Elaine Luria

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment to H.R. 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019. My amendment would ensure that Federal employees benefit from the same contracting practices as stated in the fair price negotiation program established by the underlying bill. Close to 30,000 of our constituents in Virginia's Second Congressional District are Federal employees, and they should all be able to benefit from this monumental legislation to lower prescription drug costs. Making healthcare more affordable is among my top priorities in Congress. As the costs of prescription drugs seem to skyrocket, I know I must do everything I can to ease that burden on coastal Virginians. Nobody should need to choose between lifesaving medications or bankruptcy. A vote in favor of this amendment is one to support broader access to affordable prescription drugs. I urge all of my colleagues to support my amendment and the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I stand here today in strong support of H.R. 3, in opposition to my colleague. If, in fact, we are going to offer lower prescription drug costs to those covered by Medicare and private insurance, it is the least that we can do to include our Federal employees in these cost-saving benefits. Federal employees live in nearly every district in this country, and we must ensure that they, too, can benefit from lower drug prices secured by this landmark legislation. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment, as well as the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer an amendment to H.R. 729, the Coastal and Great Lakes Communities Enhancement Act. My amendment directs NOAA to consider the potential of proposed living shoreline projects to enhance the resiliency of military installations and the communities that surround them. Earlier this year, the Department of Defense found that well over half of the highest priority military installations are or will be at risk of recurrent flooding. The report found that greater Hampton Roads is one of the areas ``most vulnerable to flooding'' in the entire United States. Hampton Roads is home to the largest Navy base in the world and installations from every branch of the service. When it floods in coastal Virginia, it is both a local nuisance as well as a threat to our national security. Coastal Virginians are stepping up to meet this challenge. The cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach have proposed almost $1.5 billion in coastal resiliency infrastructure, but Hampton Roads and other coastal localities with military presence cannot bear the cost of sea level rise, severe storms, and recurrent flooding alone. My amendment will strengthen H.R. 729 by ensuring that NOAA takes into account the crucial role resiliency projects can play in bolstering our national security and our local communities. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case).

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Chair, coastal resiliency projects, such as the Living Shoreline Program, can strengthen our military and the local communities that support them. My amendment will improve H.R. 729 by ensuring that NOAA considers the national security benefits of these projects. Let me be clear: A vote against this amendment is a vote to turn our backs on our servicemembers and military families, as well as disregard the future of military readiness in our coastal communities. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this critical amendment in the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of my bipartisan and bicameral bill, H.R. 4566, the Virginia Beach Strong Act. Just over 6 months ago, our Virginia Beach community suffered a devastating tragedy. On May 31, 12 wonderful people lost their lives in a mass shooting in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. During our great city's darkest hour, we showed the world the strength and resolve that makes us Virginia Beach Strong. We saw first responders heroically running into building 2, sacrificing their safety to save others; doctors working long hours to provide victims with expert care; and many other displays of courage. May 31, 2019, was a day that will change Virginia Beach forever. We will always remember the 12 individuals we lost that day and their irreplaceable contributions to our Virginia Beach Strong community. My heart continues to grieve for those who lost their lives, their families, and everyone who loved them. Today, many families of the victims are still facing financial hardships related to the shooting, in addition to the unfathomable loss of a loved one. In the aftermath of May 31, the city of Virginia Beach established a fund to help victims, survivors, and their families. Unfortunately, a technicality in the Tax Code means that these donations will likely not be considered tax deductible. That is why I introduced the Virginia Beach Strong Act. The Virginia Beach Strong Act would make it easier to help bring urgently needed support to our community's grieving families. This bipartisan bill would ensure that all donations made to immediate family members of the victims on or after May 31 will be considered tax deductible. It is narrowly written so it does not make any broader changes to our Tax Code or to the nonprofit status. Today, we all have the opportunity to make a profound difference for the families that have been through unimaginable pain following the Virginia Beach mass shooting. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues in the Virginia delegation for their support, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote for H.R. 4566, the Virginia Beach Strong Act.