Bobby Scott

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath).

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time is remaining.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, when you hear the title, PROTECT Our Kids Act, you wonder what this bill is all about. You might think it protects kids from guns, protects kids from bullying, or protects kids maybe from online predators; but no, this is from the foreign influence of China. There is no credible evidence of any improper influence in K-12 schools, yet this is what the bill is about. It imposes sweeping penalties that do nothing to enhance national security. It only harms students. The apparent target of this legislation seems to be the maybe five school districts that have Confucius Institute programs, but it applies the provisions of the bill to 15,000 school systems in America. All of this unfolds while the Trump administration works to dismantle the Department of Education, leaving critical responsibilities scattered throughout agencies. This bill wastes critical resources without any apparent benefit. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 1005, the Combating the Lies of Authoritarians in School Systems Act. This bill would compel schools to implement new reporting mechanisms, monitoring procedures, and compliance structures despite the complete absence of any factual verified threats. Under current law, K-12 schools are not required to report funding from foreign governments or contracts with foreign entities, as most school funding comes from local property taxes, State formulas, and a little bit from the Federal Government. This bill would require schools to report funding from or contracts with a foreign source. Let's be clear. There is no evidence that K-12 schools are under any threat from misinformation or covert influence by authoritarian foreign governments in any measurable way. If passed, school districts already facing shortages of teachers, counselors, and support staff now will have to divert critical time and resources from instruction to completing bureaucratic paperwork, like what qualifies as a foreign source and who qualifies as a foreign source. Schools have got to have professional development, so every school principal and superintendent knows exactly who needs to be reported and how. Confucius Institutes were mentioned. We have got 15,000 school systems that will have to comply with this bill. Five Confucius Institute classrooms have been found to exist in the United States at last count. Mr. Speaker, 15,000 school systems are going to have to put up with this paperwork. This is the very definition of unfunded mandate and imposes obligations without offering the capacity or funding to meet the mandate. Instead of strengthening our school system, it distracts from the urgent challenges our schools are facing, such as widening achievement gaps, as reflected in the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress scores, the NAEP scores, and the growing difficulty of recruiting and retaining quality educators. Let me underscore the broader point. My colleagues across the aisle have remained silent as the administration has dismantled or is in the process of dismantling the Department of Education, undermining its legitimacy, capacity, and effectiveness. Most recently, the administration announced plans to move six interagency agreements which would offload core functions of the Department of Education and spread them across other Federal agencies. Yet this bill assigns additional responsibilities to what is left of the Department of Education. It simply doesn't add up. Who will be left in the Department of Education to enforce these mandates? For these reasons, H.R. 1005 does nothing to improve our schools and everything to bog down schools in administrative red tape. I strongly recommend a ``no'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I inform the chairman that I have no additional speakers. I reserve the balance of my time until closing.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, this bill is not limited to China. This bill says ``foreign source,'' and under the definition of foreign source, it includes any individual who is not a U.S. citizen or national of the United States, so if you have a plumbing contract over $10,000, you have got to check out the owner of the plumbing company's citizenship to know whether you have to document and report the contract. Every one of the 15,000 school systems, every school, every contract over $10,000, you have got to report, and you have to ascertain the citizenship of who you are contracting with. I don't know how you do that. If you order something over the internet, you have got to check out somebody's citizenship. I don't know how you comply, but that is just a little gap in the bill. Every school system, every school would have to comply with this. It is just not China. It is any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States. Mr. Speaker, there is actually no credible evidence that this bill is even needed. We are under no threat of misinformation or covert influence by authoritarian foreign governments. I urge my colleagues to oppose the bill. This bill does nothing to improve our schools, close the achievement gaps, or increase teacher