Gerald Connolly

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Simone ``Sam'' Savia, who passed away peacefully on December 9, 2011, surrounded by his beloved family, after seven decades of service to his local volunteer fire department. Sam, a lifelong resident of Vienna, Virginia, was born in the mid 1920's. He grew up a few steps away from the original fire station in Vienna where he and his brothers were frequent visitors. In 1941, Sam, then 15, joined the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD), which had lowered the age requirement to address a manpower shortage created when most of the town's young men had been called to serve in WWII. When Sam joined the VVFD, the town bore little resemblance to the bustling commercial and residential area it is today. There were no fire hydrants, as the town did not yet have water or sewer service, and the department's pumper truck would pull water from ponds, streams or one of the town's three cisterns. Sam recalled during an interview earlier this year with the Fairfax Times that there was no county fire training academy in those days so he and his fellow volunteers learned the ``hard way'' by trial and error on the job. Sam selflessly served on the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department for 70 years. He held numerous leadership positions including Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, multiple terms as President, and multiple terms as a member of the Board of Directors. Responding to innumerable emergency calls over many decades, it is impossible to calculate the number of lives and properties he helped save. As a life member of the VVFD, Sam continued to actively perform various administrative jobs in the department after he retired from operational duty. Sam also contributed greatly to other community causes. In the early years of the station, the VVFD sponsored the Old Dominion Baseball League and Sam was instrumental in the construction of Waters Field. After the VVFD stopped sponsoring baseball, the Vienna Host Lions Club in 1954 called on Sam to organize little league baseball in the town. Sam set up the program, coached teams, and helped construct the necessary fields. The Jessup-Savia Field at Nottoway honors Sam in recognition to his tremendous contributions to little league and youth in Vienna. Sam also served as president of the Vienna Lions Club and on the Vienna Centennial Coordinating Committee. In recognition of his years of service to the community, Sam was named the 2006 Citizen of the Year by the Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce. On July 25, 2011, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department hosted a ceremony honoring Sam for his seven decades of service to the Department. During this ceremony, July 25, 2011 was proclaimed Sam Savia Day by the Town of Vienna in recognition of his contributions to the community, and the Commonwealth of Virginia followed suit by approving House Joint Resolution 5170 commending Sam for his service. The department also renamed its apparatus building the Sam Savia Apparatus Facility so future generations of firefighters and citizens in Vienna will remember this man who dedicated his life to public safety, his family, and his community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me to celebrate the life and deeds of Sam Savia, and to express our deepest condolences to his wife Gertrude, their children, and their entire family.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Kings Park Community, and the 4th Annual Potluck Dinner. The quality of life enjoyed by the residents of Kings Park is a testament to the strong community spirit that has existed for half a century. King's Park is a community of 1100 homes located in central Fairfax County, in the heart of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia. Although this is a very large community, it maintains the feel of a true neighborhood or small town. Within the Kings Park boundaries, there are two elementary schools, a large public park, and a community swimming pool. The residents are well served by the local civic association; King's Park Civic Association (KPCA). KPCA publishes The Gazette news letter, helps to ensure the safety of the residents through its Neighborhood Watch and Block Captain programs, and sponsors community events such as the Annual Yard Sale, 4th of July Parade and Picnic, Children's Holiday Party, Senior's Lunch, and Community Potluck Dinner. In addition, KPCA oversees several citizen committees which address residents' concerns, provide assistance, and facilitate communication with the county on local governmental issues. Fifty years ago, in 1960, the total population of Fairfax County was 261,417; in 2010 the population had more than quadrupled to 1,081,726. Despite this phenomenal growth, King's Park has retained its unique identity thanks to the efforts of the volunteers and community activists. The success of the King's Park Civic Association can be attributable to its ability to provide tangible benefits to its residents, and to promote a spirit of collaboration and inclusion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of King's Park, and the 4th Annual potluck dinner organized by the King's Park Civic Association. I also thank the residents and members of the Kings Park Civic Association for their efforts to ensure that Kings Park remains a wonderful place to call home.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ben Ettleman, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Davis Industries and to congratulate him on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. Ettleman moved Davis Industries to the Lorton area in 1970, and, under his leadership, Davis Industries continues to be an involved and active community partner. When asked what advice he would give to a person entering business, he replied: ``You must establish good relationships with your employees, your vendors, suppliers and manufacturers--but you must never forget to develop a good relationship with your community. That's vital!'' Mr. Ettleman's life has been true to this philosophy; his robust support for area non-profits has been invaluable to the Lorton and greater Fairfax County communities. Countless local and national programs and charities have benefited from Mr. Ettleman's leadership and direction. He allows his metal crushing site to be used in training the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in the ``Jaws of Life'' program. He also helped found the ``Police Unity Tour'' to honor fallen officers. In response to the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, Mr. Ettleman donated $25,000 to help provide care for children who were burned as a result of the tragedy. He has provided critical leadership and financial support to local high school all-night graduation parties, renovations of public parks, food drives, holiday celebrations at local shelters, educational scholarships, little league teams, art programs, and even spay-and-neuter programs. The Lorton Community Action Center, Boys & Girls Club, Jewish National Fund, Georgetown University Parkinson's Research Center, Fairfax County Police and Fire and Rescue Departments, United Community Ministries, South County Little League, and the Lorton Arts Foundation are just a few of the many organizations that have been able to provide assistance, education, and public safety services to thousands of residents thanks to the leadership and generosity of Ben Ettleman. Mr. Ettleman recently celebrated his 90th birthday on August 11, 2011, and in recognition of his many contributions and accomplishments, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed the day as Ben Ettleman/Davis Industries Day in Fairfax County. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in congratulating Mr. Ettleman on this prestigious recognition and wishing him a very happy birthday. I also want to thank him for his selfless contributions, which have benefited so many in our community. I hope that his record of leadership will serve as a model of community service to future generations.