Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce. The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. More than 100 individuals are receiving much deserved awards in a variety of categories including: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, and the Bronze or Silver Medal of Valor. Fifty-one members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that I submit the names of the following award recipients into the Congressional Record: 2012 Silver Medal of Valor Recipients: Lieutenant Thomas L. Flint III and Technician Robert E. Pickel, Jr. 2012 Bronze Medal of Valor Recipients: Technician Thomas R. Barnes, Lieutenant Kenneth L. Coffelt, Technician Rolando E. Contreras, Lieutenant Aron J. Corwin, Master Technician Anthony E. Doran, Firefighter Brendan M. Downing, Technician Michael L. Frames, Technician Richard D. Gundert, Master Technician William F. Kight, Jr., Master Technician John P. McDonell, Technician Lawrence G. Mullin, Firefighter Cory S. Parry, Technician John M. Smith, Lieutenant Rodney S. Vaughn, Master Technician Reginald L. Wadley, Lieutenant Erick L. Weinzapfel, Master Technician Christopher H. Williams, Technician Eric M. Wyatt, and Lieutenant Earl J. Burroughs 2012 Certificate of Valor Recipients: Fire Medic Eli A. Bredbenner, Captain I David P. Conrad, Technician Edwin E. Flores, Technician James M. Furman, Technician John C. Guy, Jr., Captain II Glenn A. Mason, Technician Shannon G. Reed, Technician Robert G. Ritchie, and Firefighter Rodney D. Washington 2012 Lifesaving Award Recipients: Technician Mica A. Bland (2 Lifesaving Awards), Firefighter Namaste Bosse, Lieutenant Keith W. Cerzullo, Technician Brian M. Chinn, Technician Robin S. Clement, II, Firefighter/Medic Joseph C. Deutsch, Technician Michael S. Eddy, Technician Edwin E. Flores, Lieutenant Thomas Hyden, Technician Peter C. Kehne, Firefighter Salman F. Khan, Firefighter Timothy D. Kim, Technician Michael T. King, Firefighter Heather J. Lefever, Captain Jeffrey L. Mongold, Lieutenant Michael C. Nelson, Technician Laura E. Pollard, Firefighter Placido Sanchez, Technician Clarke V. Slaymaker, II, Lieutenant John J. Tedesco, Captain I Wayne P. Wentzel, and Firefighter Brandon M. Winfield Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2012 Valor Award Recipients, and thank each of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank my friend from West Virginia. Madam Speaker, America's commuters and businesses want us to speed up transportation improvements. However, the House Republicans have offered only a speed bump. We face a transportation crisis, with bridges and roadways crumbling, millions of Americans stuck in gridlock, and transit improvements languishing. We've known that the transportation authorization lapses on March 31, severely jeopardizing projects and jobs in every one of our States. The transportation vote today is nothing more than a 3-month Band-Aid. The Republican plan was rejected on a bipartisan basis because it disinvests in America, cutting $361 million in my home State of Virginia alone. America needs a real transportation plan: a plan that ensures that States and localities don't shut up projects this Sunday; a plan that creates jobs, putting the hard-hit construction industry back to work. Thankfully, there is such a plan. It's bipartisan. This month, the Senate passed a 2-year transportation plan by a vote of 74 22, including half of the Republicans present. I urge Republican leadership to bring forward the bipartisan Senate bill. It's time to get America moving again.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Chair, as the House votes on the budget this week, I remind my colleagues that a budget represents our values. Sadly, tragically, this Republican budget seems to value only cruel Darwinism debasing the American society as we know it to survival of the fittest. If you value relieving traffic congestion, this disinvestment in transportation throws you to the wolves. If you value job creation efforts like Make It In America, the Republican budget leaves you out in the cold, unemployed. If you value the American innovative spirit, the Republican attack on education leaves nothing but scraps. If you value retirees and those that spent a lifetime making America what it is today, Republicans end the Medicare commitment to you and picks seniors' pockets. Madam Chairman, the Republican budget disinvests in America. In fact, the only thing Republicans claim to value, fiscal responsibility, rings hollow in the face of a $5 trillion of transfer of wealth to the already wealthy in America by cutting the highest tax bracket from 35 to 25 percent. Simply put, this Republican budget attacks the America that I and my constituents value.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, budgets are about values. The budget we are about to debate today, the Republican budget, does not reflect American values. It is a budget for the survival of the fittest. It cuts the highest tax bracket from 35 percent to 25 percent. That's going to add $5 trillion to the debt. In order to compensate for that, this budget cuts $5.7 trillion in domestic discretionary spending. If this budget were ever to become law, it would push back all the progress we've made over generations in terms of malnutrition, in terms of poverty rates, in terms of protecting our seniors. It is a budget that would make Charles Darwin blush. It is a budget not worthy of this House, and it is a budget I hope will be resoundingly rejected because of the values that do not reflect America at its best.