H. Griffith

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of my longtime dear friend Wallace Jay ``Wally'' Nelson, Jr. of Blacksburg, Virginia, who passed away on January 28, 2022. Wally was a native Virginian and a graduate of Emory & Henry College, where he and I were roommates. While there he studied economics and went on to receive his master's degree in business from the University of Virginia. Wally started his professional career at Burlington Industries. He worked hard and gave his all, earning the spot as the youngest-ever plant supervisor. His time there helped pave the way for the rest of his career in the commercial insurance industry, where he worked for more than three decades. He most recently served as the Vice President of SIA Group. His life was evidence of his commitment to the improvement of the communities in southwest Virginia. He cared deeply for all people and was greatly involved in public service. Over the years, he was an active Republican that aided in fundraising efforts for numerous political candidates. He also served with the Blacksburg Partnership, Junior Achievement, and the Roanoke Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he served as president of the group's recruitment division. He also served as a co- chair for the New River Valley Rail 2020 to lead the effort to expand the passenger rail service. Wally lived to serve and care for others. He prospered in any situation that allowed him to unite and care for others--he never met a stranger. But most of all, he adored his family. His humble giving heart, hard-working nature, and steadfast faith are just some of the most notable characteristics that defined the kind of man Wally was. Wally was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Wallace and Helen Nelson. He is survived by his cherished wife Heather; children Crandall Murphy and husband Shannon, Wallace Jay Nelson III and wife Tory, Krystine Hammerle and husband Ryan, Katherine Nelson and Ben Stovall; grandchildren Jackson and Paige Nelson, as well as many other beloved extended family and friends. A man whose legacy and love for family, neighbors, and community will long be remembered. Wally was a dear friend that will be greatly missed. I am honored to pay tribute to Wally's life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, in 2020, my State of Virginia hit a tragic milestone: Fatal drug overdoses hit an all-time high of 2,309. Fentanyl and its analogs caused or contributed to 71.8 percent of those deaths. The statistics we have for 2021 indicate it may surpass that heartbreaking number of overdose deaths. We have tools at our disposal to reduce the availability of illicit substances such as fentanyl and meth and, in turn, prevent overdose deaths, but they are not being used. Cartels are taking components of fentanyl from China, manufacturing it in Mexico, and smuggling it across the border. In fiscal year 2021, fentanyl seizures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection increased by 134 percent, but the Biden administration is weakening our country's ability to secure its own border, allowing not only more illegal immigration, but smuggling of deadly drugs. Meanwhile, fentanyl-related substances have only temporarily been listed as a schedule I drug, with extensions passed every few months, including today we extended it another 3 weeks, but not a permanent scheduling. To correct this problem, I have introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act with Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio. It would permanently schedule fentanyl- related substances. But our bill doesn't stop there. It streamlines research on fentanyl analogs so we can better understand the effects of these substances. At a recent hearing of the Subcommittee on Health, we heard testimony there are as many as 4,800 fentanyl analogs. We have data on fewer than 30 of them; in other words, fewer than 1 percent of them. Most of the fentanyl-related substances we have data on are dangerous, but some are inert and may even have properties that block opioid addiction. We simply need to know more. Our bill makes room for researchers, not just at Federal agencies, but across research institutions, to get to work. I believe our bill would save lives. House Democrats should help us send it to the President's desk. But this bill alone will not solve the problem. It helps, but it will not solve the problem. We have to use all the tools available to us. We need to increase the number of border agents that we have, particularly on the southern border. We need to give them the tools they need. We need to give them more drones for electronic surveillance in the air. We need to give them more dogs to help them figure out what is going on, to sniff out the drugs when they can. It is coming across in small amounts. Here you see it, 2 milligrams, a lethal dose for most Americans, and there it is compared to a penny. They need more dogs at the border. They need more horses because some of that terrain is not suitable for motor vehicles. And last but not least, Mr. Speaker, we need to finish building the wall.