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Reverend Dr. Kenny Smith and to celebrate his 25 years of service to the First Baptist Church of Vienna. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Smith earned his Bachelor's Degree in 1977, his Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University in 1987, and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology in 1992. In December 1986, Pastor Smith arrived in Vienna, Virginia, with his wife, the Reverend Dr. Mary Smith, and he assumed leadership of the First Baptist Church. A relatively small church at the time, the membership of First Baptist was fewer than 200. Under his guidance and stewardship, First Baptist has witnessed significant growth and now has more than 30 active ministries, which provide spiritual guidance for its members and the entire community. I have had the pleasure of worshipping at First Baptist Church of Vienna on many occasions, and I always have been moved by Pastor Smith's words of inspiration and faith. Like so many men of faith, Pastor Smith does not confine his dedication to within the walls of the sanctuary. He has ministered to the poor and disadvantaged in Nigeria, Ghana, Haiti, Coahoma, Maryland, South Carolina and Biloxi, Mississippi. First Baptist Church of Vienna contributed more than $53,000 to aid the victims of the Haitian earthquake and donated 1,000 bottles of multiple vitamins to aid the medical effort. Partnering with a sister church, Pastor Smith and the First Baptist Church family assisted with the finance of two Habitat for Humanity homes, contributing in excess of $42,000 for each home. He has established a Federal Credit Union with assets of more than $1 million, which provides members with safe and fair financial services. Pastor Smith has long been recognized as a leader in faith and community service. He serves or has formerly served as president of the Baptist General Convention, president of the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP, moderator of the NOVA Baptist Association, adjunct professor at Howard Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary, board member of the First Baptist Church of Vienna Federal Credit Union, board member of the Vienna Church Coalition for Housing, board member of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, and as a trustee of Virginia Union University. His many accolades from the community include the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Omicron Kappa Kappa) 2006 Citizen of the year award; the James F. Jenkins Pillars of Faith Award (2005); Outstanding Service Award, Fairfax County Branch, NAACP (2004); the Dean's Pastor's Award, Howard University School of Theology (1999); the Outstanding Achievement in Religion Award, Howard University Alumni Club of Northern Virginia (1999); the Religious Affairs Award, Fairfax County Branch, NAACP (1998); the Outstanding Leadership Award, Northern Virginia Baptist Association (1998); Community Service Award, Horizon Community Outreach Group (1996); the Golden Eagle Award, Fairfax County School System (1994); the Award of Merit presented by the Old Dominion Bar Association (1994); the 1992 Human Rights Award presented by the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission (1993); the D. B. Barton Award in Pastoral Theology (1987); and the Joseph H. Jackson Award (1986) for Academic Excellence. He also was selected for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities (1986/1987). Pastor Smith does not only preach his faith; he lives his faith. He and his wife, Reverend Dr. Mary Smith, lead by example in their dedication to God, the community, and mankind, and I am proud to call them my friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Rev. Dr. Kenny Smith on the occasion of his Silver Anniversary as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna and in wishing him continued success.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2011 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. These awards, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board in cooperation with the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board, recognize individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to our environment and public park system. Fairfax County is regarded as one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, and raise a family, and our nationally- recognized park system has played a key role in that distinction. Our community has a strong commitment to promoting and preserving our environment, including our public parks and outdoor spaces. Each year thousands of volunteers donate their talents and time to protect our natural and cultural resources and enhance public educational and recreational services. The Elly Doyle Service Awards were established in 1988 in honor of former board member Ellamae Doyle's many years of outstanding service. In addition, recipients have also been named for the 2011 Eakin Philanthropy Award, named in honor of the Eakin family who donated the first parcels of parkland to the Park Authority over 50 years ago, and the 2011 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award, named after the late Sally Ormsby who was a champion of environmental stewardship. I congratulate each of the 2011 recipients of these prestigious awards. 2011 Eakin Philanthropy Award Recipients: Craig and Belinda Stevens for their generous financial support of numerous Park Foundation projects; and Cox Communications, for their ongoing funding of the Summer Entertainment Series. 2011 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient: Stella Koch, in recognition of the central role she has played in many environmental issues including development of policies and preservation of our natural resources. 2011 Elly Doyle Service Award Recipients: Friends of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center--For their exceptional efforts in supporting programs, activities, and facilities at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. Charles and Jacque Olin--For the establishment of the Analemma Society in 1998 and their efforts in creating Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Chris Robichaux--For creating the Mason District Dog Opportunity Group in 2000 which worked with Park Authority staff to identify suitable parkland for an off-leash dog area. 2011 Elly Doyle Special Recognition Awards Recipients: Jim Franks, Lynne Glasser, John Hopkins, James Jamison, and Judy Kirby, and student honoree, Morgan Volpe. I also commend the 18 individuals who comprise the Class of 2011 Outstanding Volunteers. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking these honorees for their demonstrated commitment to our open spaces and public parks. Fairfax County is able to enjoy a high quality of life because of the efforts of these individuals and they are deserving of our praise and appreciation.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize George Pakidis for his years of service in the fight against drunk driving. Each year thousands of people are injured or killed by drunk drivers. The numbers of accidents and fatalities skyrocket during holiday seasons, especially Independence Day and New Year's Eve. To help prevent these senseless tragedies, local business leaders worked with law enforcement and government agencies to develop programs that would keep intoxicated drivers off of our roads. George Pakidis is one of the leaders in this effort. For 14 years, George has served on the Board of Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP). Founded in 1982, WRAP is an award winning public-private coalition that seeks to prevent drunk driving, drugged driving, and underage drinking in the Washington metropolitan area through innovative education programs and advocacy. As Vice President of Red Top Cab, a regional taxi service based in Northern Virginia, George recognized an opportunity to decrease the number of instances of drunk driving by spearheading a free cab ride service known as SoberRide, which functions as part of the WRAP program. In the 12 years that George has been its Chairman, SoberRide has grown to include nine participating taxi companies and has kept more than 52,000 drunk drivers off of our roads. His innovative approach to this problem has prevented countless accidents and saved thousands of lives. George will soon be retiring from Red Top Cab as well as from his positions with WRAP and SoberRide. His leadership and foresight will be greatly missed. During his tenure the number of accidents has declined significantly, and the regional alcohol-related traffic death rate is consistently lower than the national average. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking George Pakidis for his immeasurable service to our community and for his efforts to eradicate drunk driving. Let us wish George continued success in his retirement.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Arbor Day 2011 and to recognize the Lafayette Village Community's annual neighborhood cleanup and tree planting. Founded by J. Sterling Morton, the first Arbor Day was held in Nebraska April 10, 1872. Arbor Day has since grown to be celebrated in more than 30 countries around the world. Arbor Day recognizes and celebrates the value and beauty of trees in our communities, and it is observed by planting a new tree. Lafayette Village is a community of 313 homes in Fairfax County, Virginia. This is its fourth annual Arbor/Earth Day ceremony, and tree planting is a longstanding tradition for Lafayette Village. In conjunction with the annual tree planting, Lafayette Village conducts a community cleanup as well. Children are encouraged to participate, which helps to instill the values of community service and teamwork. Environmental stewardship leads to beautiful communities such as Lafayette Village. Hundreds of trees have been planted over the years as an affirmation of their commitment to this stewardship. Mr. Speaker, I express my gratitude to the residents of Lafayette Village. Their efforts prove that beautifying a neighborhood requires only a generous amount of time and community spirit.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the 2011 LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Awards. LifeCircle Alliances, a non-profit organization based in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leader in promoting and enabling independent living for older and adults with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, including our Wounded Warriors. LifeCircle Alliances has created innovative public-private partnerships with its 45 members including businesses, individuals, educational facilities, philanthropic organizations and government agencies to showcase and raise money for creative and cost-effective long-term care solutions. The funds raised and the efforts of the LifeCircle partners help to create innovative long-term care initiatives, enhance existing programs, and address workforce, mobility and transportation issues. The goal of these efforts is independence for life; ensuring that our older adults and adults with disabilities are able to live independently and with dignity in their communities of choice. The LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Award celebration recognizes the efforts of five outstanding caregivers, who provide dedicated care, day in and day out. The recipients of the 2011 Kudos Awards are: Inas Eldarwish--For years, Inas and her husband Ayman provided care to their two disabled sons, Ahmed and Hazem. Sadly, Ahmed passed away several years ago. The grace with which Inas handled this tragic loss was remarkable. Through her mourning, she has remained a dedicated and selfless mom to Hazem supporting his interests and helping him reach his full potential. The Belvoir Woods Healthcare Center Family Council at The Fairfax (BWHCC)--This council is comprised entirely of volunteer family caregivers of current or former BWHCC residents. Through their efforts, residents at Belvoir Woods enjoy guest speaker programs and quality of life resources such as dog therapy visits, loaner scooters, and wheelchairs. They also are able to keep in touch with out-of-area family and friends through the use of free Wi-Fi. Linda Walthall and Family--Through considerable adversity Linda and Frank Walthall have provided exceptional care for the last 7 years to her elderly mother, who requires 24 hour supervision. It is this selfless devotion to family that warrants her recognition as an exceptional caregiver. Colonel Christine Ingle (Rtd)--Col. Ingle has served as a volunteer mentor and caregiver to our Wounded Warriors at Fort Belvoir. She recently has started a program for Veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare field after their discharge from the Warrior Transition Unit. Deborah Dodge--Despite personal obstacles, Deborah has gone above and beyond in single-handedly providing care to her adult son for the last 12 years. Deborah's son is severely ill, and requires 24/7 care. She has served on the Northern Virginia Mental Health Board, and is an exceptional caretaker and maintains her positive and cheerful attitude despite the hardships that she faces. I congratulate today's winners and recognize each of them for their devotion and personal sacrifices. These individuals are examples of the many thousands of caregivers who put the needs of their families, friends and colleagues above their own. I also would like to applaud the efforts of LifeCircle Alliances. As a strong advocate for public- private partnerships, I commend LifeCircle Alliances for its creative approach to addressing these very important challenges within our community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to today's awardees and in thanking the volunteers, staff, and partners of LifeCircle Alliance for their efforts in providing assistance to not only those in need of care, but to those who provide the care here in our community.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of Anthony Griffin and commend him for receiving the International City/County Management Association's Award for Career Excellence in honor of Mark E. Keane. After a career as City Manager for Falls Church, Virginia, Tony came to Fairfax County in 1989. In 2000 the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, of which I was a member, appointed Tony as County Executive. As County Executive, Tony Griffin managed the day-to-day operations of a jurisdiction with more than 1 million residents and more than 11,000 employees. Tony provided over Fairfax County during some of its more challenging times including 9/11, the 2001 anthrax attacks, the Beltway Sniper, Hurricane Isabel, the flooding of Cameron Run in 2006, the 2007 recession, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee. Throughout it all, he has continued to provide outstanding leadership to Fairfax. During his tenure, Governing Magazine named Fairfax County its Best Managed County in the Country. Fairfax has won numerous e-government awards including the Digital Counties Survey and the Best of the Web. Time Magazine referred to Fairfax as, ``the economic success story of our time.'' I was pleased to work with Tony Griffin during my 13 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and I know the value he brought. I urge my colleagues and the residents of Fairfax County, Virginia to join me in commending Anthony Griffin for receiving this Award for Career Excellence, and thank him for his years of dedication to making Fairfax a safe and vibrant community to live and work.