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, yesterday by one vote the Republican Budget Committee passed a fend-for-yourself budget that gives Darwinism a bad name. It breaks a bipartisan compromise not even a year old. It voucherizes Medicare, in effect jeopardizing health care for tens of millions of American seniors. It essentially guts Medicaid and jeopardizes nursing home care for millions more. It block-grants the safety net programs led by food stamps, threatening to reverse decades-old progress in lowering poverty and malnutrition rates in America. This is a budget that needs to be rejected, Madam Speaker. It is a budget that would make Charles Darwin blush.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, March 5 9 was National Telework Week, a prime opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made implementing telework policy after passage of the Telework Enhancements Act of 2010. More than 63,000 people pledged to telework last week, eliminating more than 5.7 million pounds of carbon dioxide pollution and are saving $4.7 million in transportation expenses. As oil speculation and international uncertainty drives gas prices higher, telework becomes a more important tool for consumers to protect themselves against high gas prices. Although private sector employers like AT&T and IBM pioneered telework, federal agencies are catching up under the direction of the Telework Enhancements Act. More than 95% of the 63,000 people who pledged to telework are federal employees. Agencies like USDA are making great progress expanding telework participation, while agencies like GSA and PTO already are saving taxpayer money by avoiding construction of new offices through use of telework arrangements. As a result of my amendment to the Telework Enhancement Act, all agencies must incorporate telework into their Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP), which will better prepare us to respond to a natural disaster or terrorist attack. During the record blizzards two years ago, federal employees saved taxpayers $30 million in a single week by continuing to work through telework arrangements even while the streets and Metro were closed by several feet of snow. By expanding telework participation in other agencies we can create additional cost savings and ensure that the Federal Government keeps operating even in the event of a terrorist attack. These success stories are only possible because of partnerships between federal agencies, advocacy groups like the Telework Exchange and the Partnership for Public Service, and private sector companies which provide the technology to enable telework. I applaud the collective effort of agencies, advocates, and contractors to implement telework policies. Telework will be one of the essential workforce management tools for recruiting the next generation of federal employees. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating federal agencies and our private-sector partners on the progress being made to expand the use of telework. National Telework Week offers us an opportunity to highlight the success of these efforts and to expand upon them.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and commemorate the 15th anniversary of the passing of Pastor Lenwood Graham, Sr. Pastor Graham served his community and his faith as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Merrifield from 1983 to 1997. Pastor Graham devoted his life to serving his God, his church, his family, his country, and his community. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Ruth, a wonderful father to his children, Lenwood, Jr., and Lanya, and a doting grandfather. Pastor Graham served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war, achieving the rank of Sergeant. During his life, he was involved in numerous community organizations and activities including the NAACP, the Northern Virginia Baptist Association, and the Northern Virginia Ministers Conference. Always passionate about learning, he was enrolled in a Masters of Divinity program at the time of his passing on March 27, 1997, at the age of 50. Pastor Graham led the First Baptist Church of Merrifield for 14 years. During this time, the membership of the church grew to more than 750, and the church became more active in foreign and domestic missionary work. Under his leadership, the Merrifield Child Development Center was established and continues to provide faith-based comprehensive pre-school and kindergarten educational programs as well as before and after school child care for local elementary schools. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the life of my friend, Pastor Lenwood Graham, Sr. The contributions he made during his much-too-short life continue to this day as a living testament to his faith and his service to our community, and they are worthy of our highest praise and commendation.