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4445, the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act. I believe pre-dispute arbitration agreements are useful in some circumstances. They can allow common, foreseeable disagreements to be resolved quickly and efficiently, but we must acknowledge in the case of sexual assault and sexual harassment, nobody signs on to an employment agreement thinking that oh, I am going to be sexually harassed or I am going to risk sexual abuse. They don't sign up for that. And most of these contracts, Madam Speaker, are what we call adhesion contracts. You have to accept it. And what often happens is there will be a couple of pages that have all the big items: Terms of the employment, salary, promotion, vacation. And then they will incorporate a handbook. The handbook will then have buried in it language that says all disputes must go to mandatory arbitration. And oftentimes the people who are doing the arbitrating aren't lawyers. The rules of evidence aren't applied. The rules of law are not applied. It is just how they feel after they hear everything. This has created a situation that, related to sexual assault and sexual harassment, is unconscionable. It shocks the conscience. And in fairness, it is a violation of public policy, in my opinion, and should be eliminated as part of a contract. I am surprised courts haven't already come to that conclusion, but instead of having each court in each of the States and territories make that decision, this act will do it once and for all, and we will have done our jobs to make sure that in these egregious situations the individual who is making the claim and who has probably been assaulted or has been harassed or has some kind of a valid claim will have an opportunity to go to court or have an opportunity to go to binding arbitration, if that is what they choose, but they will have a choice instead of having to go in front of company-picked arbiters who will make a decision for them that will affect them the rest of their lives. Now, I will tell you that it is important that we move forward with this bill, and it looks like things are going well, but you never know. But I will also tell you that there has been an allegation that it is retroactive--and that is not accurate--as to cases currently pending. It is accurate as to contracts currently signed.

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the amendment. As we just heard, this was the majority party taking into account the views of the minority party, which is why we have support on both sides of the aisle for this amendment. This amendment will bring more Members of the minority party onto the bill. As one of the cosponsors of the bill, I think that is a good thing. I think this is an appropriate amendment. I think it does clarify. I commend Mrs. Bustos and Mr. Buck for their hard work on this amendment. I ask that everyone vote for the amendment.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of John H. Kilgore, Sr. of Gate City, Virginia, who passed away on January 29, 2022. John had a faithful and enduring presence in Southwest Virginia's public life. John was born on April 20, 1938, in Nickelsville, Virginia, to Glen C. and Pasty Akers Kilgore. He served in the United States Navy and worked for 33 years at the Eastman Chemical Company. Over the course of his life, John served numerous community causes. He was the chairman of the Scott County Republican Party for more than 30 years, served several terms on the party's State Central Committee, and regularly attended county, district, and state conventions. He was on the Scott County Telephone Co-op Board beginning in 1986 and served as chairman for fifteen years. Virginia Governors George Allen and Jim Gilmore appointed him to the statewide Department of Housing and Community Development Board. John brought his talents as a singer to his family quartet and the Smith's Chapel United Methodist Church, where he also taught Sunday School. He belonged to the Copper Creek Ruritan since the 1970s. I was able to attend his visitation. His funeral was attended by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Speaker of the House of Delegates Todd Gilbert, and many current and former members of the General Assembly, a sign of the high esteem in which John was held. John took great pride in his family and was blessed to see his children and grandchildren embark on careers in public service. Terry Kilgore now serves as the Majority Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, Jerry Kilgore served as Virginia's Attorney General and Secretary of Public Safety, John Kilgore Jr. serves as Executive Director of Scott County's Economic Development Authority, and Kyle Kilgore recently took office as Commonwealth's Attorney of Scott County. The faith, kindness, and wisdom of John inspired his family. Fortunately, these qualities were shared generously with the rest of us, too. He leaves behind a great legacy as a family man, neighbor, and citizen. John is survived by his wife Willie; sons Terry and wife Debbie, Jerry and wife Marty, and John Jr. and wife Rhonda; grandchildren Kandace Haigler, Kayla Dickenson, Klarke Kilgore, Kyle Kilgore, Kaden Kilgore, and Kelsey Kilgore; great grandchildren Holston Haigler and Hendrix Haigler; great grandchild on the way Nola Kilgore; sisters Joyce Hillman, Joann Penley and husband Sam, and Glenna Carter and husband Norman; and brother-in-law Otis K. Hill. l would like to offer my condolences to his loved ones on the loss of this fine Southwest Virginian.