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Mantua Elementary School. For half a century, Mantua Elementary has provided its students with a superior education and a solid foundation for lifelong learning and becoming productive and responsible citizens. The school and community have a shared vision for elementary education based on Ernest Boyer's ``Basic School'' philosophy paired with tenets from DuFour's Professional Learning Communities. As part of the Basic School Network, Mantua focuses on proven elementary best practices; the school as a community, a curriculum with coherence, a climate for learning, and a commitment to character. Teachers and specialists at each grade level work in professional learning teams to assess their students' needs and design integrated curricula using the Basic School's eight commonalities: life cycle, use of symbols, group membership, time and space, the aesthetic, nature, producing and consuming, and living with purpose. In addition, Mantua Elementary School offers programs in English for Speakers of Other Languages, Special Education for students who need additional assistance, Advanced Academics for exceptionally gifted and talented students, and Total Communication for students who are deaf or hearing impaired. These specialized programs when combined with the school's core educational philosophy ensure that every student is given access to a quality education. The result has been an award winning school and a vibrant, academically charged atmosphere that has enabled the children of our community to excel. Mantua Elementary School has greatly benefitted under the leadership of its principal, Ms. Jan-Marie Fernandez, who has held this position since 2000. Ms. Fernandez is credited with applying brain-based research to instruction methods in order to improve literacy development for students with learning disabilities, and focus and attention issues. This innovative approach was one factor in Ms. Fernandez being named the 2010 Distinguished Principal by the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. As the parent of a child who attended Mantua Elementary School, I have personally witnessed her effectiveness as an administrator and an educator. She has led this large, very diverse school to great success and I thank her for her dedication and commitment to the students and to the community as a whole. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Mantua Elementary School on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and in congratulating the students, educators, administrators, and parents on working together as a team for the benefit of all.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Sandi Qualley, Executive Director of the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA), on the occasion of her retirement following 21 years of dedicated service to those individuals who suffer from bleeding disorders and their families. HACA is a nonprofit organization that provides many needed services to people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease and their families. HACA serves more than 250 families in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and it is a chapter of both Hemophilia Federation of America and the National Hemophilia Foundation, the two leading national hemophilia patient organizations. HACA's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from bleeding disorders and their families through education, advocacy, and member services in order to promote research and to raise the resources needed to achieve these goals. Sandi has been instrumental in ensuring that HACA continues to deliver on its mission. It sends children with bleeding disorders to camps that are equipped to address their specific medical needs. HACA offers educational programming to members of the bleeding disorders community at all stages of life: Families with newly diagnosed infants, school-age children, adolescents, adults, and those now confronting the additional complications that advancing age can pose for an individual with a bleeding disorder. HACA also helps provide financial assistance to needy families and resources to other nonprofit organizations that work with the hemophilia community in an expanding global network. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Sandi Qualley for her years of service and in congratulating her on the occasion of her retirement. Her distinguished service has greatly contributed to the advancement and improvement of care and treatment available to individuals suffering from bleeding-related afflictions.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, once again we are presented with a false choice today. In the Alice in Wonderland world of the House, Republicans oppose payroll tax cuts unless they can be used as a vehicle to cut unemployment benefits. According to the majority, it isn't worth passing a simple payroll tax cut without eviscerating Americans' health care. In this warped, parallel universe, payroll tax cut extensions must be accompanied by gratuitous measures to punish Federal employees and civil servants like Border Security agents and FBI agents. And, of course, the majority seems singularly incapable of writing any bill, especially at this time of year, Christmas, that doesn't contain several special provisions to benefit the Koch Brothers and Big Oil giveaways. Sadly, this bill is consistent with the Republican pattern of extortion on behalf of an extreme special interest agenda. After almost shutting down the government, furloughing FAA employees, and blocking the appointment of a director to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other agencies, now, believe it or not, they are holding tax cuts hostage. President Obama sent a simple legislative package to Congress: Extend the payroll tax cuts, saving the average American family $1,500 a year. Extend unemployment insurance benefits to create 1 million jobs and add 1 full percentage of growth to the economy. This very proposal received a majority vote in the Senate but, of course, was blocked by a Republican filibuster. It did what the Republicans say they want to do--cut taxes and grow the economy. Too bad their actions don't match their words. Based on their rhetoric, one would think that Republicans would support a simple tax cut. That is, after all, their solution to every economic challenge: Cut taxes, especially for millionaires and large corporations. Yet when presented with a simple tax cut bill targeted to help the middle class in America, Republicans rebel and reject it in favor of a piece of special-interest sausage so laden with lobbyist giveaways and ideological poison pills that it would make the author of ``The Jungle,'' Upton Sinclair's, nose turn blue. The bill before us today slashes unemployment benefits for Virginians in my home State by 38 percent, and it increases Federal employee pension contributions by 63 percent while reducing total pension payments. Federal employees, in other words, will pay more and get less retirement security after a lifetime of public service. For good measure, it extends public servants' pay freeze for a full 5 years. It contain a costly special interest policy rider that will increase oil exports to China and raise American gas prices. It repeals part of the Clean Air Act, allowing polluters to spew forth mercury, arsenic, and other toxic pollutants from industrial boilers. In fact, repeal of this Clean Air Act public health standard will burden the American economy with $20 billion to $52 billion in additional health care costs every year. We must remember what a perilous state the economy is in. Thanks to the successful Recovery Act and expansionary monetary policy, unemployment has fallen now to 8.6 percent. It would be 8.25 percent except for the fact that Republican policies have led to the loss of over a half-million public sector jobs throughout the United States. The number of underemployed and long-term unemployed Americans has fallen as people have found steady, full-time jobs, and private-sector job growth has been growing every month for 21 consecutive months. We're not out of the woods, but we are making progress. The Congressional Budget Office, McCain campaign adviser Mark Zandi, and Barclays Bank all estimate that extending unemployment benefits will increase the economy by a full 1 percent and add 1 million jobs. That's because unemployment benefits have a multiplier effect--they are spent as soon as they are gotten. The payroll tax cut, in addition, will provide Americans with an average of $1,500 per worker, creating some $250 billion in economic activity and adding 1 full percentage point to the GDP. The Speaker controls which bills come to the floor of the House. Let's junk this bill and come up with a clean payroll tax extension and unemployment benefits for all Americans, creating jobs and growing this economy.