Barbara Comstock

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge HeroHomes, a nonprofit organization in my district dedicated to providing veterans who have heroically served our country the satisfaction of owning their own homes, a solid foundation for a successful future, and the pride that comes with living independently. With all of the sacrifices that our veterans make preserving freedom and democracy for others, I can think of few causes that are nobler than helping these returning heroes reenter civilian life. Recently, HeroHomes was able to provide a new home for its first disabled veteran, Tony Porta. Tony was an Apache Helicopter pilot with over 2,500 hours of flight time from over 20 years of service, and had five tours of duty in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, in the process of carrying out his duties, he suffered a severe spinal injury and subsequently spent over two and a half years in the hospital while also suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Tony has more than fulfilled his duty and has sacrificed much for the sake of his country, and HeroHomes was there for him in his time of need. Their altruism is beyond measure and the institution has more than lived up to its motto ``building houses, jobs, and community for those who have fought for the preservation of freedom and democracy for others''. Following the sentiments of the organization's founder, Jason Brownell, HeroHomes not only assists in providing homes for these brave veterans, but also settles them into a small town community setting. This foundation not only embodies charity and selflessness, but has helped to inspire it; with members of the community and local builders having volunteered to help make this initiative a reality. Mr. Speaker, the good men and women that make up this institution exemplify a spirit of comradery that makes America truly great. I would encourage my colleagues to join me in thanking all of our servicemen and women that have sacrificed much in defense of our nation, and HeroHomes for their impassioned care of our heroes when they return home.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment which would transfer $7 million to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program, also known as HIDTA. HIDTA coordinates federal, state, and local drug task forces to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking operations. So many individuals--and by extension, their families and friends-- are suffering the effects of drug abuse. The heroin and opioid epidemic is affecting all of northern Virginia. But currently, only part of my district is HIDTA-designated. Two counties--Clarke and Frederick--have not yet received a HIDTA designation. But I will not rest until my constituents in the Shenandoah Valley are afforded the same resources to combat this scourge. The funding increase proposed by my amendment will ultimately save lives. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his tireless work on this important bipartisan legislation which I was proud to cosponsor. I rise in support of H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Every week we hear from constituents concerned about this issue, and, of course, we all no doubt know somebody battling with this issue. I appreciate the input from all stakeholders that has been taken into account here--doctors, healthcare providers, academics, and law enforcement--but, most importantly, the input from the families, the caregivers, and those dealing with the mental health conditions that are in so much need for more care. So I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill that will allow for more efficient use of the resource allocation, improved responsiveness, and reduced time and energy that is now lost spent navigating a very difficult system that will be improved by this. So I thank the gentleman.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 370, I mistakenly voted ``yes,'' when I intended to vote ``no.'' Amendment No. 20 Offered by Mr. Amodei