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Battlefield High School Marching Bobcats from Haymarket, Virginia, for winning the honor of Grand Champion at the 2012 BCS National Championship Marching Competition. The Battlefield High School Marching Bobcats completed its regular season with a perfect record, winning Grand Champion titles at every competition in which they competed. The mission of the Marching Bobcats is to serve the community through high level performances that all can enjoy. They competed against top Honor Bands from around Virginia. They traveled to New Orleans to compete in the BCS National Championship Bowl Game, where they earned the title of National Grand Champions in the high school marching band competition. In addition, they received a superior rating at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association state marching assessment, qualifying them for the opportunity to earn the title of Virginia Honor Band for the eighth year in a row, keeping the title since the school first opened. Throughout the band's eight-year existence, it has been named grand champion 30 times in a variety of competitions. It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record, the names of the staff, instructors, and marchers who helped Battlefield High School win the Grand Champion title at the 2012 BCS National Championship Marching Competition. Principal: Amy Ethridge-Conti. Band Director: Matt Brodt. Assistant Band Director: Steve Ballas. Drumline Instructor: Brandon Neal. Colorguard Instructors: Stephanie Neidzweikie, Alicia Brodt. Drum Majors: Glendon Mohan, Lianna Smith. Members: Adora Correia, Ye Young Song, Kristina Lin, Vannesa Nates, Minneli Seneviratne, Hyebin Limb, Hyejune Limb, Katherine Lash, Kaitlyn Fowler, Courtney Watson, Claire So, Ashley Nembhard, Jessica Javier, Clarissa Warlitner, Yusuf Siddiqui, Allison Forst, Summer Durant, Shauna Durant, Saydee Bocanegra, Amber Liptrap, Lexi Vasel, Mitchell Reichner, Mallory O'Connell, Victoria Hurlburt, Brooke Albertson, Jeffery Overbye, Matthew Ibarra, Jumoom Ahmed, Kevin Pfeifle, Jasmine Heartley, Brianna Bowers, MinSuk Kim, Jake Goodridge, Daniel Post, Alexandra Wright, Brianna Tucker, Parker Treubert, Anthony Vandervelt, Keegan Dayman, David Blackwell, Taylor Tissandier, Kathryn Piccione, Sean Farris, Alex James, Cole Eastham, Emanuelle Madison, Karen Tran, Emily Kriss, Mark Yang, Lauren Lopes, Nicholas Rivera, Allyson Keeney, Kyleigh Hynes, Kristofer Lambert, Tyler Theal, Nathan Sim, Chris Garlock, Romere Hopson, Jason Lew, Emilee Moye, Janay Brown, Brenda Macdonald, Alex Williams, Nicholas Sim, Kayla Hewitt, Megan Kriss, Aaron Yang, Sam Ampumah, Wesley Harmon, Landry Franklin, Michael Mahoney, Alexander Lambert, Eugene Pak, Scott Snow, Brian Knauf, Damajah Mapson, Daniel Milihram, Jeremy Nelson, Megan Mahoney, Joe DuPriest, Michelle Hettmann, Jamie Weaver, Caroline Mohan, Aaron Sloss, Dylan Thomas, Laura Isbell, Jamie Hall, Nick Swinsky, Ian Walker, Tyler Stoetzel, Daniel Sloss, William Laingen, Hunter Watson, Noah Crowder, Michael Jones, Cody Ellis, Jacob Whitfield, Lauren Pierson, Josh Conrad, Andrew Giotta, Alberto Post, Arash Tajalli, Elijah Bass, Carrie Bass, Zack Khalil, Jordan Bard, Ryan Mast, Mitchell Ibarra, Delmar Somosa, Justin Thornton, Colin Fowler, Anthony Smith, Ryan Pfeifle, Will Taylor, Daniel Rhoades, Christian Go, Amber Watts, Daniel Gardeazabal Chase Beasley, Austin Choi, Michael Schloss, Peter Bacenet, Michael Dawson, Chris Curtis, Anthony Rondinelli, Erwin Barrientos, Khushboo Bhatia, Nathan Guo, Andrew Theune, Megan Yetman, Aaron Guo, Ian McVey, Kyle So, Colson Meeks, Eric McGillivray, Josh Benedicto, Dominic Hunter, Meagan Curtis, Ellen Field, Katelyn McGlothlin, Renee Dionne, Alex Ernst, Alex Hickey, Hannah Shawler, Sarah Swinsky, Catie Swinsky, Kirsten Whitmer, Miriam Post, Tina Sepahpur, Medelly Post, Tyra Young, Victoria Cosby, Kirsten Whitney, Rachel Whitney, Tori Raiser, Erin Ross, Rebecca Whilby, Jacklyn Ebiasah, Hamnah Akmal, Brittany Norris, Ariana Creque, Christie Justis, Janie Bocanegra, Caroline Shepard, Caylin Dawson, Navila Alam, Kaitlyn Goodwin. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Battlefield High School Marching Bobcats for winning the honor of Grand Champion at the 2012 BCS National Championship Marching Competition. This is a well-deserved title that could not have been won without an extraordinary team effort. These young people represented our community on the national stage with distinction and embody the promise of our next generation.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleague, Congressman James Moran (VA 08), in congratulating the Reston Children's Center on the occasion of its 45th anniversary. The education and well being of our children are among the highest priorities that we as a community share. The Reston Children's Center provides a safe, nurturing, instructional atmosphere that promotes creativity, curiosity, independence, and cooperation. The Reston Children's Center, RCC, is a nonprofit, parent-owned cooperative. This structure creates a strong bond and partnership between the staff and the parents. Parents are required to contribute at least 2 hours per month to the school by serving on the board of directors or a committee, providing office support, chaperoning field trips, or assisting with fundraising activities. Because of this holistic approach and the communal efforts to benefit the children, many of the teachers have been at RCC for more than 10 years. In addition, many parents who once attended RCC themselves have now entrusted the care of their own children to this center. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join us in congratulating the Reston Children's Center on its 45th anniversary and in commending the leadership of Executive Director, Fahemeh Pirzadeh, as well as the staff and parents for their unwavering devotion to our children.