H. Griffith

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Montgomery County Administrator Craig Meadows. Craig is set to retire in November, having served as County Administrator since August 2009. Before his current position, Craig also served as city manager of Bedford, Virginia from 1998 to 2005 and then of Monroe, North Carolina, from 2005 to 2009. In addition to County Administration, Craig has served in leadership roles with multiple state and national organizations, including the Virginia Association of Counties, the Virginia Local Government Management Association, and the International City/County Management Association. Additionally, he has been involved with several local organizations, including New River Valley Water Authority, the Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority, and the Economic Development Authority. Described as ``accessible and approachable'', and a ``champion for Montgomery County,'' Craig successfully facilitated more than 20 construction and renovation projects during his time as County Administrator, addressing education, public safety, recreation, and key infrastructure needs of the county. Under his leadership, the county experienced positive economic growth and was one of the few localities in Southwest Virginia to gain population since 2020. I congratulate Craig Meadows, on a job well done. I know that his colleagues and the residents of Montgomery County will greatly miss his efforts in his role as County Administrator. He deserves to enjoy retirement with his wife, Rhonda, along with their children and grandchildren.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the marriage of Jerry and Bonnie Hatchett. Jerry and Bonnie celebrated 50 years of marriage this year, marrying on June 2, 1973, after 2 years of dating. During their many years together, Jerry and Bonnie have been blessed with 3 sons, who have in turn blessed them with multiple wonderful grandchildren. They started a successful trucking business, Hatchett Transportation, Inc., in 1982, which they still own and operate today. Jerry serves as President, while Bonnie serves as Secretary and Treasurer. I congratulate Jerry and Bonnie on their 50 years of marriage. I know that finding a partner to go through life with takes a whole lot of luck. Being married for 50 years, going through life's many ups and downs, takes a whole lot of work. I only hope that others are as fortunate as them to be able to spend so many years with the one they love. I pray that Jerry and Bonnie have many more happy and healthy years together ahead.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Michael R. Glass of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on June 4, 2023. Glass was described by his loved ones as an ``outstanding father, husband, brother, friend, mentor, and Firefighter.'' Mike dedicated his life to serving his community, following in his father's footsteps, and becoming a volunteer firefighter at Fort Lewis Fire Department in 1978. Mike then became a career firefighter with Salem Fire Department in 1987, where he obtained his EMT certification and served as part of the Regional HazMat team. Committed to expanding access to fire service training programs, Mike was influential in starting Roanoke County's Volunteer Firefighter Academy, where he continued as the Lead Instructor. He also helped start a second fire academy in conjunction with the Elliston Fire Department in Montgomery County. Mike retired from the Salem Fire Department in 2008 after 20 years of service and from the Fort Lewis Fire Department in 2019 after 41 years of service. While at Fort Lewis, he served as treasurer and lieutenant and won service Firefighter of the Year awards. Over the years, I had the privilege of attending many Fort Lewis Chicken Barbeque dinners, which Mike organized twice a year and were the department's biggest fundraiser, with proceeds going toward the department's budget and providing training and safety equipment for the station. When not fighting fires, Mike loved making trips to the Smoky Mountains with his family and friends. He also had a great love for dogs and had a special place in his heart for children, making sure to hand out a few dollar bills to any youngsters he came across. Mike joins his wife Bonnie, his parents Harrison and Barbara, and best friend Kevin Sheppard in heaven. Mike is survived by his son, Stephen Palmer (Stephanie); grand-dog, Ace; his baby sister, Becky Ayers (Justin); special nephews, Jase, and Ryan Ayers; brothers, James and Ronnie Glass; Sister, Anne Paitsel (David); special nieces, Sylvia Paitsel (Cedrick); great niece, Leia; and special aunt, Sandra Dawley. I wish them condolences on the loss of their loved one. Mike served as a mentor to countless Volunteer Firefighters, and his contributions to Salem and the fire departments around Southwest Virginia will not be forgotten. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Chair, everyone in this body knows someone who has been affected by the drug overdose epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, there were more than 107,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. Sixty-seven percent of those deaths involved synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Right now, fentanyl analogues are considered schedule I substances, but only because of a series of scheduling orders that expire on December 31, 2024. Since we put that temporary order into place, we have seen a reduction in the trafficking of fentanyl analogues into our country. According to a 2021 GAO report, fentanyl analogues coming into the U.S. dropped by 90 percent in the year that we did the temporary scheduling. This bill aims to curb overdose deaths by permanently scheduling fentanyl analogues as schedule I substances. This will strengthen law enforcement's ability to prosecute fentanyl traffickers and act as a deterrent. The HALT Fentanyl Act also promotes research--this is something new-- by removing barriers to the research. In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we heard that there are as many as 4,800 potential analogues. Our experts at NIH, FDA, and other agencies have studied roughly 30 of the 4,800. By encouraging research of schedule I substances like fentanyl analogues, we can better understand how these substances work and how we may prevent potential harmful impacts in the future. Because fentanyl itself has a proven medical use, it is considered a schedule II narcotic, but illicit derivatives of fentanyl, also called fentanyl analogues, currently have not demonstrated medical value. Let me be clear. This bill will have no impact whatsoever on a physician's ability to administer fentanyl in proper medical scenarios. The HALT Fentanyl Act deals specifically with fentanyl analogues, not fentanyl itself. The DEA has said that permanently scheduling fentanyl analogues is their top legislative priority. We must not allow this temporary extension to expire. On Monday, the Biden administration released a positive statement regarding the bill. In the statement, they supported the provisions I just described: permanent scheduling and streamlined research. The Biden administration did recommend a few other items they would like to see related to fentanyl analogues. I am open and willing to have those discussions, but that is not this bill. Madam Chair, we should vote to advance this bill that we agree on and that does help stop the bad guys, particularly those bringing these substances over the border. Once fentanyl analogues are permanently made schedule I, Congress will continue to build off this work and continue to address the illicit fentanyl crisis. These large numbers that we have seen on fentanyl deaths and fentanyl analogues are because of these drugs coming across the border. They are 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Why would we not take every step possible that we can to stop it?

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. George R. ``Bob'' Smith, Jr., of Shawsville, Virginia. A proud ``country doctor'', Dr. Smith founded the Alleghany Clinic in 1955, where he worked tirelessly throughout a more than 40-year career as a family physician. Shortly after its founding, Dr. Smith convinced his friend Dr. Clarence Taylor to join him in Shawsville to also work at the clinic. Just down the road, they built their own homes next door to one another on a road now appropriately called Pair O'Docs Lane. In the mid-1960s, Dr. Smith opened the Meadowbrook Nursing Home and in 1982, he founded a nonprofit, the Mountain Valley Charitable Foundation, awarding scholarships to aspiring nurses so they could work at the nursing home. Once Meadowbrook Nursing Home closed in 2001, Dr. Smith oversaw its transformation into the Meadowbrook Center, which featured a library, wellness center, museum, galley, and community center. He also helped start the Shawsville Rescue Squad, was a consistent leader in the Shawsville Ruritan Club, served on regional and statewide medical boards, and dedicated his time to multiple volunteer and charitable causes. When not serving his patients, Dr. Smith spent time with his family and on the golf course with his golfing buddies. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years Mildred, and his children George R. Smith III (Melinda) and Julia Stewart (Barry) of Shawsville, Mary Beth Bode (John) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Linda Paulk of Portland, Oregon, together with his nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom knew him affectionately as G- daddy. I offer them my condolences on their loss. Dr. Smith leaves behind a lasting legacy in Southwest Virginia, having touched the lives of so many in Shawsville and the surrounding counties. His presence and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rocky Wood of Haysi, Virginia. A native of Southwest Virginia, Rocky was an active and dedicated member of the Haysi community. During his life, Rocky was the town's Vice Mayor, Chairman of the Building Code Committee of Dickenson County, Chief of the Haysi Volunteer Fire Department, Member of the Virginia Department of Forestry Honor Guard, owner and operator of Wood Construction Company and a member of Grace Fellowship Baptist Church. A seven-year employee of the Virginia Department of Forestry as a forest technician, Rocky was responding to a 15-acre wildfire along Lester's Fork Road in Buchanan County at the time of his passing. Rocky is survived by his wife Debbie; daughters, Lindsey (Chase Cooley) Wood and Lauren Wood, both of the home; bonus children, Jesse (Dove) Goodpaster of Bristol, VA and Toni (Nate) Long of Wise, VA; his mother, Nina Wood of Haysi, VA; grandchildren, Finn and CeCe Goodpaster, Paislee Fleming and Owen Ramey; father and mother in law, Jerry and Joan Deel of Birchleaf, VA and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. I wish them condolences on the loss of their loved one. Rocky's contributions to Haysi and Southwest Virginia will not be forgotten. He will be missed.