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) which is celebrating its 75th year of service to this country as an auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The Civil Air Patrol helps bring together citizens with a passion for aviation to volunteer in defense of our great nation. Furthermore, in light of the approaching appointment of its new squadron commander, I would like to specifically acknowledge the Leesburg Composite Squadron, of Leesburg, Virginia, for its exemplary service as part of the CAP, not only through its performance of duties such as search and rescue and disaster relief, but also through promoting community service, leadership, and health in our youth. The Civil Air Patrol has a rich history beginning in the wake of the attacks on Pearl Harbor where over 150,000 brave citizens offered themselves towards answering the nation's call to arms. These volunteers provided essential assistance to the U.S. War Department, logging over 500,000 hours of flight time during the Second World War alone. Their service helped rescue hundreds of crash victims and sink several enemy submarines. The Leesburg Composite Squadron of the CAP traces its roots back to 1973, under the vision of Captain Dorothy Tuller, and has continued to uphold the values and reputation set by the original CAP volunteers. They have displayed integrity, professionalism, and excellence in the performance of their duties and this is reflected by the institution's growth from under 40 volunteers to its present day size of over 100 cadets and 68 senior staff They are more than worthy of their motto `Citizens Serving Communities'. Mr. Speaker, these fine men and women embody the greatest strengths of our nation through their service and sacrifice and make me proud to call myself an American. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Civil Air Patrol and the Leesburg Composite Squadron for all their achievements, and wishing its new commander good luck in all their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, which is celebrating its 50th year of service to the good citizens of the Sterling community this year. I would like to personally commend the courageous men and women who so selflessly volunteer themselves and put themselves in danger on behalf of neighbors, friends, and strangers, without asking anything in return. These brave citizens embody the very best of this nation's values through their service to our community and their exemplary performance in the line of duty. The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company has grown exponentially since its inception in 1966, which at the time was little more than an old barn on Holly Avenue housing a single tanker and two used pumpers. Within a short two years, this small institution had flourished, now settled into two larger locations: Station 11, which it shares with the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad, as well as Station 18, also known as SVRS 25. Even more recently, the company expanded into Station 24 in 2013. This is a clear testament to the outstanding work which is conducted by these everyday heroes and they are deserving of recognition. Mr. Speaker, it brings me immense pride to recognize such a fine group, and I sincerely hope that we all can live up to their tremendous example. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Sterling Volunteers. I wish them good luck and hope that they remain safe in the fulfillment of their future duties.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Guilford Elementary School of Sterling, Virginia, on their 50th anniversary. This is an important milestone for this wonderful school in my District. Guilford Elementary School celebrated this anniversary in Loudoun County earlier this month on June 9th and it is my pleasure to briefly highlight the impact this school has had on my constituents. Guilford Elementary School has a terrific history of success since first opening their doors in 1966. With the creation of Dulles Airport, this once rural space of Northern Virginia has developed into one of the most diverse and rapidly growing communities in the nation. Boasting one of the premier English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in the region, Guilford Elementary produces some of the highest test scores in the county. Equipped with top tier teachers and staff, this school has produced countless student success stories. Coming from a family of educators, I understand how important a strong education is to the future of our nation. It is schools like Guilford Elementary that will continue to help shape the United States' role in the increasingly global economy, while also producing many of our nation's future leaders. Over the years, the faculty has shown an impressive dedication not only to its students, but to the Loudoun community as a whole. The success of this school is a tremendous accomplishment that should make past and present faculty proud. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Guilford Elementary School for their half-century of serving children and their families. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the students of Woodgrove High School for their incredible determination in earning the Class 4A Wells Fargo Cup for academics. Formerly the Wachovia Cup, this prestigious award has been given to one academic and one athletic winner in each of the six enrollment classifications of the Virginia High School League (VHSL) since 1990. Throughout the year, schools across Virginia compete in 12 academic challenges, such as the scholastic bowl, creative writing, theater, forensics, debate, film festival, broadcast, newspaper, yearbook, and magazine. Woodgrove High School students especially proved themselves more than capable in the areas of film festival, forensics, yearbook and newspaper. This award signifies excellence, with the winner commonly referred to as the `state champion of state champions'. Coming from a family of educators, I truly appreciate the significance of this award. This is the first time that a Loudoun County school has been awarded this trophy, and I am sure that it will not be the last. It is therefore with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I congratulate the students of Woodgrove High School on their excellent achievement. I cannot emphasize how proud I am to be their representative in Congress. Education is the cornerstone of American innovation and these students are championing their generation towards greater success. It is my hope that additional schools will follow the standard of academic excellence set by Woodgrove High School, and encourage their students to be the best that they can be. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Woodgrove High School, its staff, and its students in making this result possible, and for setting a great example for others to follow. I wish them all continued success in the future.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Stanley Lickey, Sr., former Fire Chief of the Philomont Volunteer Fire Company Number 8, located in Loudoun County, Virginia. A lifelong volunteer, Chief Lickey served dutifully for 32 years as Fire Chief, making him one of the longest continuously serving fire chiefs in the United States. He was instrumental in forming Loudoun County's Fire and Rescue Commission, whose mission was to create a county-wide fire and rescue system. Thanks to Chief Lickey's tireless efforts, today's system has become a model for career and volunteer cooperation. He dedicated his life to serving his community and his enduring legacy is his willingness to lead by example, placing service to his neighbors in their time of greatest need above service to self. Chief Lickey passed away at the age of 80 on May 27, 2016, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues. Blessed to have been a grandfather and great-grandfather, he is survived by an extensive family who misses him greatly. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Fire Chief Stanley Lickey, Sr. and expressing gratitude for his life of service to our community.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' tennis team from Chantilly High School in my District who recently won the 2016 6A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. The Chantilly boys' tennis team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Chantilly boys' tennis team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. Chantilly came into the state championship as just the three seed in the 6A North region tournament and had to beat the three higher seeded teams than them simply to qualify for the tournament. They finished the season with a record of 7-3, but came into the state tournament hungry for a state title and beat Cosby 5-3 to become Chantilly's most successful boys' tennis team. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Chantilly boys' tennis team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the girls' softball team from Osbourn Park High School in my District who recently won the 2016 6A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. The Osbourn Park girls' softball team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Osbourn Park girls' team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. This year, Osbourn Park broke a 12 year dry spell for Prince William County softball teams by winning the county's first statewide softball title since 2004. They played to the team's 20th straight win this season, jumping out to a two run lead early in the game, ultimately dominating their opponent 4-0. This senior-less team is sure to be successful in the years to come as they practice and grow together as a hard-working team of young women. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Osbourn Park girls' softball team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' tennis team from Handley High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. The Handley boys' tennis team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Handley boys' tennis team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. Handley boys' tennis team won this year's 4A state championship to cap off an amazing 22-0 undefeated season. This state tennis title is Handley's first in over ten years and these boys could not deserve it more. The only team to even get a point on this team after the regular season was a three-time defending state champion and that was just a single point. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Handley boys' tennis team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' baseball team from Chantilly High School in my District who recently won the 2016 6A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. The Chantilly boys' baseball team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Chantilly boys' baseball team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. This team unfortunately had come up short the previous two years, and came into this year's final determined to be victorious. Seven innings into the state championship final, they found themselves down two scores to their zero. Thinking back to the previous two years of disappointment, they dug deep and rallied to score three quick runs to win the state title by just one run in an exhilarating fashion. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Chantilly boys' baseball team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, which is celebrating its 50th year of service to the good citizens of the Sterling community this year. I would like to personally commend the courageous men and women who so selflessly volunteer themselves and put themselves in danger on behalf of neighbors, friends, and strangers, without asking anything in return. These brave citizens embody the very best of this nation's values through their service to our community and their exemplary performance in the line of duty. The Sterling Volunteer Fire Company has grown exponentially since its inception in 1966, which at the time was little more than an old barn on Holly Avenue housing a single tanker and two used pumpers. Within a short two years, this small institution had flourished, now settled into two larger locations: Station 11, which it shares with the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad, as well as Station 18, also known as SVRS 25. Even more recently, the company expanded into Station 24 in 2013. This is a clear testament to the outstanding work which is conducted by these everyday heroes and they are deserving of recognition. Mr. Speaker, it brings me immense pride to recognize such a fine group, and I sincerely hope that we all can live up to their tremendous example. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Sterling Volunteers. I wish them good luck and hope that they remain safe in the fulfillment of their future duties.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, please allow me to take a moment to recognize the significant accomplishments of Andrew Shapiro, a remarkable individual from my district. A junior at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia, Andrew has dedicated his time to breaking three world records in the name of cancer research. Andrew's passion for combating cancer is laudable. Inspired by his father's battle against colon cancer, over the past year Andrew dedicated his time and energy towards training for the Relay For Life event held in Fairfax County, Virginia. Preparing for several months, Andrew broke the world records for the most pullups over 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour periods on Saturday, May 14th, as part of the annual fundraiser. Andrew completed 7,306 pullups over the course of 18 hours, raising over $7,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society. It is estimated that there will be 43,190 new cancer diagnoses in Virginia alone, resulting in an estimated 14,910 deaths. The money that Andrew raised will go towards giving cancer patients and caregivers free lodging for a year at an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. This enables patients to concentrate less on how they will afford to stay near their treatment centers, and more on staying strong in their fight against cancer. In the future, Andrew hopes to qualify for American Ninja Warrior, a sports entertainment competition in which athletes compete in a series of obstacle courses that increase in difficulty at each stage. In closing, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in sending our most sincere congratulations to Andrew Shapiro for his athletic accomplishments and fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society. His actions will have an incredible impact on others who have also been affected by cancer.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4369) to authorize the use of passenger facility charges at an airport previously associated with the airport at which the charges are collected.