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Marah Christian Counseling Center on the occasion of its 5th Anniversary. In 2001, the Rev. Dr. Deloris Washington, who served as a pastoral counselor at the First Baptist Church of Merrifield, had a vision to create a Christian counseling center to provide care and counseling services to those facing emotional challenges and difficulties. In 2006, the vision became a reality when the Marah Christian Counseling Center, MCCC, opened its doors. Since that time, MCCC has provided spiritually-based services to our community in four primary categories: Family Counseling, Individual Counseling, Pre-marital and Marital Counseling, and Support Groups. MCCC offers individual, couples, and group programs for all in need. Individual counseling services include anger management, depression, grief counseling, divorce and separation, financial counseling, stress management, and programs designed for the special needs of our children and teens. The pre-marital program offered by MCCC, which is a year- long program, is designed to ensure that areas of conflicts are addressed before the wedding and reduce subsequent divorce rates. Each of us face pain, confusion, or loss of a loved one during our lifetime. I commend the Marah Christian Counseling Center for providing support during those difficult times. Mr. Speaker I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Marah Christian Counseling Center on the occasion of its 5th anniversary, and in thanking the Rev. Dr. Deloris Washington for her leadership and service to our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I join with my colleague, Congressman Robert Wittman, to recognize the 75th anniversary of Prince William Forest Park. In 1936, the National Park Service opened the gates to Prince William Forest Park, then known as Chopawamsic Recreational Demonstration Area. Chopawamsic was the model for a new National Park Service program that provided low-income families with easy access to the outdoors during the Great Depression. Chopawamsic represented the ideal that all Americans should have access to the fresh air and serenity found in our nation's parks. At Chopawamsic, the National Park Service focused particularly on providing the overnight, outdoor recreation opportunities for impoverished urban children. As often happens, the youth of our nation bore the brunt of our national suffering during hard times of the Great Depression. In segregated camps, the children of the Great Depression found health care in their camp's infirmary, nutritional food in their camp's mess hall, and a peaceful night's sleep beneath the stars in sleeping cabins. These cabin camps were built through the sweat and labor of Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration workers. For 8 years, more than 2,000 relief workers constructed summer camp ``havens'' for kids while earning sustenance for their families. That these cabins continue to welcome Americans today, 75 years later, is a testament to the superior construction and hard work of those public works programs. As our nation left behind its fight against the Great Depression, it joined the new national fight--World War II. Chopawamsic joined the war effort by becoming the Advanced Special Operations and Communications training schools for the fledgling Office of Strategic Services, OSS. The OSS was America's first centralized intelligence agency and the foundation of our nation's Special Forces units. In the cabins, the laughter of children was replaced by the booms of demolition ranges and the tapping of Morse Code. At Chopawamsic, the art of spying and enemy infiltration was honed by a new agency that helped America succeed in World War II. In 1948, Chopawamsic was renamed Prince William Forest Park. Since its inception the park has been a magnet for outdoor recreation for young people and adults alike and a true asset to our community and nation. The park's 375,000 annual visitors enjoy 37 miles of hiking trails, 21 miles of bicycle accessible roads and trails, 4 campgrounds, 5 historic cabin camps, and 15,000 acres of pristine Piedmont Forest. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the 75th anniversary of Prince William Forest Park, and I urge all residents of Northern Virginia to explore this gem of the Park Service in our own backyard.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Boy Scouts of America Troop 1501 on the occasion of its 45th anniversary. Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with more than 4.5 million current members. Since its founding, nearly 84 million boys have participated in scouting. Established in 1966, Troop 1501 has taught boys and young men in Springfield, Virginia, the skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. During the last 45 years, more than 1,000 scouts have been members of Troop 1501 and more than 115 scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Nationally, about 2 percent of boys earn scouting's highest honor, but Troop 1501 shatters the national average with more than 11 percent of its scouts achieving that honor. The extraordinary success of Troop 1501 is due in large part to exceptional troop leadership, dedicated families, and community support from local churches, businesses, and charitable organizations. Troop 1501 exemplifies the values and tenets of the Boy Scouts of America and supports the character development that encourages responsible citizenship and self-reliance through a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and community service. Members of this troop adhere to the Scout Law: ``A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent'' and by the Scout Slogan: ``Do a good turn daily''. Scouting develops leadership skills and ethics that foster future success in life. Many of our country's greatest leaders have been scouts, and having been a scout, especially achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, is an achievement that is highly prized by our Military Service Academies. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Boy Scout Troop 1501 on the occasion of its 45th anniversary and in thanking its Scoutmaster Brian Hamilton, volunteers, family members and community sponsors for their commitment to our children.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I would inquire of the Chair how much time is left on our side.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, this important amendment will help small and emerging growth businesses address a significant cost they incur--the rising price of gasoline. According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, 10 percent of businesses say energy costs are their single largest cost, and 25 percent cite it as the second or third largest. Although some argue for increased domestic drilling, at best it will take 5 years before new supplies are brought to market and have any effect on the current price of gasoline. Meanwhile, oil companies are producing more oil in America right now than at any point in the last 8 years; but since they're also exporting more oil, consumers aren't realizing the benefits of that production. Approving the Keystone XL pipeline, as some have proposed, actually would make gas prices even worse. The oil company TransCanada said in its pipeline application that Keystone will raise American oil prices by $3 a barrel. The price of a gallon of gasoline has risen 30 cents per gallon in the last month, and we need to drive down prices, not allow them to increase. There are a number of factors involved in the rapidly increasing price of gasoline; however, one of the significant causes is the proliferation of financial market speculation on oil and gas products. During the last gas price spike, Goldman Sachs estimated that speculation added $27 to the price of a barrel of oil. Just last week, oil State Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, on which I sit, the speculation is adding 13 to 15 percent to the price of a barrel of oil right now. And citing Goldman Sachs data, a recent Forbes news report said that excessive speculation leads to a 56-cent premium per gallon at the pump. We cannot have financial institutions bidding up the price of oil solely to further line their own pockets and needlessly drive up cost to consumers. Domestic demand for oil is at its lowest point in the last 15 years, but the price of gasoline is hitting new highs. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is working to address oil and gas speculation, but they need to be more aggressive. I joined 44 Members of this House and 23 Senators in sending a letter to the CFTC to exercise its full authority to eliminate excessive speculation, as directed under the recently passed Dodd-Frank Act. This amendment will provide valuable information on how such speculation affects the ability of emerging growth companies to raise capital. Access to capital remains a challenge for most entrepreneurs, and uncertain and often rising energy costs represent a potential impediment for start-up companies trying to convince prospective investors that they have in fact a competitive business model. My simple amendment requires the Securities and Exchange Commission, in consultation with the CFTC, to study the effects of oil and gas speculation in financial markets on the ability of emerging growth companies to access capital. This will enable the CFTC to better address such speculation and to better protect the ability of American entrepreneurs to raise the capital necessary to innovate and succeed in the competitive global market. I urge my colleagues to join me in the simple effort to study the excessive speculation and hopefully reduce energy costs for American innovators and consumers. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Well, I'm saddened, but of course not surprised, that my friend on the other side would not want a simple amendment to study the effect of oil speculation on the price of oil because it doesn't fit the political narrative. So while we're trying to have a very narrow narrative that somehow it's the responsibility of a particular administration in terms of the rise in the price of oil, I think the American consumer and American innovators and American start- up companies and entrepreneurs are actually entitled to know what percentage of the increase in a barrel of oil and at the pump is in fact due to oil speculators and financial institutions that the other side of this House wants to protect. With respect to the Keystone pipeline--with all due respect to my colleague--it's 5,000 jobs, not 20,000 shovel-ready jobs. The Washington Post did an exhaustive study of the number of jobs that would be created, and they were all temporary. At most, 50 to 60 permanent jobs would be created. The other thing my friends on the other side of the aisle don't want to talk about about Keystone is that almost all of that oil is going to go to Port Arthur, Texas, for