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider my bill, H.R. 6148, 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. We recently learned from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that between May 2020 and April 2021, more than 100,000 overdose deaths occurred in the United States, an increase of nearly 30 percent over the previous year. These record numbers are due, in large part, to the increasing presence of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, 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 derivations of fentanyl, also called fentanyl analogs, or fentanyl-related substances, do not tend to demonstrate medical value. Right now, they are considered schedule I substances, but only because of a temporary scheduling order which expires on February 18 of this year. My bill aims to curb overdose deaths by permanently scheduling fentanyl analogs 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 committee, we heard there are as many as 4,800 analogs. Our experts at NIH, FDA, and other agencies, have studied roughly 30, 30 of those 4,800 analogs, less than 1 percent of the potential fentanyl analogs. By encouraging research of schedule I substances like fentanyl analogs, we can better understand how these substances work and how we can prevent potentially harmful impact in the future. Time is running out. The cartels in China and Mexico know how to play games with these fentanyl analogs. Congress must act to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act before February 18 of this year. It must be done.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Dr. Theodore Jackson (Ted) Viars, who passed away on December 13, 2021 at the age of 87. Dr. Viars was a longtime educator in western Virginia who positively impacted generations of students. Theodore Viars was born on December 26, 1933 in Radford, Virginia. His parents were Robert and Louise Viars. He was a student athlete throughout his time at Radford High School, from which he graduated in 1952, and the University of Virginia. At UVA, he earned a football scholarship and played varsity baseball while earning a place on the Dean's List, serving on the Student Council, and belonging to the Varsity Club and the SAE fraternity. He later earned a master's degree and a doctorate from Virginia Tech. Education became Dr. Viars' mission. He began his career as a teacher and assistant principal at Pulaksi High School from 1956 to 1960. Subsequently, he worked as principal at Clifton Forge from 1960 to 1963 before moving to Salem to become Glenvar High School's first principal. After Glenvar, he held a variety of roles with the Roanoke County Schools, including Director of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent for Instruction. He retired from the school system in 1990 and taught as an Associate Professor of Education at Hollins College from 1991 to 1994. Dr. Viars was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Salem for over 57 years and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. Dr. Viars was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Viars. He is survived by his wife, Johnsey; children, Kelly Viars Coudriet (Greg), Ted Viars II (Tracey), and Martin Viars (Sherry); grandchildren, Jackson Bradley, Kelsey Legra, Kayleigh Cox, Teddy III, Max, and Brock Viars; and great-grandchildren, Cayden and Roman Legra. I offer them my condolences on the loss of this committed lifelong educator.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Carroll Edwin Swain of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on December 31, 2021 at the age of 94. Often referred to as ``The Colonel,'' he was a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Army, veteran of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and public official in the City of Roanoke. Colonel Swain was born on August 6, 1927 to Robert Swain Sr. and Mahala Woods Swain. He was a native of Roanoke, Virginia and graduated from Lucy Addison High School in 1945. He served as a military policeman in Italy from 1946 to 1947 before returning to Virginia to work for the railroad. He graduated from Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, in 1953 with a bachelor's degree. His academic success allowed him to receive the honor of an appointment as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Artillery Officer. When he completed his service, he held the esteemed rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Over the years, Colonel Swain executed staff and command assignments in a number of different units. He performed duties that were related to nuclear weaponry and helped in devising direction and instructional programs to advance race relations in the U.S. Army. His service earned awards including the Soldier's Good Conduct Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster. In 1971, Colonel Swain returned to Roanoke and took on a career in education in the Roanoke City Public Schools before retiring in 1992. In addition to his accomplishments in the U.S. Army and education system, Colonel Swain went on to serve on the Roanoke City Council. He worked to improve crime rates, employee welfare, educational resources, economic development, fiscal efficiency in government spending, as well as a variety of other issues to better the City. Colonel Swain lived a selfless life of leadership and service to others, and he will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Welthea Kasey Swain; his sons, Carroll ``Edwin'' (Faith) Swain Jr. and Michael (Jacqueline) Swain; daughter, Pastors Stephanie S. (Lewis) Tucker Jr.; four grandchildren, Rae Swain Page, Justin Swain, Kyah and Kourtney Tucker; as well as many other beloved family and friends. I offer my condolences to them upon the loss of Colonel Swain, who led a remarkable life.