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, unrelated, partisan riders often have received scorn in the past. In 2008, for example, now- Speaker Boehner mentioned his strong distaste, stating: ``Attaching these riders is the sort of stunt that has made Americans extremely cynical about Washington.'' But when finally agreeing to vote on a payroll tax cut for 160 million Americans, this bill is riddled with riders. Preventative health care, for example, improves wellness and lowers costs. When provided the opportunity for free preventative services, 70 percent of Medicare recipients enrolled. But this bill cuts that care. Why? It's a rider. What do payroll tax cuts and shipping more gasoline to China have in common? Republican Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged this political gamesmanship saying: ``I think we should debate the Keystone pipeline, and we should debate tax policy separately.'' Sadly, it's another rider in this bill. Finally, Republicans included a poison pill with actual poison-- mercury, arsenic, and other toxins. What does gutting the Clean Air Act have to do with payroll tax cuts? Nothing. It's a rider. I strongly support extending the payroll tax cut to help 160 million Americans; but first we need to cut the partisan riders.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. I thank my good friend from Michigan. Mr. Chairman, for the 173rd time this year our friends on the other side have brought another anti-environmental, anti-public health bill to the floor. For good reason, this House majority has been identified as the most stridently anti-environmental Congress in history in a tragic refutation of Republicans' heretofore historic commitment to conservation and public safety. The REINS Act, like the Regulatory Accountability Act passed last week, has a poetic finality as it would block any and all progressive regulations largely the legacy of Republican Teddy Roosevelt. Under Teddy Roosevelt's administration, in response to appalling food processing conditions described in Upton Sinclair's ``The Jungle,'' Congress reacted and passed the first comprehensive food safety regulation. One hundred years later, the REINS Act, on the floor today, would block even the most commonsense regulations which Congress mandated just last session--new standards to protect Americans from deadly contamination by Chinese and Mexican imported foods. The REINS Act is a worthy piece of legislation for those among us who actually believe that Chinese factory farms should ship contaminated, uninspected food directly to American dinner tables. President Teddy Roosevelt used the Antiquities Act, written by a Republican Congressman, Congressman Lacey of Ohio, to protect the Grand Canyon--and thank God they did--when Congress at that time refused to designate it as a National Park. The REINS Act would prevent Federal land management agencies from issuing regulations to protect America's greatest places from degradation by mining and off-road vehicles. The REINS Act also would block all regulations issued subsequent to Teddy Roosevelt's administration, including such landmark bills as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Wagner Labor Relations Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Along with the Regulatory Accountability Act, which the House approved last week, the REINS Act is the most comprehensive, radical assault on American safety and public health in the last century. If REINS passes, it will replace the rule of law with the rule of the jungle. Our friends on the other side know full well that in commonsense language they have masked the inability of the Federal Government ever again to issue commonsense regulation to protect public health and safety in this country. And that would be a tragedy.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the Cameras in the Court Act of 2011 to ensure transparency and accountability in the judicial branch by providing television coverage for open proceedings before the United States Supreme Court. This is companion legislation to a bipartisan bill, S. 1945, introduced yesterday by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Assistant Senate Majority Leader, and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. The Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011 respects the individual rights of the parties appearing before the Court, only applying to open proceedings. In addition, a majority of the Supreme Court justices may vote to exclude television coverage of a particular proceeding if they decide that such coverage would result in a violation of the due process rights of any of the specific parties before the Court. This legislation would only apply to those Supreme Court proceedings currently open to the public. Individual Americans are welcome to observe these Court proceedings, but only in an extremely limited number. The Supreme Court has seating for several hundred, however they typically only allocate roughly 50 seats for the general public. And that is what is so troubling. Given the sweeping nature of recent Supreme Court decisions, this limited seating almost screams elitism, secrecy and contempt for the public by this third branch of our government. I strongly believe that the separation of powers and our system of checks and balances is essential to the successful operation of a democratic society. However transparency and accountability are necessary to ensure that those checks and balances are properly applied, even in the judicial branch itself. Regardless of the scope of the legislation, Congressional debates and votes on each and every bill are televised and available to Americans through CSPAN. It was not enough for reporters to pass along their accounts of what occurred, nor was it enough for the limited number of Americans who could directly observe from the House and Senate galleries. The entire American public--it was determined--was entitled to know what the Congress was undertaking in its name. It strains any reasonable precept of transparency to assert that such momentous recent Supreme Court deliberations such as Bush v. Gore, Kelo v. City of New London, and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission were available only to the 50 Americans who were allowed and fortunate enough to be among the chosen few to wait in the queue for public seating. Americans today live in a world where information is near instantaneous; where with a handheld cell phone they are able to communicate through live video conferencing with nearly anyone in the world. Today's technology allows us to bring events from across the globe to our fingertips in real time. It is essential that the highest arbiter of the law of our land provide all Americans with the opportunity to observe United States Supreme Court proceedings in a manner that will enable them to form their own opinion through direct observation. Transparency and accountability are the windows through which everyday citizens may observe and protect democracy. Are there risks that some will play to the cameras? Yes, absolutely. Are those risks offset by the public's need, indeed right, to know? Absolutely yes. Sunshine--even in the Supreme Court--remains the best disinfectant against those who might feel that the black robe of life-tenure grants them permanent immunity from accountability for their words and opinions. I urge my colleagues to support transparency and accountability in the United States Supreme Court and cosponsor the Cameras in the Courtroom Act of 2011.