Medal and was selected as a linguist for the 5th Air Force Vice Command during U.S. and Japanese Ministry of Defense-level meetings. She also received recognition and awards from the Japan Self- Defense forces and civilian organizations. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Senior Airman Veronica Cox for her tremendous service to our nation and her valiant humanitarian assistance to the people of Japan.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Benjamin Bissell, of Fairfax Station, as a recipient of the 2012 State Department Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and a participant in the CLS Russian program. The CLS Program, created in 2006 as a key component of the National Security Language Initiative, has had more than 3,350 participants who have acquired specific skill sets in business and language, as well as cultural perspectives unique to their experiences. The CLS Russian program covers approximately one academic year of university-level Russian study over an eight-week period. Mr. Bissell, a fourth year student at the University of Virginia, studied in Vladimir, Russia, for the entirety of the program. Mr. Bissell followed his passion for politics in demography and linguistics, specifically Russian, which led him to the program. With his admirable determination to learn more about the international impact of demography, and to enhance his cultural experiences and knowledge, he successfully completed the program and was awarded this outstanding scholarship. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Benjamin Bissell's achievements and wishing him continued success in his future academic and professional pursuits.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ilene Gillispie, of the Alexandria portion of Fairfax County, a 2012 State Department Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) recipient. Ilene was selected for this competitive award based on her academic ability, exemplary citizenship, and her commitment to learning and mastering a foreign language of critical importance. While studying in Chandigarh, India, Ilene studied at the Punjabi Summer Institute and focused on creating a strong foundation for both her language fluency and her cultural competency. She participated in daily educational activities and built relationships with young leaders from all over the world with a focus on the Punjabi language, one of the thirteen ``critical needs'' foreign languages determined by the Department of State. The CLS program--a key component of the National Security Language Initiative--provides fully-funded, group-based, language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences to U.S. students overseas. The accelerated program of study over 8-10 weeks is approximately equivalent to one full year of language study, and includes extracurricular activities designed to supplement the formal curriculum. Ilene is a student at the New College of Florida. It is inspiring to see young people who are interested in international educational and developmental experiences such as these. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleges to join me in recognizing Ilene Gillispie's achievements and wishing her continued success in her academic and professional pursuits.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to share with my colleagues a poignant story from a local newspaper about the experiences of a prominent African-American veteran and corporate leader in our community who was an early pioneer in breaking down the barriers of segregation. When Carlos Campbell and his family settled in Northern Virginia in the late 1960s, they found a certain amount of intolerance, but they were pleasantly surprised by the welcome they received in the new town of Reston, which at the time was a rare ``open'' community in Virginia. This story about Mr. Campbell, as reported by Gregg MacDonald of The Fairfax Times, is just one of the many things that make Reston such a wonderful community, which I am proud to represent. [From the Fairfax Times] Navy Pilot, Board Director Recalls Life in Reston as an African American (By Gregg MacDonald) As a young African-American boy growing up in Harlem, Carlos C. Campbell, now 75, lived two streets down from Brooklyn Dodgers baseball player Jackie Robinson and used to wave at Robinson as he left his home on the way to Ebbets Field. He later befriended jazz and football legends Dizzy Gillespie and Jim Brown, and worked as an actor with Charlton Heston and Robert Wagner and as a musician with jazz drummer Buddy Rich. He has written books, made films, flown planes for the U.S. Navy, worked for former President Ronald Reagan and the Defense Intelligence Agency, for the Department of Housing and Urban Development as a city planner, and was elected to the D100 as one of the most influential directors of corporate boards by the National Association of Corporate Directors. But when Campbell moved to Northern Virginia in 1968, he said that because of segregation and discrimination, he could not buy a home. ``I looked at 39 different places and it was always the same line,'' he said. ``I'm sorry, sir, we do not practice open occupancy. It was very humiliating to be turned down for a residence for someone who had served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis and had resolved to die if that's what it took to protect it.'' Campbell said that while he was looking, he remembered a place called Reston that he had read about while a Navy aviator. ``In 1965 or so, Reston had gotten a lot of ink as an open community, so I eventually remembered hearing about it and decided to check it out.'' Chuck Veatch, an early Reston sales employee, remembers that time well. ``Because Reston in the 1960s was an `open' community within a segregated state that had no fair housing laws, we had a hard time with market resistance in terms of blacks,'' Veatch said. ``We in Reston had no issues at all, but because Realtors did not sell our homes there was some resentment, and the real estate brokerage community used the race card against us, to sell against us, and tell people they didn't want to live in Reston.'' Married and with two daughters, Campbell purchased his first Reston home, in Vantage Hill, in October 1968. He soon went to work for the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, D.C. ``It was great to finally be able to find a community in which we were tolerated,'' he said. ``But it was still no piece of cake.'' Campbell estimates that at that time, Reston consisted of about 1,500 people, about four percent of whom were African American. ``There was a group of Reston African Americans formed back then who called themselves the Reston Black Focus. I wasn't initially a part of the group, but they would have get- togethers and invite everyone. Afterwards random people would come up to me and say, `Man, you guys throw great parties' and I would say, `OK, thanks.' '' According to Campbell, although Reston was an open community, the surrounding areas of Fairfax County still were not quite there yet. ``Leaving Reston, we would be reminded of what it was really like,'' he said. ``Everywhere I went, people in their cars slowed down and asked me if I was a Washington Redskin, but I guess that was better than them yelling `nigger' out of the window as they went by, which also would happen.'' Campbell said his family also felt the effects of discrimination. ``Beauty parlors would refuse to style my wife's hair, and a swimming pool once closed down, rather than let my little girl get in the water,'' he said. Campbell said that even in Reston during that time, African Americans often were under a microscope, and whites were not sure how to interact with them. On several occasions he said he discovered people rifling through his garbage cans, who then ran off when confronted. ``I would also occasionally get a knock on my door and someone would ask me what I did for a living, or ask me if I needed a job,'' he said. ``I also used to jog and would invariably get stopped by police who would often say they were looking for a robbery suspect.'' But overall, Campbell said life in Reston was always positive. He later moved to Golf Course Island in 1970, but has remained in Reston for 44 years. ``Reston was always a great place,'' he said. ``As an African American here, I was always tolerated, and as the years went by, Reston transcended that tolerance into acceptance. I felt less like a guinea pig and more of a citizen and a member of this community. Discrimination and intolerance still exist, but it is not as overt as it once was. I am glad Reston existed when it did and I'm content to continue living here and giving back.''

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Amanda Michette, of Springfield, as a 2012 State Department Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) recipient. Amanda was selected for this competitive award based on her academic ability and her commitment to learning and mastering a foreign language of critical importance. While studying in Amman, Jordan, she was a participant in the Arabic Summer institute and focused on improving both her language fluency and her cultural competency. The CLS program--a key component of the National Security Language Initiative--provides fully-funded, group- based, intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences to U.S. students overseas. The accelerated program of study over 8-10 weeks is approximately equivalent to one full year of language study, and includes extracurricular activities designed to supplement the formal curriculum. Amanda is a student at James Madison University. It is inspiring to see young people who are interested in international education and developmental experiences such as these. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleges to join me in recognizing Amanda Michette's achievements and wishing her continued success in her academic and professional pursuits.