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of William Franklin Thomas, Jr. of Pulaski, Virginia, who died on November 29, 2021 at the age of 87. Judge Thomas was a distinguished jurist who served for over two decades as a juvenile and domestic court judge. Judge Thomas was born on January 2, 1934. He grew up in Pulaski and made it his lifelong home. After graduating from Pulaski High School in 1950, he attended Emory & Henry College and graduated from the University of Richmond. After earning a law degree from the University of Virginia, he began his legal career at the firm known at the time as Gilmer, Sadler, Harman & Thomas, mainly practicing real estate law. In 1973, the Virginia General Assembly named him a Juvenile and Domestic Court Judge for the 27th Judicial Circuit. He sat on the bench until retirement on December 31, 1995, and served the Counties of Pulaski, Wythe, Carroll, Grayson, and Bland and the City of Galax. During his judicial career, Judge Thomas was widely respected for his commitment to the work and care for the children that came before him in court. As a symbol of the esteem in which Judge Thomas was held, the Pulaski County Bar Association commissioned a portrait of him, which now hangs in the county courthouse. Beyond the bench, Judge Thomas found ways to serve his beloved Pulaski. He belonged to the Pulaski Jaycees, the Elks, and the Masons, and as a devout member of First United Methodist Church served on the Church Council. A keen interest in politics drove him to the 1960 Democratic National Convention as a delegate and to run in 2007 for the Virginia House of Delegates in the Sixth District. Judge Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Davis Thomas; his parents, William Franklin Thomas Sr. and Virginia Saunders Thomas; and his sister, Elizabeth ``Betty'' Thomas Hicks. He is survived by a son, Lee Mason Thomas, and four nieces and nephews. I would like to offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and dedicated jurist.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks on behalf of Congressman Ben Cline and myself in honor of Randolph ``Randy'' W. Brinkley of Daleville, Virginia, who passed away on November 13, 2021, at the age of 51. Mr. Brinkley served the community as a long-time educator and scoutmaster. Mr. Brinkley was born on January 12, 1970 in Covington, Virginia, to Robert Franklin Brinkley and Glenda Scott Brinkley. Following his graduation from Alleghany High School in 1988, he joined and served in the U.S. Army National Guard for the next eight years. He received degrees from numerous universities including a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Mary Baldwin and a Post-Masters degree as an Education Specialist from the University of Virginia. He began his teaching career in Roanoke city. Over the years he taught at several schools throughout the state and helped them establish programs to foster STEM education for their students. For the last five years, Mr. Brinkley has been serving as the STEM instructor for Salem High School. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Brinkley spent much of his time serving as a scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Assistant Scout Master and High Adventure Coordinator for Troop 211, which met at St. Mark's United Methodist Church. He was also a Mason at a local lodge and a Shriner who advocated for the Shriner's Hospital for Children. He spent his life teaching and investing in the lives of youth in the community. His distinguished service and kindness will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Mr. Brinkley's survivors include his wife of twenty-five years, Donna Lynn Brinkley; his son, Nathaniel Scott Brinkley; and many other beloved family and friends. We offer them my condolences on the loss of this great man and educator.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of John Leeper of Dublin, Virginia, who passed away on October 2, 2021, at the age of 59. Mr. Leeper served his local community as a Police Officer with the Pulaski Police Department for over 29 years. Mr. Leeper was born on December 25, 1961, in Washington, DC, to Walter Marue Leeper and Minnie Lamon Leeper. Before beginning his career with the police department, he served his country in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. He recently retired after spending a career selflessly serving others. In his 29 years with the Pulaski Police Department, Mr. Leeper was a well-renowned leader on the force and in the community. He never met a stranger and welcomed all with a smile. Colleagues and community members remember Mr. Leeper for his kindness and dedication to the safety and security of his community. He trained numerous other officers and many colleagues looked upon him as a mentor. His hard work and service will not be forgotten. Mr. Leeper was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Lamon Leeper. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Mills Leeper; his son, Austin Leeper and his fiancee, McKayla Huff; his step-daughters, Hunter Riddle and Laura Reece; and his father, Walter M. Leeper. I would like to offer my condolences to them and the people of Pulaski County on the loss of this dedicated public servant.