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2471. This bill would update the Video Privacy Protection Act by giving consumers the ability to use social media to discuss movies they have been watching. When it was passed in 1988, internet social media did not exist, and the law needs an update for the digital age. This legislation explicitly prevents businesses from using an ``opt out'' mechanism which businesses might abuse to consumers' detriment. Instead, it requires that consumers proactively choose to share their movie preferences with their friends. For this reason, the Future of Privacy Forum, a consumer advocacy group, supports this legislation. This update ensures that consumers can use existing social media outlets to discuss movies they have watched. It may also contribute to the health of the movie industry by integrating it more fully into new modes of internet communications used by consumers. I applaud my colleague from Virginia, Mr. Goodlatte, for his work on this legislation and urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, all of us join with our colleague in honoring that fallen hero. Madam Speaker, Congress must act now to extend the payroll tax cut, unemployment insurance, and domestic renewable energy tax incentives. The effects of the Great Recession continue to linger in this economy, which is why a more robust recovery has not yet taken root. Our efforts in the last Congress, through the Recovery Act and the Job Creation Act at the end of last year, provided what momentum we actually have. The official unemployment rate has now fallen to 8.6 percent as a result of 120,000 new jobs created just last month. That's the lowest level in more than 2 years and marks 21 consecutive months of private sector job growth. But these gains will be at risk if Congress fails to extend the payroll tax cuts, domestic clean energy incentives, and unemployment benefits before the end of this year. The payroll tax cut provides the average American worker $1,000 to spend or invest every year, having a positive impact throughout the economy. Economic analysts at Barclays estimate that the payroll tax cut alone will add another 1 percent to gross domestic product growth, $250 billion in economic activity throughout the United States. Conversely, if we fail to extend that payroll tax cut, 160 million Americans will be facing a tax increase in January. Similarly, 1.3 million Americans who are trying to get back into the workforce will see their unemployment benefits cut unless we renew them. According to the Congressional Budget Office and Senator John McCain's economic adviser, Mark Zandi, unemployment insurance is one of the most effective forms of economic stimulus, generating $1.64 for every $1 we invest in unemployment insurance. Failure to extend unemployment benefits will reduce the gross domestic product by nearly 1 percent and, by reducing economic activity, could put as many as 1 million Americans out of work at a time when we're trying to expand the economy. With respect to domestic clean energy production, renewing these incentives will sustain one of the few private sector success stories we've witnessed during the Great Recession. Since 2007, the number of jobs in the American wind industry has grown 70 percent. So today there are as many wind energy jobs as there are in the coal industry. The number of solar industry jobs doubled since 2007 to more than 100,000 Americans. This surge in domestic clean energy employment is a direct result of the 1603 Treasury Grant Program to support clean energy activity. Madam Speaker, as we continue to debate these expiring tax and benefit provisions, I'd caution my colleagues against holding them hostage to advance some extreme ideological agenda. Last week, the Senate minority leader brought legislation to the floor which would have slashed Federal employee wages and benefits while arbitrarily downsizing the Federal workforce. As the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted, public sector employment continues to shrink by tens of thousands of jobs. A job is a job, whether it's in the public sector or the private sector. One is not better than the other. If Republicans had not been successful in cutting 535,000 public sector jobs in this country, unemployment would actually be 0.35 percent lower. It would be down to 8.25 percent today, not 8.6. Cutting Federal employee pay and slashing the workforce would actually undermine the economic benefits of the payroll tax extension and the economic benefits we've all worked so hard to create. Similarly, we should reject attempts to tie these economic recovery actions with partisan proposals to gut the Clean Air Act. Republicans in the House already have tried to pass 172 viciously anti- environmental bills, riders, and amendment in this body this year alone. Now, some in the Republican Caucus have suggested pairing the Clean Air Act repeals with an extension of the payroll tax cut, a Faustian bargain at best, Madam Speaker. Repealing these Clean Air Act standards for industrial boilers, for example, would cost the U.S. economy $21 billion to $52 billion per year in higher health care costs, real costs to the economy. Not surprisingly, some even have proposed expediting approval of the Keystone XL pipeline in exchange for the payroll tax extension. Again, we already have pipelines from Canadian tar sands into America. According to independent economic analyses, the Keystone pipeline could increase exports of Canadian oil, not to the United States, but to China. I want to keep that oil here in this economy if we're going to build that pipeline. Madam Speaker, the Republican leadership's legislative sausage would shock Upton Sinclair, who wrote ``The Jungle'' 100 years ago. He said, It's difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends on his not understanding. Instead of wrapping special interest policy-riders and polluter giveaways into a tax-extender package, Congress should focus on those policies which are demonstrated job creators: payroll tax cuts, domestic clean energy incentives, and unemployment insurance extension. The economic recovery is too fragile, Madam Speaker, to risk on the higher health care costs, higher gas prices, and economic hardships that some of these Republican proposals would otherwise create.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Marlene Blum on receiving the Lawrence V. Fowler Award. The Fairfax County, Virginia, government gives the Fowler award annually to a citizen volunteer who has served on a County board, authority or commission and who has demonstrated exceptional service to the community. Marlene has committed herself to volunteer service on the often- overlooked advisory boards and commissions that are nonetheless so vital to the functioning of a caring community. She has, through mastery of areas like heath care and human services, given us a model of how a single person can affect policy and programs that improve the lives of our entire community. Her wisdom and counsel continue to be indispensable in everything Fairfax County does in health and human services. I have been privileged to call Marlene a friend for many years now, and I have worked very closely with her on countless issues. Her dedication and hard work have been inspirational. Marlene has been a truly transformative figure, leading by deed and example, improving the lives of the very youngest to the very oldest. Over the years, Marlene has served in a number of different roles on a number of different boards and committees, generously giving of her time and