pay. It burdens schools with bureaucratic red tape due to imagined covert influence from foreign governments. It is so broad that it covers every contract over $10,000. If we don't know the citizenship of the other side, I don't know how we find out the citizenship of the other side. We have real issues that we need to address, and we should address those issues. For those reasons, I urge a ``no'' vote, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1049, the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education Act, the TRACE Act. This bill suffers from many of the same shortcomings in the earlier bill we just discussed. This bill, H.R. 1049, would require schools to allow parents to access certain information if it was paid for by a foreign entity of concern. It doesn't say ``China.'' It says ``foreign entity of concern.'' This includes all teachers' and administrators' professional development material and salary information, as well as the school districts' contracts and records for all materials purchased from or paid for by a foreign entity of concern. While this is not currently required by law, parents now already have access to their children's records, including their curriculum, under the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, or PPRA. It is worth noting that there is no evidence that foreign entities of concern are contributing to public schools at any scale. We have already noted that there are five Confucius Institutes throughout the United States, throughout 15,000 school systems. H.R. 1049 would impose new layers of reporting, auditing, and bureaucracy on every school district in the Nation. Yet, once again, this is without allocating a single dollar to support these added responsibilities. For years, my Republican colleagues have warned against unfunded mandates. They have rightly criticized Federal actions that impose requirements on States and local communities that cannot afford to implement those policies. Yet, H.R. 1049 is precisely that, another unfunded mandate wrapped around rhetoric but lacking in substance. At a time when our schools need smaller class sizes, they need to pay teachers more, and they need more academic support for students, the last thing they need is a new stack of new Federal compliance paperwork. That would include the professional development to inform every school official what a foreign entity of concern is and where they can get the most recent list. Let me underscore the broader point though. At the same time as congressional Republicans are creating additional bureaucratic hurdles for K-12, the Trump administration is actively dismantling the Department of Education. Who is going to enforce these mandates anyway? I challenge my colleagues, many of whom privately acknowledge that abolishing the Department of Education is a mistake, to actually oppose those actions publicly. Our schools need stability and support, not disarray and mixed messages. Mr. Speaker, again, I oppose the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, if there was real evidence of influence, I think we would have heard specifically what that evidence is. We haven't. My colleagues keep talking about China, about the Confucius Institute. At last count, there were only five active programs in 15,000 school divisions. There used to be more. There are only about five now. This bill is going to be hard to manage. It is difficult, if not impossible, to easily access the most recent list of foreign entities of concern. As we have pointed out, this bill doesn't talk about China. It talks about foreign entities of concern. That list can change without notice. In fact, the most recent list from the Department of State has 91 listings, 12 added since Labor Day of this year. Good luck to those 15,000 superintendents who have to keep up with that list, with the added problem that the Departments of Energy and the Treasury also keep separate lists. Those 15,000 superintendents have to keep up with those lists, too. At its core, this is just another unfunded mandate, where you have to train 15,000 superintendents and unlimited numbers of principals so they will know what a foreign entity of concern is and how to deal with it with this new legislation. It burdens our already overstretched schools with new reporting requirements, new paperwork, and new bureaucratic hurdles, all without adding a single dollar to help them meet their obligations. Our educators deserve meaningful support, not legislative gestures that create more problems than they solve. For these reasons, I will be voting ``no'' and urge my colleagues to reject this measure and refocus our efforts on policies that will actually strengthen our public schools. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate New Beech Grove Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. For a century, New Beech Grove has stood as a steadfast pillar of faith, service, and fellowship in the Newport News community. In 1925, Reverends A.B. Ellis, H.L. Blackwell, and J.D. Farrow led efforts to build a new house of worship. Named for the grove of beechnut trees surrounding it, the church was dedicated as Beech Grove Church. Under the leadership of Reverends James Farmer, B.C. Harrod, Samuel Fladger, and James Lawson, the church expanded its community outreach by joining the Eastern Virginia Christian Conference and the National Progressive Baptist Conference, adopting the name New Beech Grove Baptist Church. On March 6, 1983, the congregation held its farewell service at the original building, forming a motorcade to its new home. The church later moved into its current facility on April 29, 2018. Guided by its vision that was established under the leadership of Dr. Willard Maxwell, Jr., ``Building Kingdom Minded People to Serve the Community,'' New Beech Grove has consistently embodied service in action. During the Flint Water Crisis, members collected and sent 6,000 cases of water to those in need. The church also hosts the InTouch Community Basketball Tournament, fostering unity between first responders and the community. Mr. Speaker, as New Beech Grove marks this remarkable milestone, I extend my sincere gratitude for a century of faithful service and lasting impact on the people of Newport News.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Bethel Temple Church in Hampton, Virginia, on the occasion of its 70th anniversary. For seven decades, Bethel Temple has been a steadfast pillar of faith, service, and fellowship in the Hampton community. In the early 1950s, Reverend Beverly W. Fox, then pastor of Phoebus Assembly of God, led efforts to build a new house of worship. With the support of the community, a modest sanctuary was completed and dedicated as Bethel Assembly of God. In the summer of 1955, Reverend Fox and thirty congregants held the church's first service, laying the foundation for a ministry that would thrive for generations. Under the leadership of pastors, including Reverends Howard S. Ryan, G.P. Hertweck, Gerald Ogg, Sammy Hayes, and Arnold Brown, the church grew in both membership and outreach. Expanding facilities, establishing new ministries, and adopting the name Bethel Temple Assembly of God reflected its evolving mission and growing congregation. In the decades that followed, Reverends Ron Johnson and Glenn Reynolds deepened the church's community engagement through programs such as the Great Turkey Giveaway, Christmas Toy Giveaway, and weekly Community Dinner. These initiatives have benefitted countless families across Hampton Roads. Today, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Reverend Charles Ricks, Jr., and Pastor Lori Ricks, Bethel Temple continues to embody faith in action. Through partnerships with local organizations and tireless service for the Hampton community during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have strengthened the church's legacy of compassion and service. Mr. Speaker, as they mark this milestone, I extend my sincere gratitude to Bethel Temple Church for seventy years of faithful service and enduring impact on the people of Hampton.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for organizing this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, this summer, Americans from coast to coast are enduring the hottest temperatures in recorded history. Days are not just uncomfortable, they are life-threatening for millions of workers across the country. From agricultural workers in the fields, to warehouse employees, to construction crews and factory staff, many are laboring in extreme heat with no Federal protection from one of the oldest, most serious, most common workplace hazards, and that is, of course, heat stress. The science is clear, the medical evidence is overwhelming, and the moral case is undeniable. Yet, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, still lacks a national standard to protect workers from dangerous heat exposure on the job. In addition to the important legislation mentioned by the gentleman from Arizona to address the issue, I am a proud cosponsor of the bill introduced by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Chu) to prevent senseless deaths of workers due to heat. The bill honors the memory of a farm worker who tragically died after working 10 straight hours in 105 degree heat without access to shade, water, or a break. His death was preventable, as are the deaths of so many others happening every year. We have known for a long time that it does not have to be this way. In the fourth century BC, Alexander the Great was counseled to guard against heat stress as his troops marched through the desert. Heat stress is even documented several times in the Old Testament. Our own military adopted a heat stress prevention program in 1952, and I remember when I was in basic training in the Army, when the heat reached certain temperatures, we would have to loosen the bottom of our pants and stop doing physical training, or PT. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH, advised OSHA on the need to protect workers from heat stress back in 1972, and again in 1986, and yet again in 2016. Workers have waited long enough. Thanks to Representative Chu's leadership, we have reintroduced a bill that will end delays and excuses and finally bring workers the commonsense protection they deserve. Within one year, OSHA would be required under the bill to finally issue an enforceable rule setting out the strongest feasible protections against heat illness. It empowers OSHA to require rest breaks, access to water, shaded or cool recovery areas, and training that delivers information in a language and format that workers can certainly understand. These are simple and sensible safeguards that will save lives. As the climate crisis accelerates, workers are increasingly at risk. Heat stress is a predictable problem, but it is also a preventable problem. The urgency of the crisis requires us to act now, and this legislation is the roadmap for that action. Workers' lives depend on it. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for forming the Extreme Heat Caucus and for organizing this Special Order to give us the opportunity to emphasize the importance of this issue.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I thank her for organizing this Special Order so we can discuss the actions of the Department of Labor. Right now, the Trump administration and congressional Republicans are starting to implement an aggressive deregulatory agenda that harms workers. Trump's deregulatory agenda weakens workers' civil rights, undermines worker protections and hard-earned wages, and downgrades the U.S. economy. Right now, the Trump administration is in the process of rolling back labor regulations that do a lot of things, such as promote nondiscrimination and strengthen the regulations we have. The ones they are trying to undermine are the regulations that promote nondiscrimination and strengthen registered apprenticeship standards. They are rolling those back. They are rolling back the regulation that prevents the privatization of State civil services. They are rolling back the regulation that strengthens fair wage protections for home care workers that would enable them to keep minimum wage and other protections. They are rolling that back. The regulation requiring Federal contractors to pay workers at least $15 an hour. They are rolling that back. They are rolling back regulations to create clear and specific requirements for occasions when employers must require the use of respirators that prevent exposure to toxic chemicals that can cause cancer and other diseases. Regulations to bolster labor protections for farmworkers on guest worker visas; they are rolling those protections back. The implementation of Federal law requiring affirmative action for employees and applicants with disabilities, ensuring that they are hired, retained, and promoted by Federal contractors; they are rolling that back. Enforcement of antidiscrimination and affirmative action requirements that ensure that Federal contractors are for equal employment opportunities for workers, they are rolling that back. There are more rollbacks waiting in the wings, because, in fact, the Labor Department in a draft rule that is sitting in the White House regulatory office right now would likely weaken the rules that prohibit children from working in particularly dangerous jobs. All workers deserve to be paid fairly, earn good benefits, and come home safely at the end of the day. If we truly want to prioritize workers, then we must strengthen the laws, including regulations that protect workers' health and safety on the job and that empower workers' ability to form unions and bargain for their rights. The Trump administration, instead, is rolling back regulations that protect workers. We should be doing better. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for organizing this Special Order and giving us the opportunity to discuss what is going on with the Department of Labor.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Virginia, the Honorable James Walkinshaw, be permitted to take the oath of office today. His certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to his election.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as dean of the Virginia congressional delegation to introduce and welcome to Congress the newest Representative from the Commonwealth of Virginia, James Walkinshaw. James was born in Northern Virginia, the very region of the Commonwealth that he will now represent in Congress. He graduated from New York University with a degree in politics. He then returned home and got involved in his local community. He managed our dear friend Gerry Connolly's 2007 campaign for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and a year later he managed Gerry's successful campaign for Congress. While a new Member, James is no stranger to Congress. After Gerry's election to Congress, James went on to serve as his chief of staff for over a decade, where he worked closely with many of us and our staffs. James consistently fought alongside Gerry for the people of Virginia's 11th Congressional District. In 2019, he followed in his political mentor and boss' footsteps and was elected to serve on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, representing the Braddock district, where he has continued to be a powerful advocate for his community. He resides in Fairfax County with his wife, Yvette, and his son, Mateo. With his victory in this week's special election, I know he will make an outstanding addition to our delegation and this Chamber with his steadfast commitment to the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, fighting to have their voices heard in this body. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to now yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Walkinshaw).