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, the Commonwealth of Virginia mourns the loss of Officer Michael Chandler of the Big Stone Gap Police Department. Officer Chandler was killed in the line of duty on November 13, 2021, at the age of 29. Though he was taken too soon, he lived a selfless life of service and commitment to the rigorous calling of law enforcement. Officer Chandler was a native of Big Stone Gap. As a student at Powell Valley High School, he played football and scored the last touchdown in the school's history before it subsequently merged into Union High School. He graduated in 2011 and began service in 2015 with the Big Stone Gap Fire Department. In 2019, Officer Chandler joined the Big Stone Gap Police Department. He was a distinguished public servant who put his life on the line every day as he courageously served, protected, and defended those around him. While on duty on his 29th birthday, he gave the ultimate sacrifice. Officer Chandler was shot while performing a wellness check in Wise County. He was initially transported to Norton Community Hospital before being flown to Johnson City Medical Center, where he passed away. Officer Chandler was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Wayne Chandler, and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Natasha Chandler; his daughter, Kamryn Elizabeth Chandler; his mother, Rebecca Ann Tipton, and her husband Eddie; his brothers, Chris Chandler, David Chandler, and his wife Kisha, and Tyler Chandler; his sister, Amanda Herron, and her husband Troy; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other close relatives and friends. The death of Officer Chandler is a grievous loss to the Commonwealth of Virginia, Wise County, and the Town of Big Stone Gap. I mourn his loss, yet I am grateful that he and the other men and women of law enforcement step forward to protect us knowing full well the risks they face. His bravery and selfless service will not be forgotten.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Naval Aircrewman 1st Class James ``Jimmy'' P. Buriak, who died on August 31, 2021, at the age of 31. Mr. Buriak, of Salem, Virginia, was one of five sailors who died when their helicopter from the USS Abraham Lincoln crashed into the sea off the coast of southern California. Mr. Buriak was born on May 9, 1990, to Jim and Carol Buriak in Salem. Jimmy graduated from Salem High School and Roanoke College. Jimmy joined the Navy in 2017. During the last year of his life, Jimmy was honored for rescuing a man who was caught in a rip current off Guam's Gun Beach. Mr. Buriak's thoughtful character far exceeded the parameters of his job. He always went out of his way to help those in need and to go the extra mile that others weren't willing to do. Jimmy was a great young man. His wife, Megan, is starting the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation to continue honoring his legacy. The foundation will seek to improve financial shortcomings for Gold Star families with small children. Mr. Buriak is survived by his wife, Megan; his very young son, Caulder; as well as his parents, Jim and Carol Buriak; his sister, Laura; and his brother-in-law, Erik Zickefoose. Madam Speaker, I offer Jimmy's entire family my condolences on their loss. He was a great young man. Madam Speaker, as an aside, Jimmy used to play water polo with me in the summertime.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Thomas Junior Roseberry II of Bland, Virginia, who passed away on October 27, 2021, at the age of 74. Mr. Roseberry was a former Bland County sheriff and Virginia State Police trooper who made a tremendous contribution to the area. Mr. Roseberry was born on December 18, 1946, to Thomas J. and Wanda Deck Roseberry in Pulaski, Virginia. His life was spent helping and defending those around him. He started his career with the Virginia State Police in 1968. He also worked as the Captain of Investigations for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and was elected twice as Sheriff of Bland County--once in 1988 and later in 2015. When he retired in 2019, he had cumulatively served and protected his community for a total of 51 years. In addition to his police service, Mr. Roseberry also served in the Army Reserves for 27 years and was a member of the American Legion for Bland County. A man of integrity, Mr. Roseberry helped mentor numerous deputies and troopers not only in Bland County but all throughout the state of Virginia in both their law enforcement careers and in their personal lives. He was a man of God that led by example. He remains highly esteemed by those that know him and will be greatly missed. Mr. Roseberry was preceded in death by his parents and one of his sisters, Carolyn Roseberry Elam, as well as her husband ``T''. His survivors include his wife of 55 years, Rita T. Roseberry; daughter, Stina R. Wilburn and husband Mark; son, Thomas J. Roseberry III; daughter, Staci R. Leewright and husband Mike; son Seth E. Roseberry and finance Jody Powell; ten grandchildren; two sisters, Pansy Pannell and Sandee R Janney; and Dot Kidd, who was like a second mother to him. I would like to offer my condolences to them on the loss of this great man.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I offer these remarks today to honor the bravery and selfless service of the law enforcement officers and other first responders that worked to ensure the safety of the residents of Buchanan County during the horrendous flooding caused by heavy rainfall in the small town of Hurley, Virginia, on August 30, 2021. Their efforts saved lives and were core to rescue and recovery following the destructive power of the flood. Particularly, I honor Buchanan County Sheriff John McClanahan, Deputy Raymond Webb, Deputy Lieutenant Brandon Hall, Deputy Lieutenant Ryan Mitchell, Deputy Billy Owens, Deputy Aaron Skeens, Deputy Andy Webb, Deputy John Hagy III, and Deputy Tasha Meadows. The excessive rainfall resulted in blocked roadways, numerous landslides, and severe flooding in the town of Hurley. There were school closures from the storm as well. All of this caused devastating damage and jeopardized the safety of many. In the face of danger, these officers and first responders of Buchanan County displayed great heroism by rescuing a number of citizens from harm's way. The storm caused a level of flooding in Hurley which has not been seen for nearly 20 years and matched any level of devastation from a natural disaster that