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 4369.

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4369, a bill that will provide regulatory relief to Los Angeles International Airport and Ontario International Airport and facilitate a transfer of Ontario International Airport to a new airport authority. I want to thank Mr. Calvert, the sponsor of the bill, for introducing this legislation and for his leadership on this issue. With that, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4369. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this bill of my colleague, Mr. Calvert. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) the sponsor of this bill.

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' lacrosse team from Dominion High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. Dominion's boys' lacrosse team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Dominion boys' lacrosse team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. Dominion High School continued Loudoun's streak of dominance during their 17-4 rout of Western Albemarle during the boys' lacrosse state final. Their undefeated, 21-0 season was a fitting way for this Sterling team to win their first state title. Dominion's depth was exemplified during an impressive 11-1 second half run. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Dominion's boys' lacrosse team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' lacrosse team from Briar Woods in my District who recently won the 2016 5A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. Briar Woods boys' lacrosse team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Briar Woods boys' lacrosse team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. Briar Woods was just minutes away from its first boys' lacrosse state championship, but Atlee scored two goals in quick succession in the waning minutes to push the game to overtime. Undaunted, Briar Woods took advantage early on in overtime to score the winning goal and claim the school's first boys' lacrosse state title. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Briar Woods boys' lacrosse for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the girls' lacrosse team from Woodgrove High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation Woodgrove girls' lacrosse team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Woodgrove girls' lacrosse team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. They finished this year's season with an exceptional 18-3 record. The tenacity they brought to each game is truly impressive. This especially showed in the championship game as they exhibited their immense skill to beat George Mason by 12 points as they cruised to their 3rd straight state championship title. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Woodgrove High School girls' lacrosse team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.