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Matthew ``Mac'' McClung of Gate City, Virginia, who on February 18, 2023, won the NBA All-Star slam dunk contest. With just over 2,000 residents, Mac's incredible accomplishments have put Gate City on the map. After graduating from Gate City High School as a three-star recruit in 2018, Mac played college basketball for Georgetown University and Texas Tech University, before declaring for the 2021 NBA draft. I've followed Mac's basketball career since high school, attending a few of his Gate City and Georgetown games. Mac has worked hard on his craft, playing in the NBA G league since turning pro. He won NBA G League Rookie of the Year for the 2021-22 season. In February, Mac was not only the first NBA G League player to participate in the NBA All-Star slam dunk contest, but to also win it. I was glad to be able to watch Mac's incredible win live. After the dunk contest, Mac signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. On April 7, Mac won the NBA G League title with the Delaware Blue Coats. Two days later, he helped the 76ers defeat the Brooklyn Nets in their final regular season game and netted a near-triple double with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. Mac's hard work and dedication have made all of us in Southwest Virginia proud. His professionalism when talking with members of the media continues to impress me. Even with his new-found fame, Mac continues to be a gentlemen. I congratulate Mac on his win in February and wish him continued success in basketball. I look forward to following his career. I am confident it will be a long and fruitful one.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Doris ``Jill'' Carson, of Pennington Gap, Virginia. A native Bostonian, Mrs. Carson was a beloved figure in the Pennington Gap community since moving to the town in 1986. An active member of her Pennington Gap community, Mrs. Carson served as a Member of the Town Council since 2014, the first African American woman to hold the office, and as Vice Mayor since 2019. Shortly before her passing, she was elected as the President of the Virginia Municipal League. She spent many years volunteering for the Lee High School guidance department, assisting students with college applications. She also served as a member of the Wells Chapel Church choir. Known for her skilled community organizing and engagement work, Mrs. Carson dedicated her life to raising the voices of the unheard. As a community organizer, she was involved in several matters, including the reformation of the jury selection process in Lee County, the restoration of voting rights to nonviolent felons in Virginia, and the reopening of Lee County's only hospital. She, along with her husband Ron, co-founded the Appalachian African American Cultural Center in Pennington Gap, to highlight the experiences and history of African Americans in Lee County. They collected oral histories from Black residents in rural Appalachia, while also hosting seminars on racism and oppression. Mrs. Carson is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ron Carson, and two children Kevin and wife Jacintha Carson (Alexandria, VA) and Alexis and husband Mark Perkins (Bristol, VA). Additionally, two precious granddaughters Zara and Mya Carson, sister Jackie Barrows and husband Anthony, special niece and nephew Tracey Stanley and Troy Johnson, mother-in-law Shirley Taylor, uncle Roy Carson and cousin April Matthews. I offer them my condolences on their loss. She leaves behind a lasting legacy in Southwest Virginia and, her presence and friendship will be greatly missed.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, having missed a vote today, I wish to submit the following: had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 118. personal explanation

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I come to talk today about getting back to the basics. This place has, in fact, been broken, and a number of the rules that we worked on were to bring authority back and bring us back to the principles of Jefferson's parliamentary practice and procedure, his manual on that. I would say to the ladies and gentlemen that we should look at that document for what its principles stand for. What it stands for is--and it says right in the preamble, Jefferson writes: ``For some of the most familiar and experienced members,''--referencing they are members of parliament because that is what he based it on--``that nothing tended more to throw power into the hands of administration, and those who acted with the majority of the House of Commons, than a neglect of, or departure from, the rules of proceeding; that these forms, as instituted by our ancestors, operated as a check and control on the actions of the majority, and that they were, in many instances, a shelter and protection to the minority against the attempts of power.'' So when I go out there, Mr. Speaker, and ask that we change these rules to make sure that we have rules that help protect all Members, including the minority Members, you can imagine my surprise and shock today when I hear that they are opposed to rules that do some very basic things--things that the American people are going to be shocked that we don't already do--such as a single purpose rule, that you cannot introduce a bill that doesn't have a single purpose or theme to that bill. That can be complicated, but it has to have an overarching theme, something that this bill is attempting to do right from the get- go. The sole purpose rule. Mr. Speaker, then there is the germaneness, coming up with a stricter germaneness interpretation. As we know, that also helps so that you don't end up having happen what we had happen last summer where somebody introduces a bill to mint a commemorative coin and it turns into the Inflation Reduction Act. That is absolutely ridiculous. Hundreds and hundreds, if not thousands of pages came out of a one- paragraph bill. No. That is wrong. Mr. Speaker, this allows us more power to say ``no'' on the floor by the individual Members.