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Tallwood Elementary School on earning the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award. Tallwood Elementary's performance certainly merits this well-earned recognition. Because of so much hard work, Tallwood Elementary is now placed in the Exemplary High Performing Schools Category. I would like to thank the faculty and staff for providing exceptional services to our community as educators, administrators, and specialists in their field. Our public school system is an integral part of preparing the 2nd Congressional District's next generation of well-informed critical thinkers. I thank them for all the valuable work they do to engage and enrich these young minds. It is my honor and privilege to recognize Tallwood Elementary for this achievement. I am extremely proud to be their representative.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this commonsense and bipartisan bill to make VA websites accessible and understandable for all veterans. Our servicemembers put themselves in harm's way to protect American freedom. It is only right that Congress uphold our end of the promise by giving them the care that they earned. One of my top priorities in Congress is eliminating barriers preventing our bravest men and women from receiving quality medical care, as well as disability, vocational, and educational benefits. I met with a group of blinded veterans, and they explained that the structure of the VA websites makes it difficult for them to learn about treatments and schedule their doctor appointments. I knew I had to act. To remedy this problem, I introduced the VA Website Accessibility Act, which will require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study of the accessibility of VA websites for veterans with disabilities. Upon completion of the study, the Secretary will be required to report to Congress on the study's results and provide a plan to improve these websites. This bill will ensure that the ailments and trauma our servicemembers endured during battle will not prevent them from using the resources that VA websites have to offer. Veterans affected by blindness or hearing loss have sacrificed for our Nation. They deserve equal access to all VA services, and I am honored to champion their cause. Our heroes should not have to wait one day longer. Today, we can help thousands of veterans receive better access to healthcare resources. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the VA Website Accessibility Act, H.R. 1199.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the Central Accomack Little League Senior Boys and Girls teams. The Girls team won the Virginia State Championship and the Boys team won both the Virginia State Championship and the Southeast Region Championship. Congratulations to the Central Accomack Senior Girls All Star Softball team members: Hailey Berry, Jordan Crockett, McKenzie DeAmicis, Taylor Fluhart, Chloe Hall, Haylie Justice, Jaelyn Killmon, Kathleen McAuliffe, Brianna Rucker, Alana Shea, Sarah Taylor, Jamie Lyn Wert, and Logan Woermer. I would also like to congratulate Manager Bobbie Jo Wert and Coaches Kimmie Justice and Kimberly Wert. I also extend my congratulations to the Central and North Accomack Senior Boys All Star Baseball team members: Brandon Adamos, Zykeese Davis, Armonte Dickerson, Landon Fuller, Tyler Green, Dylan Marshall, Jacob Meilhammer, Dustin Nelson, Luke Parks, Dylan Ross, Everett Savage, and Cade Williams. I congratulate Coaches Ricky Parks, Chris Beasley, and Bert Adamos, and Manager Shane Fowler. I would also like to recognize the District 8 President Andy Adler and the Central Accomack League President Billy Justice for a very successful season. Finally, I wish to commend Central Accomack Little League for 61 years of service to the youth of the Eastern Shore. I wish these teams the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Reverend Debbie Lee Bryant celebrating her family's 379th year in Hampton, Virginia. Reverend Bryant's rich and diverse ancestry in Hampton Roads epitomizes the complex backgrounds so many fellow Americans share by telling the story of the Native Americans who lived on the land we now call home, the enslaved Africans who were brought here by force, and the plantation owners who profited from the properties. I also wish to commend Reverend Bryant's diligent work as an historian documenting and researching the origins of the first Africans to land at Old Point Comfort. We must continue to remember the difficult past so we can move forward together as a community toward a better future for all. I thank Reverend Bryant for sharing this milestone with me and all that she does in our community.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Kennedy Milan Wilson. Although she never took a breath of air outside her mother's womb, her memory now brings hope and healing to so many families. On August 17, 2019, we honor her, as we do every day. Kennedy would have been 10 years old this year. However, her legacy lives on and she continues to change lives. The ``Kennedy's Angel Gowns'' organization helps bereaved families who have suffered the loss of a child before, during, or shortly after birth. Beautifully handcrafted burial garments made from donated wedding gowns are provided along with other resources at no cost. In addition, the organization provides Cuddle Cots and Caring Cradles to local hospitals in the area. Kennedy's Angel Gowns continues to raise awareness of infertility, miscarriage, early neo-natal loss, stillborn, and infant loss. Many people who experience this loss feel very alone and isolated. The organization's mission is to break the silence and offer help. This year, Hampton Roads will have its first-ever ``Butterfly Suite,'' which will officially open at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital the week of her 10th Birthday. This dedicated grieving room will be equipped with a Cuddle Cot or Caring Cradle, allowing the family to spend more time with their infant. I commend Kennedy's parents for channeling their grief to help others through the healing process by creating this resource.