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendments to H.R. 4553, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and in opposition to the underlying bill. The bill itself cuts over $750 million from the FY25 spending levels, revokes $5 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, zeroes out Army Corps programs that clean up radioactive waste and blocks clean energy initiatives. My four amendments support essential funding for our National Labs and our continued goal to restore the Chesapeake Bay. Specifically, three of my amendments support the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility and the High Performance Data Facility at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, commonly known as JLab, in Newport News, Virginia, and my fourth amendment supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' ongoing oyster restoration work in the Chesapeake Bay. Unfortunately, only one of these amendments will be considered on the floor. My first amendment No. 41, included in the bipartisan en bloc, highlights the importance of an optimal runtime for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility, or CEBAF. CEBAF is a world-leading facility studying the inner properties of nuclei, such as the quark and gluon structure of protons and neutrons. The research conducted at this facility has vastly improved our understanding of the fundamental make- up of matter and is actively supporting collaborative research globally in medium energy physics. Currently, numerous PhD students and researchers are waiting to use the facility for experiments, and the backlog continues to grow as more scientists hope to use this critical technology. To meet the research needs and to optimize the use of this facility, CEBAF requires an additional $11 million to operate for an optimal runtime of 34 weeks. The current level included in the bill seriously underfunds CEBAFs operations. A funding level of $166 million for CEBAF operations should be included in the final legislation. My second amendment No. 42, emphasizes the need for funding critically needed infrastructure improvements at CEBAF. The workforce at JLab is rapidly growing with the increased use of CEBAF and the installation of the Department of Energy's High Performance Data Facility. For JLab to effectively support its employees and researchers, the lab needs increased funding to build a modern workspace to match the research conducted at this facility. The final appropriations bill should include $38 million for JLab to update its CEBAF infrastructure. My third amendment No. 44, highlights the importance of the planning and construction of the High Performance Data Facility. The High Performance Data Facility will serve as a state-of-the-art computing facility supporting the Department of Energy's Office of Science Scientific User facilities. In collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, this project will address the forthcoming increased volume of data that will need to be processed in real time and ensure researchers have the ability to manage large quantities of data reliably and efficiently. As a result of lower than anticipated funding in fiscal year 2025, this project, which will serve the rapidly growing data infrastructure needs across the National Labs, requires additional funding and support. The final appropriations bill should include at least $25 million to ensure that the High Performance Data Facility is completed by 2030. My fourth amendment No. 39 emphasizes the important work being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to create new oyster habitats in the Chesapeake Bay. Oysters' natural ability to filter pollutants out of water make them an ideal partner in cleaning our Bay. The Corps serves as the lead agency for this endeavor and providing them with the necessary resources to continue growing the oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay will enable us to meet our water quality goals. The final appropriations bill should include $7.5 million for the Corps' oyster restoration work. I would like to thank Representatives Robert Wittman and Jennifer Kiggans for cosponsoring my amendments supporting JLab, and I would like to thank Representatives Robert Wittman and Sarah Elfreth for cosponsoring my amendment supporting oyster restoration in the Chesapeake Bay. While I was glad to see the inclusion of my first amendment to the bipartisan en bloc, the underlying bill does not adequately fund the important work being conducted at our national labs and by the Army Corps of Engineers. This bill abandons critical research in science, diminishes the importance of clean energy, and weakens the government's ability to restore and conserve our environment. For that reason, I oppose passage of this legislation.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr., Pastor of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Dr. Riddick's dedicated service to Gethsemane Baptist Church and to the people of Hampton Roads and beyond. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight just a few of his many accomplishments. Dr. Riddick is a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, and a proud graduate of Norfolk State University. In 1991, he earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. He went on to receive a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia in 2005 and earned a second doctorate from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 2016. Most recently, he completed the 2024 Collaboration Track of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. In 1985, Bishop Riddick was called to lead what was then Gethsemane Baptist Mission, now Gethsemane Baptist Church, after six years as pastor of First Baptist Church of Dendron, Virginia. After just two years of his leadership at Gethsemane, the church constructed a 20,000- square-foot worship and education center. In 2011, as the congregation continued to grow, Bishop Riddick led the construction of a second building, which became Gethsemane Baptist Church at The Transformation Place. As Pastor, Dr. Riddick has cultivated an active and thriving congregation that has grown to more than 2,000 members. Under his