I have seen in the Ninth Congressional District of Virginia. Hundreds of residents had to evacuate their homes. As many as a thousand were left without power and drinking water, and I saw roughly 20 homes that had been uprooted from their foundations. But the terrible flood was also an occasion of heroism and helping others. Besides the deputies and the sheriff, around 500 volunteers lent their time to rescue and cleanup efforts. Mr. Speaker, let me highlight one remarkable rescue from the flooding on Monday, August 30, 2021, involving a woman trapped in her home. The woman's mobile home had been swept off its foundation, carried downstream, and when it crashed into a railroad trestle, the home, with the woman inside of it, was caught between the raging water and the train trestle. The home would have continued further downstream if it had not been trapped at the trestle. And as officers quickly arrived on the scene, her home was already little more than rubble. As the water thundered by and the rain continued to pour down, the trailer, surrounded by water, was precariously positioned and appeared ready to collapse completely at any moment. Amid this peril, the officers showed no regard for their own safety as they came to the rescue. Deputy Raymond Webb was first to arrive on the scene. He crossed the railroad tracks, climbed over to where the collapsed home remained, with water raging around, and was able to cut a hole in the roof of what was left of the house. Shortly after, Sheriff John McClanahan and Deputies Skeens, Meadows, Hall, Mitchell, Owens, Webb, and Hagy arrived at the scene to assist with the rescue. Deputy Raymond Webb tied a rope around the woman, while the rest of the officers and personnel retrieved her and pulled her out of the trailer and up to safety. Thanks to the rapid response of these officers from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, she was rescued from the battered trailer. Mr. Speaker, this storm was devastating for the town of Hurley. In a time when the community was in great need, these officers courageously came together to do their utmost to ensure the safety and security of those who were in harm's way. I offer my gratitude to the officers from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, as well as all the community leaders and first responders that played a hand in keeping Hurley safe on that day and the days that followed.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Kenneth Gene Fannon of Duffield in Scott County, Virginia, who passed away on October 10, 2021 at the age of 90. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fannon. He was a veteran and a well-known community leader in Duffield. Mr. Fannon was born in Lee County, Virginia on May 15, 1931. He was a graduate of Rye Cove High School and Whitney Business College. Mr. Fannon served in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean War. He later became the Commander of Chapter 250 of the Korean War Veteran's Association. He was a trailblazer for community service activities and veterans' events in Scott County. Over the years, he also served as Scout Master and as a member of numerous local board of directors. He was often recognized for establishing Duffield Daze, Duffield's largest service event. He started it in 1981 as a way to give back to the community through a family-friendly affair that promoted town unity and local business support. Every time I attended Duffield Daze, Mr. Fannon was there to welcome me. He often reached out to my office to advocate for veterans in the area. He greeted everyone with kindness and generosity. Mr. Fannon was a tireless volunteer that worked hard to make his community and country a better place. He was a staple of so many community endeavors. Mr. Fannon was esteemed by many and will be greatly missed. Mr. Fannon was preceded in death by his parents, E.D. and Venus Fannon; brothers, Jack and Joe; and sister, Mary Allen. He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Jack and wife Susan; daughter, Lori Green and husband Daniel; grandchildren, Ruston Fannon, Kevin Wade, and Leslie Guy; great-grandsons, Jackson Guy and Mason Wade; sister, June Fannon, and sister-in-law, Helen Lane. I offer them my condolences on the loss of this good man.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Naval Air Crewman 1st Class James ``Jimmy'' P. Buriak, who died on August 31, 2021, at the age of 31. Mr. Buriak, of Salem, Virginia, was one of the five sailors that lost their lives when an MH-60S helicopter embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, crashed into the sea off the coast of southern California. At the time of the crash, the helicopter was conducting what the Navy described as ``routine flight operations.'' Mr. Buriak was born on May 9, 1990, to Jim and Carol Buriak in Salem. He graduated from Salem High School in 2008 and from Roanoke College in 2012. He joined the Navy in 2017 and served as a rescue swimmer assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Eight. He deployed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt for two consecutive tours before departing for the USS Abraham Lincoln. Last year, Mr. Buriak was honored for rescuing a man caught in a rip current off Guam's Gun Beach. Though coral reefs surround the island, and the gentleman was weak from exhaustion, Mr. Buriak was still able to pull him from the current and bring him safely to shore. He was off duty at the time of the rescue and earned the Navy Commendation Medal for his selflessness and bravery. Mr. Buriak's thoughtful character far exceeded the parameters of his job. He always went out of his way to help those in need and go the extra mile that others weren't willing to do. He was a charismatic and caring man. He valued his friends and time spent with his wife and son. He was esteemed as a hero. I offer my gratitude for his work and sacrifice for our great country. His selfless service will not be forgotten. His wife, Megan, is starting the AWS1 James Buriak Foundation to continue honoring his legacy. The foundation will seek to improve financial shortcomings for Gold Star families with small children. Mr. Buriak is survived by his wife, Megan, and young son, Caulder, as well as his parents, Jim and Carol Buriak, his sister, Laura, and brother-in-law, Erik Zickefoose. I offer them my condolences on their loss.