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and heroic actions of Ryan Keith Cox. On May 31, the year's largest mass shooting in America struck in our Virginia Beach community. Keith was amongst the 12 wonderful people who lost their lives in the tragedy. In his final moments, Keith showed extraordinary bravery. Keith was an active and irreplaceable member of our community. He regularly attended his father's church, New Hope Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir with his renowned golden voice. He had hoped to follow his calling and his father's footsteps and become more active in the ministry. For 12 years, Keith served the city of Virginia Beach as a public utilities employee. His coworkers described him as someone who was always nice to others and treated colleagues to lunch. One colleague called Keith a ``teddy bear'' who always knew what to say to make an upset colleague smile. Those who knew him said Keith embodied leadership. Keith's friends and family agreed that he made his impact by putting the needs of others before his own. Keith's last day on Earth was no different. During the shooting, Keith led several of his coworkers to safety. Keith then refused to take refuge, stating: ``I've got to see if anybody else needs help.'' Keith stood watch and checked on his colleagues, voluntarily exposing himself to a deadly line of fire. One of Keith's colleagues summed it up: ``If it wasn't for him, there would have been several more people who perished.'' In our community's darkest hour, Keith prioritized the safety of his colleagues over his own. He was a true servant leader who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is our chance to tell Keith's story, to showcase his heroism to our community, our Commonwealth, and our Nation. I was proud to introduce this bill to name a local post office after Keith. When we walk by that post office and see Keith's name, we will think of the sacrifice and of the lives that he saved. I thank the Virginia delegation for supporting this bipartisan legislation to honor Keith's legacy and impact on our Virginia Beach community. Madam Speaker, I urge support of this bill.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Admiral Manfred Nielson for his service as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation at NATO's headquarters in Norfolk, VA. Admiral Nielson, German Navy, took over responsibilities as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation at Norfolk, Virginia, in 2016. In this critical role at NATO's only strategic headquarters in North America, Admiral Nielson promoted and advanced his headquarters' role in innovating and developing the alliance's transformational approaches in future warfare. He increased the collaboration between private companies and the public sector to accelerate the pace of discovery. He expanded NATO's outreach to academic institutions to build networks, improve decision- making simulations, and increase engagement with the next generation of thinkers and leaders. He has been a strong and active supporter of the NATO Model Challenge where NATO is introduced to local students in an annual conference. Admiral Nielson often emphasized the need for close cooperation with the U.S. as an open and generous host nation. He always stressed his gratitude for the incredible welcome he received throughout the U.S. He constantly connected and liaised with American officials to deepen our work with NATO. He put enormous efforts in strengthening ties to the local community through events and activities, as well as constant communication and information exchange. Because of him, relationships with several local universities and think tanks are excellent. He also enjoyed and promoted the cultural life in Norfolk by hosting various events to show German hospitality and promote the U.S.-German partnership. He always promoted the special relationship between the U.S. and Germany based on common shared values. In return, I acknowledge that the United States owes our gratitude to this outstanding officer for his generous spirit, keen insight, and tremendous partnership. I wish Admiral Nielson the best as he concludes his tour as Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and returns to Germany.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of Bill Wills of Virginia Beach. Bill served our nation faithfully with ``The Big Red One,'' a combined arms division in the U.S. Army, and is a survivor of the D-Day Normandy landing. Before the D-Day landing, he traveled all over the world and made landings in Africa and in Sicily. After returning from the war, Bill joined the New York City Police Department. He served many years with the mounted police and then retired in Virginia Beach with his wife of 65 years. Bill Wills' courageous dedication to his country, community, and family brings great honor to our district. I am proud to recognize his health and the many years of wisdom he has offered our community and America.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Monica Sigmon and Michael Taylor of Sigmon Taylor Photography for receiving the 2019 Jeff Miller Award through the Hope House Foundation. Sigmon Taylor Photography is honored for taking professional photographs for the Hope House's Annual Fund Campaign. Their high- quality images captured the individuals the Hope House serves and helped change the way those individuals are perceived by displaying dignity, life, power, and love through visually powerful artwork. Monica Sigmon and Michael Taylor exemplify leadership, integrity, imagination, and optimism through business and community service.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Germaine Clair and Brooks Johnson for receiving the 2019 Hope House Community Award. Germaine Clair and Brooks Johnson are honored for supporting the Hope House's fundraiser and opening their lovely home during the fall art show to host the Taste for the Arts Donor Brunch. Their graciousness offered a wonderful tool to strengthen the Hope House and introduce new friends to the Hope House Foundation through the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival. I commend their dedication to growing inclusion through the arts in our community and strengthening the Hope House's mission.