leadership, numerous community outreach programs and ministries have been established. His influence and service extend beyond his church; he has held several leadership positions, including serving as the 40th President of Hampton University's Minister's Conference, President of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, and a member of the Board of Trustees at Virginia Union University. In 2012, he was honored with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award. Bishop Riddick is also the founder of F.L.A.M.E., Inc. (Fostering Leadership and Ministry Excellence), a faith-based organization that provides support, training, and accountability for senior pastors across denominational lines. In September 2019, F.L.A.M.E., Inc. unanimously elected Dr. Riddick to the Office of Bishop, an elevation he accepted with humility and reverence. He was consecrated as the Presiding Prelate on November 13, 2021. To date, Bishop Riddick has licensed over 100 ministers. and nearly 40 have become pastors, chaplains and full-time professional ministers. Beyond his work at Gethsemane Baptist Church, he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Greater Peninsula C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, Inc. On the occasion of his 40th pastoral anniversary, it is my great honor to recognize and commend Bishop Dwight S. Riddick, Sr. for his unwavering service, exceptional leadership, and tireless dedication to the parishioners of Gethsemane Baptist Church, the people of Hampton Roads, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues and all Americans to read the recently published Winter 2024 edition of Public Service Review. The Review is a quarterly publication of the Stennis Center for Public Service. The Stennis Center is a federal, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the United States Congress to promote public service and strengthen the highest ideals of public service in America. Established in 1988 in honor of the late Senator John C. Stennis of Mississippi, the Stennis Center provides a variety of public service programs and development opportunities for young people, leaders in local, state, and federal government, and congressional staff. In addition to its Starkville, Mississippi, headquarters, the Center also has a Washington, D.C. office on Capitol Hill. I am proud that several members of my staff, including my Chief of Staff, my Staff Director on the Committee on Education and Workforce, and my Education Policy Director on the committee have served as Stennis Congressional Staff Fellows in the 115th, 117th, and 119th Congresses respectfully. The Winter 2024 edition of Public Service Review comes at a pivotal moment as we are in the early months of a new Congress and a new administration. In this time of transition, elevating the importance of public service is critical. The contributors to this edition, including senior public servants and participants in the Stennis Program for Congressional Interns, reflect on what it means to serve and to lead with purpose, integrity, and heart. I am proud that this edition includes an interview conducted by Meziah Scott, a graduate of Virginia State University, of Michael Maul, Director of the Department of Planning and Budget for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Their conversation centers on adaptability and collaboration in the public sector, with Director Maul emphasizing the vital role of mentorship in building a stronger future for government leadership. This edition includes other student led interviews by Cameron Mayers from the University of Mississippi School of Law, Adam Royko from Cleveland State University, Zahra Wakilzada from Georgetown University, Sydney Aalbers from Texas Tech University, Skylar Kil from Tulane University, Vivian Tarbert from Smith College, TaylorAnn Wooley from Black Hills State University, Javier Kowalchuk from the University of Florida, and Trinity Wilson from Alcorn State University. Each of these students should be proud of the work they contributed to the Winter 2024 edition of Public Service Review. Their interviews of individuals who have devoted their lives to public service reflects the heart of this publication and the work of the Stennis Center--the belief that public service is enriched by diversity of thought, background, and experience. Mr. Speaker, again, I encourage my colleagues and all Americans to read the latest edition of Public Service Review. The Winter 2024 edition and previous editions can be accessed online by visiting www.stennis.gov.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I offer a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia

Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am gathered here today with colleagues from the Commonwealth of Virginia and others with a heavy heart to announce to the House the passing of our friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly. I have had the distinct honor to serve alongside Gerry for many years. Gerry served in this Chamber since 2009, and before that, he served 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including 5 years as its chairman. Gerry was a tireless fighter for his constituents, an unwavering advocate for the Federal workforce, and a true steward for our democratic institutions. He loved America, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and, of course, his beloved hometown of Fairfax. As the ranking member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he spent the last few months on the front lines as the chief advocate for our Federal civil service workers. I deeply valued Gerry's partnership. We worked together to champion policies that strengthen our communities, protect workers' rights, and expand opportunities for all Americans. As his friend, I know I speak for all of us here to say that we will miss Gerry's infectious energy, his humor, and his unique ability to connect with people. This is a loss for this Chamber, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and our entire Nation. Our condolences go out to his wife, Smitty; his daughter, Caitlin; his staff; and the rest of his family and loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wittman).