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the additional time that the gentleman yielded to me. As you can tell, I get fired up about these issues. The bottom line is that this rules package is the best rules package of either party in a number of years because instead of worrying about what might happen next week, this rules package worries about the future of the United States Congress. It is a good package, and I wholeheartedly support it.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor K. Donald Nicewonder of Bristol, Virginia, who passed away on November 12, 2022, at the age of 84. Mr. Nicewonder was a businessman whose success in the coal business provided the resources for his philanthropy. Mr. Nicewonder was born to John and Lena Nicewonder on November 13, 1937. He attended Emory and Henry College for two weeks before going to work at a surface coal mine owned by his older brother, J.D. After two years at his brother's companies, he began two of his own companies in Kentucky. He later sold these to McCulloch Oil Corporation and in 1974 purchased land in Buchanan County, Virginia, and McDowell County, West Virginia, with a small group of partners. In the 1980s, he sought new coal reserves and started four new surface mining companies in West Virginia with his sons, operations that produced approximately four million tons of marketable coal per year at their peak. In 2005, Mr. Nicewonder and his family sold their mining operations to Alpha Natural Resources. His interest in coal extended to reclaiming old mining properties and reusing them for different purposes, including an airport, a portion of the King Coal Highway, and the Twisted Gun Golf Course of Wharncliffe, West Virginia. He told the Golf Channel, ``Being in West Virginia in mining for ten years, I thought it would be a great gesture to give the people in southern West Virginia a nice place to come play golf and let people see what can be done with some of this abandoned mine land.'' Coal constituted just one part of Mr. Nicewonder's business legacy. The Nicewonder Group he launched with family and other partners controls multiple businesses. The Virginian is a golf course built near his home in 1992, later accompanied by a vineyard and a resort. The group is involved in shopping centers, office buildings, and condos in Virginia and Florida and owns clay deposits in Virginia and Vermont. Mr. Nicewonder's business success empowered him to give generously to causes in his home region. He supported educational institutions such as Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia's College at Wise, Sullins Academy, and the Morrison School. Mr. Nicewonder and his brother J.D. have also supported health care providers in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, contributing to the well-being of the region's people. Mr. Nicewonder is survived by his wife of 65 years, Etta Nicewonder; two sons, Kenny Nicewonder of Bristol, Virginia, and Kevin Nicewonder and his wife, Kim Grace Nicewonder of Abingdon, Virginia; one daughter, Kim Nicewonder Johnson of Bristol, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Reid Nicewonder of Los Angeles; California, Paulena Johnson of the Netherlands, Ross Nicewonder of Denver, Colorado, Nick Nicewonder of Asheville, North Carolina, Carly Nicewonder of Bristol, Virginia, Lexi Johnson of Alexandria, Virginia, and Steven Johnson of Bristol, Virginia; and brother, J.D. Nicewonder and his wife Loraine Nicewonder of Bristol, Virginia. I offer them my condolences on the loss of a great Bristol businessman and philanthropist.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Laura Tucker of Salem, Virginia, upon receiving the Charles Brown Award from Roanoke College. The award recognizes citizens of Salem who have made significant contributions to the well-being of the City and its people, and Ms. Tucker is certainly deserving of the honor. Ms. Tucker works for the Salem Water Department and as an instructional assistant in Salem City Schools, but she dedicates so much more of her time and her effort to the City. Through Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, she mentors elementary school students through programs on financial literacy, good citizenship, entrepreneurship, and career paths. JA named her its volunteer of the year in 2018. For Salem's 215th birthday, Ms. Tucker co-founded a grassroots social media group, Salem215, to celebrate the City and share news about its cultural, economic, and governmental activities. She is also a staunch patron of Roanoke College's Toy Like Me program to modify toys for children with disabilities, donating to it, referring children to it, and assisting with its activities. I would like to offer Laura my sincerest congratulations on receiving the Charles Brown Award, a recognition of all the good that she has done and continues to do for our hometown.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Adris Albert ``Al'' Davis Sr. of Fairlawn, Virginia, who passed away on September 13, 2022, at the age of 72. Mr. Davis was a patriot and veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Davis was born on December 28, 1949, to Albert and Blanche Davis. He graduated from Bramwell High School in Bramwell, West Virginia. He served in the Marine Corps and the Army Reserve and earned two Purple Hearts in the Vietnam War. In the following years, he found purpose in helping his fellow veterans. He stayed active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1184 in Pulaski and the American Legion Post No. 58 in Dublin. Mr. Davis was also a man of deep faith, belonging to First Missionary Baptist Church in Fairlawn and serving as an usher and trustee. Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his wife Constance T. Banks-Davis. He is survived by his significant other Emily Doucette; sons Michael Kelly, Adris ``Hootie'' Davis Jr., and Andrew Primm; daughters Yonnie Stinson, Maria Davis-Harris (Tony), Somer Davis, Darnisha Primm, and Kendra ``Kenny'' Wright (Quentin); 16 grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren. I offer them my condolences on their loss. Mr. Davis was a kind man who never missed an opportunity to serve.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Curtis Wayne Sutherland Jr. of Wytheville, Virginia, who passed away on October 9, 2022. As a public servant of his hometown for four decades, Wayne Sutherland successfully planned and managed significant projects to grow and improve Wytheville. Mr. Sutherland was born on October 31, 1951, to Curtis Sutherland and Margaret Myers of Wytheville. He attended Virginia Tech and graduated in 1975 with a degree in civil engineering. After earning his degree, he taught at Wytheville Community College. As he later recounted to the Wytheville Enterprise, Mr. Sutherland had applied to a job in Virginia Beach but had not heard back; the Postal Service tardily delivered a letter inviting him to interview for the job a few months after starting at the community college. But he preferred to stay in Wytheville anyway. He took a job as Wytheville's assistant town manager in 1980. Four years later, he was elevated to town manager, a job he held until his retirement in 2020. Under Mr. Sutherland's leadership, Wytheville enjoyed enhancements to its infrastructure as well as amenities to boost the town's quality of life and appeal to visitors. He put his training as a civil engineer to good use by overseeing water, road, and building construction and improvements. He also established parks, trails, and green spaces. One of his favorite spots was his first park project, Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park Residents of Wytheville can appreciate Mr. Sutherland's contributions to the town when they enjoy the quality of its public services or take advantage of its scenic and recreational opportunities. He modestly attributed his success as town manager over several decades to his ability to delegate, but his contributions were enormous. Mr. Sutherland was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Will. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Faye Foglesong Sutherland; daughter, Jamie Pauley (Robert Patton); son, Curtis Sutherland (Hillary); sister, Sandra Sowers (David); and brother-in- law, John Scott (Sue). I offer them my condolences on the loss of this public servant who offered so much to his hometown.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Michael Kosztarab of Blacksburg, Virginia, who passed away on September 6, 2022. Dr. Kosztarab was a longtime entomology professor at Virginia Tech who led an exciting and heroic life in his journey from his native eastern Europe to Southwest Virginia. Dr. Kosztarab was born in 1927 in Bucharest, Romania, to Michael Kosztarab and Berta Albert of Transylvania Hungarian descent. He spent much of his early childhood under the care of his widowed maternal grandmother in eastern Transylvania before returning to his parents in Bucharest at the age of six. They later moved to Budapest, Hungary. As a teenager during World War II, he defied the Nazis by aiding Jews in the city's ghetto, and while staying in a building with 36 Jews was arrested when the Nazis raided it. He was arrested and held in custody until Soviet forces arrived in Budapest. After the war, Dr. Kosztarab worked for a floriculturist and then the Ministry of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Protection eradicating pests. He enrolled in university and, based on his work in the ministry, decided to pursue entomology. He became an assistant professor, but Communist rule meant his position was accompanied by indoctrination and attempts to turn him into an informant. When the Hungarian Revolution broke out in 1956 and was brutally put down by the Soviets, Dr. Kosztarab and his wife Matilda knew they had to flee the country, but also knew they could not yet take their infant daughter Eva with them. The couple evaded border guards and crossed an icy river into Austria. Dr. Kosztarab then arranged for Eva to join them. He traveled on a train that briefly crossed into Hungary for nine days. On the ninth day, as guards were looking the other way, Eva was tossed in a bundle to Dr. Kosztarab through a window. The family made its way to the United States the following year. After earning a PhD at the Ohio State University, Dr. Kosztarab became a professor of entomology at Virginia Tech in 1962. His career was characterized by prolific research, writing, and teaching. He discovered new insect species, authored or co-authored six books and 170 research publications, and received the W.E. Wine Award for Excellence of Teaching in 1968. Dr. Kosztarab served as a Founding Director of the Virginia Tech Museum of Natural History and as Founding President of the Virginia Natural History Society. The Commonwealth of Virginia named the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly as the State Insect thanks to a campaign he led with the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs. Among the accolades Dr. Kosztarab earned over the course of his career are the Association of Systematics Collections' Annual Recognition Award in 1994, the Thomas Jefferson Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Natural Science from the Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation in 1998, the L.O. Howard Distinguished Achievement Award of the Eastern Branch, Entomological Society of America in 2001, and fellowship in the Royal Entomological Society of London in 1989. He retired from Virginia Tech in 1992. Dr. Kosztarab's wife Matilda passed away in 2013. He is survived by his daughter Eva Kosztarab, son-in-law Kenneth Kastner, grandsons Gregory and Matthew Kastner, granddaughter-in-law Katharine Hagen, and great granddaughters Lia and Abigail Kastner. I offer them my condolences on their loss. Dr. Kosztarab stood up to the two great totalitarian systems of the 20th century, Naziism and Communism, and in the United States led a distinguished career. It was a life that showed the promise of America and the character of Dr. Kosztarab.