expertise. She was President of the Fairfax County Council of Parent Teacher Student Association and promoted student needs. As Chairman of the Fairfax County School Health Task Force, Marlene led the effort to place public health nurses in every school. She led the effort to create the Community Health Care Network which provides primary health care to uninsured and underinsured individuals. Marlene helped create the County's HIV/AIDS Task Force in 1989 providing prevention and education assistance. She served on the Planning Committee to End Homelessness, providing blueprint recommendations. Marlene was instrumental in the creation of the Medically Fragile Respite Program in 2006, providing medically needy homeless individuals with critically needed care. Marlene served as the first Chairman of the Consolidated Community Funding Pool Advisory Committee, providing funding allocation recommendations for the County's various human services needs and helping to establish a professional, nonpartisan procedure for allocating human services funding. One cannot overstate the profound impact Marlene Blum has had on the daily lives of Fairfax County residents over her more than 20 years of service, and she is an indispensable resource for our community. She truly represents a living example that one determined citizen does make a difference. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Marlene Blum for receiving the 2011 Lawrence V. Fowler award and to take this opportunity to recognize all of our tireless citizen volunteers who give of themselves to better our communities.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. H.R. 3010, seductively titled the Regulatory Accountability Act, would block every single new or pending Federal regulation, including those regulations which Congress has already directed agencies to write. This bill would neuter the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reforms protecting consumers; it would block tougher food safety oversight responding to last year's salmonella outbreak; and it would gut public health laws, jeopardizing clean air and water and workplace safety. It would effectively repeal 25 separate public health, consumer protection, and environmental laws Congress has already passed. No wonder the Statement of Administration Policy noted that the President would veto the bill if passed. With this legislation, the House Republican leadership has now attempted to pass more than 170 pieces of legislation, riders and amendments to attack public health and the environment; but H.R. 3010's impacts would not stop here. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Securities and Exchange Commission would not be able to implement consumer protections mandated by law, including commonsense rules like prohibiting investment banks from betting against their own clients on the stock market. The EPA would not be able to complete the toxic air pollution control rule which Congress directed it to implement 21 years ago. Our regulatory system already is so slow that this critical public health standard, which would reduce mercury and arsenic pollution, has been taking since 1990 to develop. Apparently taking two decades to limit mercury pollution is much too fast for the sponsors of this bill. This bill uses seemingly innocuous requirements to create a tangle of red tape so thick that it would be impossible for any Federal agency, frankly, to issue meaningful regulations ever again. This bill uses several clever provisions to create regulatory gridlock. The first seems harmless. It requires agencies to use the lowest-cost requirement when issuing regulations. It directs agencies to consider alternative regulatory approaches proposed by industry. This model emulates the structure of the Toxic Substances Control Act, which provides a case study for failed environmental legislation. Like this bill, the Toxic Substances Act requires regulations to adhere to the lowest-cost solution. What's wrong with that? For this reason, polluters have been successful in challenging almost every proposed regulation on the premise that there are lower-cost alternatives. For example, asbestos. Despite its well-documented health hazard as a known carcinogen, it's still legal to use asbestos in America unlike in 50 other advanced countries, because asbestos manufacturers challenged the EPA's ban on asbestos and won the case in court when they showed that prohibiting asbestos was not the lowest- cost regulatory option. The Toxic Substances Act is so ineffective that in its 35 years, a mere five of 22,000 potentially toxic chemicals have actually been regulated under its authority. This bill would require regulatory agencies to analyze every single alternative proposed by industry--a Sisyphean task that would effectively preclude any new regulation from ever again being issued against recalcitrant polluters. The other clever provision of this bill which also appears innocuous is the requirement that agencies perform a cost-benefit analysis for every regulatory alternative, even spurious ones, proposed by industry. Of course, Congress wants agencies to consider both the cost and benefits of regulations. That's why agencies already do provide full cost-benefit analyses of proposed regulations. Requiring agencies to waste time analyzing every, even spurious, industry alternatives indefinitely delays any additional regulation. There are only two differences between this bill and the majority's previous attacks on the environment. First, because of its broad scope, this bill would be more destructive; and, second, its clever language conceals how thoroughly it would eviscerate regulatory agencies. That is why I have introduced this amendment, Mr. Chairman, to exempt public health and safety laws from the purview of this bill. The Republican leadership claims it supports public health and safety. Well, let's give them the opportunity to prove it. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense amendment to protect public health and safety. Without this change, this so-called Regulatory Accountability Act guts the important public health, safety, and consumer protection standards we have long counted on in this country; and it would, in fact, not hold industry accountable for any of its future actions. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, once again, this House is taking up a proposal that represents a direct attack on the will of the American people. Public financing for Presidential elections, which began in the 1970s, is one of the few opportunities where Americans are allowed to specify how they want their tax dollars spent. As Members of Congress, we are charged with representing the interests of our constituents. In this particular instance, however, we know precisely what the American people want. By voluntarily checking this box on their tax forms, more than 10 million of our fellow Americans have made their intentions explicitly clear. The Presidential Election Campaign Fund exists because individual Americans expressly opted to dedicate a portion of their taxes to that purpose. In January, House Republicans voted to ignore the explicit intentions of the American people and eliminate the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. Thankfully, the Senate heard Americans' call and killed the bill. And this year, millions of Americans again checked the box on their tax forms for calendar year 2010, once again, explicitly telling the government how they wanted their taxes spent. Ironically, our Republican colleagues cite their own YouCut website as a representative site, with at most, a few hundred thousand followers. They disdain 10 million citizens but revere the few. This is selective representation in its most rawest and worst form. The bill before us today, H.R. 3463, will break faith with the American people by ignoring their direction. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in defending the will of American taxpayers by opposing this bill.