export, not for domestic consumption. If my friends on the other side of the aisle want to contend otherwise, then let's support an amendment right here and now that says that pipeline can be produced and built so long as all of that oil is for domestic consumption. With that, I yield back the balance of my time, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 22nd 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 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Competition: Middle School Contestants Jonathan Adrien--Porter School; Jacob Gonzalez--Parkside Middle School; Nicolas Smith--Benton Middle School. High School Contestants Sadiyah Faruk--Gar-Field High School; Ebonee Johnson--Manassas Park High School; Seth Opoku-Yeboah--Osbourn Park 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 of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 21 Prince William County Public Schools teachers who recently received certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The National Board is an independent nonprofit organization governed by classroom teachers, school administrators, school board leaders, governors and state legislators, higher education officials, teacher union leaders, and business and community leaders. These teachers have met the standards established by the National Board and have undergone a rigorous application process that required they demonstrate the knowledge, skills and accomplishments that comprise teaching excellence. A Board Certified teacher supports a vision of teaching based on the following five core principles: 1. Teachers are committed to students and their learning; 2. Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students; 3. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning; 4. Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience; and 5. Teachers are members of learning communities. I extend my personal congratulations to the recent class of National Board Certified Teachers: Ms. Laura Deering--Battlefield High School; Ms. Susan Dommer--Stonewall Middle School; Ms. Michelle Esmacher--Lake Ridge Middle School; Ms. Amanda Esteban--Battlefield High School; Ms. Crystal Figueroa--Triangle Elementary School; Mr. Jason Fox--Hylton High School; Mr. Mark Groom--Swans Creek Elementary School; Ms. Erica Ippoliti--Rosa Parks Elementary School; Ms. Michelle Marrero--Freedom High School; Ms. Megan Martin--Henderson Elementary School; Ms. Kristin McKitrick-Rojas--Benton Middle School; Ms. Catherine Naujoks--Coles Elementary School; Ms. Diana Pool--Battlefield High School; Ms. Kelly Pratte--Rosa Parks Elementary School; Ms. Ann Reighard--Rosa Parks Elementary School; Mr. Mark Rendell--T. Clay Wood Elementary School; Ms. Ramona Richardson--Coles Elementary School; Ms. Karen Roth--Antietam Elementary School; Ms. Amanda Shaw--Signal Hill Elementary School; Ms. Amanda Taylor--Gainesville Middle School; and Ms. Jacquelynn Zanghi--Ellis Elementary School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending these teachers for their commitment to education and professional development. Prince William County Public Schools delivers a world class education due to the tireless efforts of teachers who make excellence the standard.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2012 Officers of the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. The 2012 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 2012 officers and directors will be diligent stewards of this tradition of service. The 250 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 2012 incoming officers: Department Chief: James F. McAllister; Fire Assistant Chiefs: Karl F. Fippinger, Wayne A. Haight, David S. Halman, John M. McGovern III, and Richard C. Slusher; EMS Assistant Chief: Edward A. Craig; Fire Captains: Kurt E. Bolland, Steven R. Godin, Michael Nazionale, and Brian J. Smith, David P. Williams, and Justin W. Witt; EMS Captain: Richard T. Ruggieri; Fire Lieutenants: Jonathan W. Baldwin, Robert L. Brown, Mark A. Chandler, Jon R. Colpitts, Joshua Culp, Ernie M. Firkin Jr., Harold F. Griffith, Jamieson H. Jewett, Alexander R. Moody, Richard P. Moore, Derick N. Ondra, and John M. Roberts; EMS Lieutenants: Tara S. Gallant, Tammy L. Hill, James M. McCue, Scott A. Schneider, Kelly Shaw, and Cynthia M. Young; Executive Vice President: Ronald D. Miller; Admin Vice Presidents: William L. Carter, Michael W. Clark, 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: Timothy S. VanDeusen; Board of Directors: Jonathan D. Karnbach, Thomas S. Sullivan, and Lenny G. Peters Jr.; New Life Members: James F. McAllister, Joseph J. Zarkauskas Jr., Derek D. Dove, and Phillip L. Hughes Jr. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these remarkable volunteers on their new positions and in thanking all members of the Occoquan Woodbridge Lorton Volunteer Fire Department for the vital service they provide to the Prince William community. Stay safe.