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Amber Benson and Ruby Voss, eighth grade math teachers at Northside Middle School in Roanoke, Virginia, on being named National Educators of the Year by the Association for Middle Level Education. Ms. Benson and Ms. Voss have been co-teaching math since 2017. Their approach to the subject engages and educates the students who enter their classroom and has earned the respect of parents and other educators. According to the Association for Middle Level Education, the Educator of the Year award goes to outstanding educators who have made a significant impact in middle level education and on the lives of students aged 10 to 15 through leadership, vision, and advocacy. Ms. Benson and Ms. Voss have already been recognized by their school for this achievement and will be presented with the award at a conference in November. I would like to thank Amber Benson and Ruby Voss for their dedication to teaching the rising generation and their care and skill in doing so. My congratulations go to them and to Northside Middle School and Roanoke County Public Schools on receiving such a high honor.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Herschel Sizemore of Roanoke County, Virginia, who passed away on September 9, 2022, at the age of 87. Mr. Sizemore was a significant figure in the field of bluegrass music. Western Virginia is the possessor of a rich musical heritage. It is the home to legendary talents such as the Carter family and Ralph Stanley. Annual festivals and competitions offer musicians a chance to perform and thrive in their own distinct genres. To this vibrant musical scene came Herschel Sizemore in 1969. He was already an accomplished musician by that time. He had grown up in Alabama in a home that encouraged musical interests. His mother, Rebecca, was a self-taught guitarist with a style compared to Mother Maybelle Carter, according to Mr. Sizemore's obituary in Bluegrass Today. He was drawn toward the mandolin after hearing Bill Monroe perform in the Grand Ole Opry both on the radio and in person. When his brother Ross sent home a mandolin while away from home during a military deployment, Mr. Sizemore began playing the instrument with old-time fiddler Hugh McCormick. At 14 years old, Mr. Sizemore started playing at local events as a paid performer with Ned Campbell & the Sunnyside Playboys. He became part of a professional group three years later, variously named the Tennessee Valley Playboys, the Country Gentlemen, and the Dixie Gentlemen, that toured, performed on air, and recorded. When Mr. Sizemore moved to Roanoke in 1969, he continued playing by touring and recording with the Shenandoah Cut-Ups. He formed a group of his own, the Country Grass, and then joined the Dixie Pals. Mr. Sizemore's own album, Bounce Away, showcased his unique style of mandolin playing. One of its songs, Rebecca, named after his mother, became a popular tune in the bluegrass community and his most recognizable. Work kept Mr. Sizemore from regularly performing for a period. After retiring, he joined the Bluegrass Cardinals, released more albums of his own, and worked with others. As a frequent teacher and mentor of younger players, he was known in the bluegrass community for his generosity with his considerable skill. Mr. Sizemore is survived by his wife, Joyce Sizemore; children, Charlotte (Mike) Bishop, Tamba (Ralph) Agee, and Lee (Vickie) Sizemore; grandchildren, Dusty Davis, Sara Davis (Kyle) Duncan, Jenni Bishop (Jordan) Ramey, Matt Walrond, Steven Walrond, Jacob Agee, Cheyenna Agee, Drew (Savannah) Sizemore, Michael (Bri) Sizemore, and Garrett Carter; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. I offer them my condolences on their loss. He leaves behind a unique legacy that burnishes Virginia's reputation as a home for great music.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so that we can immediately consider my bill, H.R. 6184, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act. Every Member of this body knows someone who has been affected by the drug overdose epidemic plaguing our country. Recent provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that during 2021 there were more than 107,000 overdose deaths that occurred in the United States, an increase of nearly 15 percent from the previous year. These record numbers are due in large part to the increasing presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, which are approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Because fentanyl has a proven medical use, it is considered a schedule II narcotic. But illicit derivatives of fentanyl, also called fentanyl analogues or fentanyl-related substances, do not often demonstrate a medical value. Right now they are considered schedule I substances, but only because of a temporary scheduling order which expires on December 31. My bill aims to curb overdose deaths by permanently scheduling fentanyl analogues as schedule I substances. This will strengthen law enforcement's ability to prosecute fentanyl traffickers and act as a deterrent. The HALT Fentanyl Act also promotes research by removing barriers to that research. In the Energy and Commerce Committee, we heard there are as many as 4,800 analogues. Our experts at the