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Clintwood, Virginia's mayor, Donald Baker, who died on October 7, 2021, at the age of 83. Mr. Baker was a dedicated and longtime public servant. Mr. Baker served the town of Clintwood for over three decades. He was first elected to the town's council in 1980 and served as the mayor since 1988. He was spoken very highly of by his colleagues for his enduring generosity to the community. He was a great representative for the citizens of Clintwood. He was attentive to the community's concerns and addressed them with compassion and integrity. During his time in service, he worked diligently to build coalitions to obtain grants and funding for community improvement projects. He was well known for governing by conservative financial values. During his 41 years of service, he kept the provision of affordable goods and services as a top priority for him. He was esteemed by colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Mr. Baker was known as a friend to many and held a strong voice in the region. Outside of his work in the public service, he worked and operated in the coal industry for many years. He also served as a Bank Director at several banks in the region up until his retirement. And he was a member of the Army Reserve Forces serving at rank of Sergeant. Even in his free time, Mr. Baker still dedicated his time to helping others. For over 60 years he volunteered at every level of Little League baseball and softball. He tirelessly worked with school leaders and coaches to support Clintwood athletics and their children. Mayor Baker was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann Anderson; his parents, James Garfield Baker and Nell Arrington Baker; and his brothers, Harold Baker, Carl Baker, and Marvin Baker. He is survived by his two sons, Greg Baker and his wife Lora, and Mike Baker; his granddaughter, Emily Ann Baker Dressner; grandson Thomas Gregory Baker; and one great-grandson, John Mark Dressner. I offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and great leader.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Thomas Michael Hufford, who passed away on August 29, 2021, at the age of 86. Mr. Hufford was a prominent business owner and community leader in the Roanoke area. Mr. Hufford was born on August 14, 1935 in Huntington, West Virginia to Genevieve Eloise Kirley Wippel Hufford of Huntington and Anthony Wippel. He graduated in 1953 from St. Joseph High School in Huntington, West Virginia where he served as president of his class. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, Virginia, graduating in 1957. Following college, he was in the army reserves at Fort Knox. Mr. Hufford was an insurance agent by trade and owner of Hufford Insurance in Roanoke, Virginia. For all his life, he sustained a strong voice in politics and his community. He served as the Planning Commissioner of Roanoke County for several years. He also ran for State Senate and Congress of Virginia in the 1970s. His civic service through business and leadership made a profound impact on his community and those around him. Mr. Hufford was preceded in death by his wife, Ada D. Hufford. He is survived by his two daughters, Karen Hufford and Jill Hufford, and his younger brother, Frederick M. Hufford. He also has two granddaughters, Morgan Dilling and Samantha Hufford, and a great-granddaughter, Melah Grace Dilling. I offer them my condolences on their loss.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Melvyn Jay Huber of Blacksburg, Virginia. At 92 years of age, this Marine Corps veteran is not done serving his country or looking out for others. Mel has been troubled by the divisions too often found in our country and the despair it has created for some. For them, he has a simple message: your life matters. ``Your life matters'' is how he greets people. It is what he writes on the lowest left of every envelope that leaves his mailbox. He purchased 100 yard signs with this message, and since he is currently in hospice care, others have come by to pick up the signs and put them on display. Currently, the signs can be found in six counties and two independent cities of Virginia's Ninth Congressional District, which I represent, as well as three northeastern states. For someone in trouble, hearing from another the simple words ``your life matters'' can be tremendously reassuring. I commend Mel Huber, a resident of the Ninth District, for sharing his healing message.