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a select group of math and science teachers from Fairfax County Public Schools. They recently participated in the Sally Ride 2011 Science Academy in San Diego. The Academy is an intense one-week professional development program in which elementary and middle school teachers learn new skills for introducing students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and educating their students about the diverse education and career opportunities in those fields. The Academy uses a train-the- trainer model, in which participants return to their school districts to train other teachers during the school year. Sally Ride Science, founded by the first American woman in space, operates the Academy in partnership with ExxonMobil, which has one of its corporate headquarters in Fairfax County. With only 29% of American 4th graders and 33% of 8th graders performing at proficient levels in science, we need to redouble our efforts in the STEM fields, particularly to recruit more girls and minorities. In today's economy, 8 of the 10 fastest growing jobs require proficiency in math and science, yet American universities rank 27th among developed nations with respect to the number of students graduating with science or engineering degrees. Thanks to the work of the Sally Ride Science Academy, these and other teachers now have additional training and skills to assist them in encouraging more of our young people to become excited about science and math. I am pleased to recognize the following Fairfax County Public Schools teachers for participating in the Academy: Heather McCarthy, Lynnette Harris, Luann Hoyseth, Lauren Bello, Jodi Hepner, Danielle Heffron, Alane Peragallo, Shannon Waite, and Holly Eelman. To date, the Sally Ride Science Academy has successfully trained more than 650 educators spanning 16 States, and they have returned to their perspective districts to train an additional 4,400 teachers. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these remarkable teachers for their efforts to change the way math and science are taught in our classrooms and for improving the quality of education for youngsters in our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2012 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards. The Dale City Civic Association was founded in 1967. Citizens formed the organization to give a voice to community initiatives and collective action in Dale City. Today, the organization's purpose is to represent the interests of the residents of Dale City in a manner that benefits the entire community. Members do this with robust beautification efforts, land use advocacy and volunteer responses to community needs. The Association hosts an annual awards banquet to honor individuals and organizations that show an exceptional devotion to their community and public service. It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the names of the recipients of the 2012 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards: High School Teacher of the Year: Ingrid Hoffman Perry; Middle School Teacher of the Year: Mary Lynn Thurman; Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Margie Norman; John D. Jenkins Youth Citizen of the Year: Donald E. Jones, Jr.; Dale City Youth Environmental and Conservation Award: Ann Nguyen; Kathie Feeney Nurse of the Year: Rosey Espiritu; Prince William County Police Department, Police Officer of the Year: Officer David C. McKeown; Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Officer of the Year: Lieutenant Christopher Gardner, Jr.; Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Medical Service Provider of the Year: Technician Danielle Miller; Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter of the Year: Technician Tinashe Banda; Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, ``Second to None'' Volunteer Community Servant Award: Irene Dell; Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, Firefighter of the Year: Captain Steve Barr; Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Service Provider of the Year: Lieutenant Leif Ericson; Deputy Sheriff of the Year: Deputy Jack Richards; Catherine Spellane Citizen of the Year: Ellen Carleton; Kathleen K. Seefeldt Community Service Award: Jo-Ellen Benson; Ernestine S. Jenkins Lifetime Volunteer Award: Janice Carr; and Business of the Year: Amici's Restaurante. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the winners of the 2012 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards for their dedication to building and maintaining a healthy community. Each recipient has made a tangible imprint on Dale City, and, with these awards, we hope to show them that their contributions have not gone unnoticed.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today and recognize the Peace Corps on the 51st Anniversary of its inception. Since President John F. Kennedy's inspirational call to service in the 1960s, the Peace Corps has played an integral role in the journey toward world peace and understanding. The Peace Corps is vital to our strategies for diplomacy and development assistance. This year alone, approximately 9,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have made significant contributions in more than 75 countries. Volunteers learn more than 175 languages and dialects with placements in Asia, Africa, Europe, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. The effects of service ripple across a wide variety of communities. The Peace Corps not only provides invaluable assistance to the developing world, but also returns effective cross-cultural leaders to the American workforce. Through their service, volunteers develop steadfast creativity and determination that permeates through everything they do. It is with great pleasure that I recognize the 28 residents of the 11th District of Virginia who have met this extraordinary call to service: Daniel Beale, Michael Burke, Megan Bush, Michelle Carr, Jennifer Cook, Kevin Dansereau, Emily Forsyth Queen, Carolyn Glidden, Kendall Gordon, Salwan Hager, Molly Jacobson, Brittany Kennell, Shantonu Kundu, Catherine Leitch, Laura Lloyd-Braff, Douglas Mann, Patricia Marks, Ryan Mcgibony, Laura Olsen, Kristin Powers, Eric Reeder, Kristopher Reinertson, Ashley Studholme, Anh-Minh Tran, Anastasia Tucker, Emily Vallowe, Peter Weems, and Priscilla Yu. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Peace Corps for 51 years of invaluable service to our Nation and our world. Through its diplomatic and development service, the Peace Corps has established valuable cross-cultural understanding. Virginia's 11th District is especially proud to recognize the service of our 28 residents abroad.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nominees for the Prince William County Teacher of the Year/Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award. The Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award program was established by ``The Washington Post'' to ``recognize excellence in teaching, to encourage creative and quality instruction, and to contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area.'' The annual recipients are comprised of one representative from each of the 19 metropolitan public school systems and a single representative from the area private schools. The winner selected from the Prince William Public School Division is also named the Prince William County Teacher of the Year. Teachers who meet the criteria for the award are those who instill in students a desire to learn and achieve, understand the individual needs of students, and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter and have the ability to share it effectively with students. I extend my personal congratulations to the 2012 Prince William County nominees for the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award: Mrs. Anita Al-Haj--Osbourn Park High School; Ms. LaTicia Anderson-- Coles Elementary School; Mrs. Jenny Bates--Henderson Elementary School; Ms. Spring Byard--New Directions Alternative Education Center; Lt. Col. Ronald Cartee--Battlefield High School; Ms. Sharon Christner--Hylton High School; Mrs. Jessica English--Hylton High School; Mr. Aaron Finney--Victory Elementary School; Mrs. Kelly Haynes--Ashland Elementary School; Mr. Philip Keirstead--Marstellar Middle School Ms. Hess Moore--Beville Middle School; Ms. Rebecca Patonetz-- McAuliffe Elementary School; Mrs. Ingrid Perry--Gar-Field High School; Mrs. Ramona Richardson--Coles Elementary School; Mr. Richard Scavongelli--Brentsville District High School; Ms. Lydia Stewart-- Osbourn Park High School; Mrs. Patricia Swanson--Ashland Elementary School; Ms. Kendra Yount--Battlefield High School; Mrs. Ruthann Zalewski--Loch Lomond Elementary School. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the nominees for the Prince William County Teacher of the Year/Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award and in thanking them for their dedication to our children. Their continued service will ensure that Prince William County students are provided with a world class education in a more vibrant learning community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fairfax County Youth Football League and to congratulate the 2012 Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame honorees. 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 22nd Annual Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame: Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame 2012 Inductees--Owen Schmitt (NFL Philadelphia Eagles, West Virginia University, Fairfax High School), Tom Verbanic (Fairfax High School and Westfield High School), and Angela Hay and Adam Wiles (Founder, Prince William County Clubs in FCYFL). Football Official of the Year--Youth Sports--Kanyon MacRae (Fairfax County Football Officials Association). Karl Davey Community Achievement Award--Jasmine Faubert (Volunteer, Herndon Optimist Club, FCYFL). Tom Davis Meritorious Service Award--Taylor Dixon (Community Outreach Specialist, Neighborhood and Community Use). Gene Nelson Commissioner of the Year Award--Derrick Spearman (Fort Hunt Youth Football and Cheerleading). FCFHF $1,500 Scholarship Recipients: Dymond Cooper (Edison HS), Matthew Pisarcik (Westfield HS), Evan Jacquez (Madison HS), Michael Tobias (West Springfield HS). High School Players of the Year: Stephen Trivieri (Stone Bridge HS), Hayden Knudson (Hayfield HS), Devin Vandyke (South County HS), Ken Ekanem (Centreville HS), Erich ``Hunter'' Windmuller (Flint Hill School), John Byrd (Manassas Park HS). High School Coaches of the Year: Gerry Pannoni (South County HS), Chris Haddock (Centreville HS). Youth Sports Players of the Year: Aaron Lahah (Gainesville/Haymarket Football), Clark Thomas (VYI), Kenny Dodson (MYFL), Wiley Counts (VYI), Brandon Burdick (CYA), Hagan Biddison (SCAA), Brandon Hilton (Fort Belvoir Youth Sports), Hunter Baldwin (FHYAA), William Cusic (FHYAA), Zach Burdick (CYA), Nathanael Lomboy (APYFL), Benjamin Garcia (LFFL), Kyle Richbourg (SYA), Bryce Simpson (Alexandria Rec), Andrew Fall (BRYC), Tyler Scanlon (SYA). Youth Sports Coaches of the Year: Thomas Digges (MYF), John Hetzer (MYF), Jim McGrath (VYI), Steve Ross (LFFL). Youth Sports Cheerleaders of the Year: Lakyn Fearson (APYFL), Agnis Alessandrino (Herndon Optimists), Samantha Culin (SYI), Graciela Perez (SYA), Keenan Patricia Parker (VYI). 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 2012 Hall of Fame celebration.