NIH, the FDA, and other agencies have studied roughly 30 of these 4,800 analogues. By encouraging research of schedule I substances like fentanyl analogues, we can better understand how these substances work and how we can prevent potentially harmful impacts in the future. The problem is that if this law expires and doesn't become permanent, those 4,800 analogues are arguably legal--I would submit they are legal--and we have to pass a law on each one of them. The HALT Fentanyl Act makes it so we don't have to do that. Should we discover that one of those 4,800 or maybe two have a legitimate medical purpose, then we can come back in and consider that, but it is a whole lot easier to figure out what we have already done research on when we have done research on 30 of 4,800 analogues than it is to say, wait a minute, we are going to make all of these legal, and then figure out which ones of them are the most dangerous to the American public. I would submit they are all dangerous and that Congress must pass the HALT Fentanyl Act now.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Katherin Elam of Salem, Virginia, who over the years has been a consistent positive influence in Salem and the Roanoke region, on her upcoming retirement from the presidency of Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia. During a 24-year career at the organization, Ms. Elam has been a tremendous positive presence for young people in the Roanoke Valley. Junior Achievement seeks to prepare students for their futures by offering lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Since 1998, Ms. Elam led this volunteer organization's efforts in the Roanoke Valley. In cooperation with local teachers, Junior Achievement reaches into classrooms to offer guidance and support as students set goals and plan to attain them. Ms. Elam has grown and maintained a volunteer corps and networks that connect students to the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Over Ms. Elam's time as president of Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia, it worked with 220,000 local students. That number is incredible, but for the students who have made progress toward their dreams over the course of her long and fruitful career, Ms. Elam's true impact is beyond measure. I wish her all the best as she concludes her service at Junior Achievement of Southwest Virginia and pursues her own goals in the future.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Buddy Arrington, a native of Martinsville, Virginia, who died on August 2, 2022. He was a popular racecar driver who throughout his career did things his way. Mr. Arrington was born on July 26, 1938, in Franklin County, Virginia, to Love Glenwood Arrington and Louise Walker Arrington. He began his NASCAR career as an independent driver and owner in 1964. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership at the time, he continued to drive Chryslers and Dodges even when they were less associated with racing. He bought used equipment from Richard Petty, supported his racing with other jobs, and had a volunteer crew to keep his number 67 on the track. In 560 Cup Series races, Mr. Arrington finished in the top five 15 times and in the top ten 103 times. His best finishes were third at Nashville Speedway on July 31, 1965, and at Talladega Superspeedway on May 6, 1979. At the latter race, driving a Chrysler bought from Richard Petty, he led until the pit crew left a gas can attached, requiring him to stop again and costing him first place. Mr. Arrington retired from racing in 1988. Although his 560 Cup races without a win are the second most by a driver, he later said, according to the Martinsville Bulletin: ``If I was 24 years old, and I started racing today, and I knew what I'd just done, I would do the same thing I just did, even if I knew I wasn't going to win a race. I'd keep on going and keep on trying, and we made a bunch of fans over the years.'' Among Mr. Arrington's survivors are his wife, Patsy Ann Chitwood Arrington; son, Joey Rogers Arrington; stepson, Todd Arrington; brother, Jimmy Arrington (Marie); nephew, Ronnie Arrington; niece, Angela Arrington; step-grandson, Danny Goad; and step-granddaughter, Amber Arrington. I offer my condolences on the loss of this proud independent racer.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of former Delegate Joe Johnson of Abingdon, Virginia, who passed away at the age of 90 on August 4, 2022. My friend and former colleague was a true gentleman with a distinguished record of longtime service to Southwest Virginia. Joseph Pickett Johnson, Jr., was born in Hayter's Gap, Virginia, on December 12, 1931, to Joseph Pickett Johnson, Sr., and Gray Henderson Johnson. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, during which he spent a period in the Marshall Islands while nuclear tests took place. After his service, Joe returned to Virginia to earn a bachelor's degree at Emory & Henry College, my alma mater as well, and a law degree at the University of Richmond. In 1960, Joe started practicing law in Abingdon. Five years later, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. Joe served on the House Police and Militia Committee and was a ranking member of the Roads Committee and the Insurance and Banking Committee. Traveling between Abingdon and Richmond was more time-consuming then than now, so in 1969 Joe chose not to run again in order to help his wife Ann raise their three children Mary Jo, Joe III, and Sage. From 1971 to 1989, he served as a substitute judge for the 28th General District Court. Twenty years after leaving the House of Delegates, he was elected to it again and retained his seat until retiring in 2014. He served on the Finance, Courts of Justice, Commerce and Labor, and Rules Committees. As a delegate from 1994 to 2011, I saw firsthand how effective Joe could be. In his unfailingly friendly manner, he championed the needs of Southwest Virginia. He worked to set up and served as a member of the Virginia Tobacco Commission, was a major contributor to establishing the community college system, and helped establish the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. Although a Democrat, he was well-liked by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including me. After his passing, Republicans who served with him or succeeded him have been effusive in their tributes to this gentleman who did so much for our region. In addition to his service as an elected official, Joe led or was involved in numerous civic and community organizations. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 12 in Abingdon and served as post commander. As a loyal alumnus of Emory & Henry, he served on its Board of Trustees for fourteen years, chairing the board for eight. At the Abingdon Baptist Church he devoutly worshipped at for more than 45 years, he taught Sunday school and served on the Council of Deacons. He was a president of the Washington County Bar Association and a member of the Virginia Bar Association. Other organizations he was a member of included the Abingdon Civitans, Abingdon Masonic Lodge No. 48, Kazim Shriners, Abingdon Chapter No. 182 Order of Eastern Star, and McCabe Lodge No. 56 Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mary Allison ``Ann'' Johnson, Joe's beloved wife of 64 years, passed away just weeks before her husband on July 19. He is survived by daughter Mary Jo Neal and husband Lewis of Abingdon; sons Joseph P. Johnson, III, and wife Kim of Charleston, South Carolina, and Judge Sage Brannon Johnson and wife Bethany of Abingdon; grandchildren Mary Lewis Huffman and husband Chad, Ashley Brooke Hemmer and husband Peter, Mary Catherine Clark and husband Justin, Joseph Zachary Johnson and wife Gracin, Finn Alexander Johnson, and William Pickett Johnson; great-grandchildren Emma Grace Clark, Isley Ann Clark, and Joseph Beckett Johnson; brother James S. Johnson and wife Diana of Abingdon; sister Louise Litwin of Abingdon; and nieces and nephews. I offer them my condolences on the loss of this kind and faithful servant of Southwest Virginia.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 623, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0. As many people know, I try to be fairly conservative when it comes to spending Federal dollars or authorizing Federal dollars to be spent. But, Mr. Speaker, if we are going to spend money at the Federal level on all kinds of things, near the top of that list ought to be research for cures for cancer. And even higher on that list should be research for children who have cancer and for diseases that affect specifically the young people of this Nation. I don't think that anyone is going to oppose this. I am sure that I will be proven wrong in a floor vote later. But for me, this one reaches the bar that we ought to have unanimous or near unanimous support on the floor, as we did in the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, and leader of the committee, Frank Pallone. H.R. 8454 is an important bill, and it is interesting to hear the conversation here on the floor. Mr. Carter was talking about the history that you couldn't get marijuana rescheduled because they didn't have enough research, and you can't get the research because it is scheduled as a schedule I drug, so we have been trapped in this vortex where we can't get the information. I, too, am against recreational marijuana. But for medical marijuana, I think it has a great benefit. For years, we have been in this trap where you couldn't do sufficient research, therefore you couldn't reschedule it. It is crazy. We are going to fix it here today. My belief is that medical marijuana can be beneficial when used in a proper setting. Despite the increasing use of cannabis products around the country, there have been very few legitimate peer-reviewed studies to determine the effect of cannabis on the body. We know it does some good anecdotally for patients with juvenile seizures. What we don't know is how much THC has to be in the cannabidiol to make it effective. This is what we need research for. This bill allows us to obtain approval to conduct cannabis research and obtain quality product, not just one strain out of Mississippi, but multiple products, quality products, monitored by the Government, to make sure it is not being misused, to be used in this research. It encourages research by improving and streamlining the registration process for marijuana. It also ensures the availability of verified cannabis products necessary for legitimate research by allowing approved institutions of higher education, practitioners, and manufacturers to manufacture and distribute marijuana for the purpose of conducting research. As someone who has advocated for this legislation for years, I appreciate the work that has been done to get us here today. Whatever position you may have on marijuana use, you need to know that this bill will allow us to come together and support more scientific research so that we can make informed decisions as we move forward as legislators. I have to tell you, being here live as a legislator is also important, because the genesis of this bill was several conversations that took place on the floor of this House when people who disagree on the underlying issue would argue about what research showed. It finally became clear to Representative Blumenauer, to Representative Harris, to myself, and to others, that we had to have more research in order to get the right answers for the American people. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to support H.R. 8454.