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Leon J. Arp of Blacksburg, Virginia, who passed away on July 23, 2021, at the age of 91. Mr. Arp was a veteran and businessman who greatly contributed to the Blacksburg community. Mr. Arp was born in Norway, Iowa on June 30, 1930, to Hugo and Leova Arp. After graduating from Walford High School in 1948, he spent four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, serving in air reconnaissance. He married his wife, Kathleen Schulte, in 1955. He went on to earn his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Mr. Arp later moved to Virginia to serve as a professor emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech Blacksburg where he taught for 25 years. In his time there he earned various distinctions and honors for his teaching and research. Mr. Arp is best known for developing the Arp Respirator in the late 1960s. This design was created to aid infants facing respiratory distress syndrome--at the time the leading cause of infant death in the first week of life. This device is responsible for saving hundreds of infants' lives. A 1970 Life Magazine profiled this life-saving tool. The article notes that Mr. Arp designed a respirator that could handle the delicacy of premature infants after nearly losing one of his own children to respiratory syndrome. This machine attended an infant's gasp for breath more sensitively than any device in existence at the time. Mr. Arp had continual innovation throughout his career and retained more than 25 patents. Mr. Arp was preceded in death by his son, William. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kathleen; his children, Nicholas, John, and Joseph; and eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. I would like to extend to them my condolences.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Woodford McKee ``Mac'' Green, Jr. of Salem, Virginia, who died July 9, 2021, at the age of 95. Mr. Green was a businessman and a leader in the Salem community. Mr. Green was born on October 31, 1925, to Woodford McKee Green and Ruth Maria Cloud Green. During his youth, his father received a job as a structural steel engineer that brought his family to Virginia. Mr. Green briefly attended Roanoke College and V12 Officer Candidate School at Hampden Sydney before becoming a Quartermaster 3rd Class in the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1946. After returning to Salem, Mr. Green began working at H.R. Johnson Hardware and stayed for 53 years of service. He eventually became an owner and a partner. Mr. Green was an active leader in his community through various forms of service. He served as a civil defense coordinator for the Town of Salem, a member of the Salem Lions Club, an assistant scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts, and a Sunday School teacher at the First United Methodist Church. He also served as Vice Mayor of the City of Salem for 20 years and chaired the Council Audit Committee. Mr. Green is survived by his wife of 31 years, Anne Marie Green; his five children, Michele Green and her husband Robert Walker, Adrian Green and his wife Kelsey Johnson, Emily Green, Michael Green, and Mark Green; and two grandchildren, Michael Green, Jr. and Angus Green. I offer my condolences on their loss.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Vernon Ray Hancock, who died on June 19, 2021, at the age of 94. Mr. Hancock served nearly 30 years as the Math Department Chair at Emory & Henry College and made a remarkable impact on the students and the university. Mr. Hancock was born on July 10, 1926, in Baltimore, Maryland to Wheeler Hancock & Rebecca Helm Hancock. In 1943, Mr. Hancock enlisted in the United States Army. After graduating high school, the Army sent him to Virginia Polytechnic Institute for engineering classes. Following WWII, he went on to work as a clerk typist in France and was later honorably discharged in December 1946 with the rank of Tech 4. Mr. Hancock received his graduate degree in math at Johns Hopkins University and his doctorate at Tulane University. Years later, Mr. Hancock returned to the Commonwealth and settled in to make Virginia his life-long home. Mr. Hancock married Ruth Eileen Farnham in 1950, and the two of them were inseparable as they volunteered together in their community. Throughout his life, both Mr. and Mrs. Hancock were active members of the United Methodist Church. From his appointment at Emory & Henry in 1963 until after his retirement in 1991, Mr. Hancock remained an active member of the academic and service community. He saw his life mission was to serve those around him and he found great joy in this selfless service to his community. Together with his wife, they served with the Boy Scouts of America, chartered the Pi Omicron chapter of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity at Emory (of which I was Member), and they were also heavily involved in the Washington County Republican Party. I personally knew Mr. Hancock when he was my Faculty Advisor to the Emory & Henry College Republicans and through his decades of work with the Republican Party. Mr. Hancock is survived by his 2 sons; Dale and his wife Nancy, Clark and his wife Frances; his granddaughter, Bethany; and numerous nieces and nephews. I offer them my condolences on their loss.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, the Hyde amendment respects the deeply held beliefs of pro-life people like me by not spending our tax dollars to pay for abortions. But support for the Hyde amendment goes beyond the pro-life community. It has enjoyed broad bipartisan support during most of its 45-year history, previously including the current Democrat in the Oval Office. That is because it respects a cherished American value, freedom of conscience regarding our deepest religious beliefs. Now, that freedom is under attack by radicals running this country. Their assault on the Hyde amendment threatens to undo this important protection for the lives of millions and the consciences of millions more. That is why we need H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.