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late LaQuita Brown, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost LaQuita far too soon. LaQuita was a faithful employee and served the Department of Public Works for the City of Virginia Beach for nearly five years. Friends described LaQuita as lighting up a room with her presence. LaQuita spent time traveling to New York City, Europe, and West Africa. LaQuita's life of hard work and service to the community, as well as her bright spirit, will forever be remembered. LaQuita will be missed by all her loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from her presence; she made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor her life.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Herbert Snelling, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost Herbert far too soon. Herbert, known as Bert, was a Virginia Beach native and served as a contractor. Bert was admired by many of his neighbors and church family. People praised Bert for his faith and his dedication to helping others. Bert's life of hard work and his sweet spirit will forever be remembered. Bert will be missed by all his loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from his presence; he made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor his life.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Josh Hardy, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost Josh far too soon. Josh worked as an engineering technician for the Department of Public Works for the City of Virginia Beach for over four years. Josh was a fun coworker, was never too stressed to crack a joke, and always wore a smile. Loved ones described Josh as a father figure and as a kind- hearted man. He was dedicated to his faith and shared it with others. Josh's life of hard work and service to the community, as well as his kind heart, will forever be remembered. Josh will be missed by all his loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from his presence; he made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor his life.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Alexander Mikhail Gusev, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost Alexander far too soon. Alexander worked as a right-of-way agent for the Department of Public Works for the City of Virginia Beach for nine years. Alexander emigrated from Belarus and gained an education first from Tidewater Community College and then through Old Dominion University. His friends described him as a great guy and a good friend. Alexander's life of hard work and service to the community, as well as his faithful friendship, will forever be remembered. Alexander will be missed by all his loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from his presence; he made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor his life.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Michelle Langer, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost Michelle far too soon. For 12 years, Michelle, also known as Missy, was a faithful administrative assistant for the Department of Public Utilities for the City of Virginia Beach. She had plans to retire soon. An Ohio native, Missy's heart was drawn to Virginia Beach and she decided to call it home. Missy's life of hard work and service to the community will forever be remembered. Missy will be missed by all her loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from her presence; she made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor her life.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Richard H. Nettleton, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost Richard far too soon. Richard worked as an engineer for the Department of Public Utilities for the City of Virginia Beach. For decades, Richard served Virginia Beach faithfully. Richard was well-known by all in his field and many of his colleagues admired and respected his work. Not only was he a public servant, but he also served overseas. Richard served in the United States Army in Germany. Friends described Richard as a dedicated worker and a leader. Richard's life of hard work and service to the community, as well as his selfless attitude, will forever be remembered. Richard will be missed by all his loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from his presence; he made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor his life.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Mary Louise Gayle, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost Mary Louise Gayle far too soon. Mary Louise Gayle, also known as Mary Lou, worked as a right-of-way agent for the Department of Public Works for the City of Virginia Beach for 24 years. Friends described Mary Lou as happy, loving, and a good person. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother. Mary Lou's life of hard work and service to the community, as well as her cheerful attitude, will forever be remembered. Mary Lou will be missed by all her loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from her presence; she made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor her life.

Mrs. LURIA

Mrs. LURIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the late Tara Welch Gallagher, who was senselessly murdered in the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shooting. Virginia Beach lost Tara far too soon. Tara was a hardworking engineer who worked to educate the community about clean water. She served the Department of Public Works for the City of Virginia Beach for six years and contributed significantly to the mission of improving the water quality of the Lake James Watershed. Tara's life of hard work and service to the community will forever be remembered. Tara will be missed by all her loved ones. Hampton Roads significantly benefited from her presence; she made our community a better place. Today we remember and honor her life.