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ethan Doyle, a 2011 Critical Language Scholarship Program Recipient. Ethan has been identified by his educators for his academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship to participate in the Critical Language Scholarship Program in Vladimir, Russia. This Critical Language Scholarship Program allows students to participate in daily educational activities in Vladimir, Russia, as well as the surrounding areas. The program provides participants with the opportunity to build relationships with young leaders from all over the world with an intense focus in the Russian language, one of the thirteen ``critical needs'' foreign languages determined by the Department of State, for summer 2012. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion. Ethan is a student at Johns Hopkins University. It is inspiring to see young people who are interested in international educational and developmental experiences such as these. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable achievement by Ethan Doyle and wishing his continued success in his further pursuits.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, the economy received an early holiday gift this past week when Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping figures outperformed expectations. However, we still face significant challenges. Unemployment remains too high and global markets are showing signs of instability, both of which are the lingering effects of the Great Recession. Casting a grim shadow over all of our actions is the fact that some Members of this body still persist in ignoring the public and letting ideology stand in the way of striking a reasonable balance to tame our national debt and grow the economy. Of note is the recent report released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, showing that the Recovery Act we passed 2 years ago has been a significant success in an otherwise gloomy economic picture. According to the CBO, the Recovery Act increased GDP growth by up to 1.9 percent in the third quarter of this year, a quarter in which we had 2 percent growth. That's an extraordinary impact. Thanks to the Recovery Act, 2.4 million people, according to the CBO, now have a job and the overall unemployment rate is 1.3 percent lower than it otherwise would have been if we'd done nothing, as my friends on the other side of the aisle wanted us to do. According to CBO's in-depth analysis, the Recovery Act will continue to have a significant impact on the economy. Although it was designed to operate from 2009 to 2011, CBO found it will continue to drive GDP growth next year, adding 1 percent to the economy and will further increase employment by 1 million jobs. After opposing any stimulus action in the midst of the worst economic contraction in 80 years, the Republicans actually criticize the Recovery Act now for the fact that it didn't do enough. That speaks less to the merits of the Recovery Act, I'd suggest, than it does about the magnitude of the Great Recession. And it is extraordinary chutzpa from the other side to just say ``no'' and now criticize the Recovery Act for being inadequate. The Great Recession was, in fact, the Nation's worst economic collapse in 80 years. What began in the subprime housing market quickly spread throughout the financial industry, threatening economic ruin. At its height, more than 700,000 Americans were losing their jobs every single month. Millions more lost their homes through foreclosures. The Great Recession was already one of America's worst before President Obama was ever sworn into office, and during that economic maelstrom our first act in the 111th Congress was to pass the Recovery Act to help, on a party-line vote, I'm sad to say. Many of my Republican colleagues point to the continued weakness in the economy as an indication of the Recovery Act's failure, rather than acknowledging that it is actually a function of the severity of the recession and failing to acknowledge their own supine, Darwinian response to it. They claim that, as the economic turmoil which began in 2007 raged all around us, Americans would have been better served had Congress simply done nothing and hoped for the best. Now, as the lingering effects of the recession continue to hold back a robust recovery, they continue to defy reasonable bipartisan attempts to put people back to work and get our country moving again. The Recovery Act cut taxes for 95 percent of all Americans--both families and small businesses. It kept thousands of teachers, police officers, and firefighters on the job. Recovery Act dollars funded highways and transit improvements in every State, putting hundreds of thousands in the depressed construction industry back to work. There was a time when cutting taxes and investing in infrastructure was a bipartisan endeavor and had broad Republican support as well as Democratic support. But there's still time for redemption. The President's American Jobs Act now provides another opportunity for our Republican friends to actually partner with Democrats and support economic recovery. The American Jobs Act provides incentives for companies, large and small, to hire additional workers; it cuts taxes on every working American in order to further spur economic demand; and it provides support for sorely needed infrastructure investments to repair America's bridges, roadways, and schools. In short, it builds on the success of the Recovery Act we passed 2 years ago. There are 2.4 million Americans with jobs today because we took action 2 years ago. With 14 million more waiting, we can't afford now to do nothing. We must act.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Simrun Bal, a 2011 Critical Language Scholarship Program Recipient. Simrun has been identified by her educators for her academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship to participate in the Critical Language Scholarship Program in Chandigarh, India. This Critical Language Scholarship Program allows students to participate in daily educational activities in Chandigarh, India, as well as the surrounding areas. The program allows participants to make friends with young leaders from all over the world with an intensive focus on the Punjabi language, one of the thirteen critical need foreign languages determined by the Department of State, for summer 2012. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion. Simrun is a student at the University of Richmond. It is inspiring to see young people who are interested in educational and developmental experiences such as these. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable achievement by Simrun Bal and wishing her continued success in her further pursuits.

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia

Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lea Gold, a 2011 Critical Language Scholarship Program Recipient. Lea has been identified by her educators for her academic excellence, leadership potential and exemplary citizenship to participate in the Critical Language Scholarship Program Jeonju, South Korea. This Critical Language Scholarship Program allows students to participate in daily educational activities in Jeonju, South Korea, as well as the surrounding areas. The program allows participants to make friends with young leaders from all over the world with an intensive focus in the Korean language, one of the thirteen critical need foreign languages determined by the Department of State, for summer 2012. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate of completion. Lea is a student at the University of North Carolina--Chapel Hill. It is inspiring to see young people who are interested in educational and developmental experiences such as these. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing this remarkable achievement by Lea Gold and wishing her continued success in her further pursuits.