Suhas Subramanyam

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the winners of this year's Congressional Award medalists from Virginia's 10th District. These young men and women put in 400-plus hours of volunteer work and 200-plus hours of personal development, as well as 200-plus hours of personal fitness activities. The winners of the Congressional Award's gold medal this year are Sabrina Lu of Riverside High School, who designed handmade cards and spread cancer awareness; Jason Jayanth of Academies of Loudoun and John Champe High School, who tutored students and volunteered at animal shelters while also playing on the basketball team; and Caitlyn Murphy, a sophomore at James W. Robinson Secondary School, who swam, played violin, and created and delivered more than 800 cards for seniors in local retirement homes. I congratulate these very accomplished young individuals on their Congressional Award gold medals, and I thank them for their service. Celebrating Gainesville High School Baseball Team

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize the Gainesville High School baseball team's historic State championship victory. In just their fourth season--they have only been a high school for 4 years--the Cardinals won their first State title, capping off the season with a 23-5 record. The championship game itself came down to the wire. With two outs and the tying run in scoring position, the Cardinals recorded the final out and sealed the win. I congratulate Gainesville High School on its historic championship- winning season and on all the hard work and hustle along the way. Making Federal Government Cost-Efficient

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, one of the things I get asked is why the Federal Government can't be as fast and cost-efficient as the private sector. Take a pen like this. If you are trying to buy a lot of them in the private sector, you can just go to Staples and Amazon to purchase them right there, really quickly, and for a pretty good cost. In the public sector, there are a lot of rules and regulations in place to buy things like pens or staples. It is even harder to do this with technology tools that can help people get their Social Security payments faster, renew passports, or help people access Medicare or Medicaid. That is why I am introducing the bipartisan FIT Procurement Act today with my colleague Congressman Burlison. The FIT Procurement Act would raise cost caps and allow the Federal Government to buy more innovative tools without going through the needless bureaucracy. What we are trying to do is help agencies not have to jump through so many hoops to get innovative tools to help people and help them serve people. It will make it easier, as well, for small businesses to sell to the Federal Government. Our bill makes commonsense fixes that we can all support on both sides of the aisle. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill that will save American taxpayers money, support small businesses, and spur economic innovation. Recognizing Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as it celebrates 30 years of service to our community. An organization initially founded by 3 individuals has now grown to over 600 volunteers. The conservancy has led the charge on habitat conservation, environmental education, and advocacy in Loudoun County, everything from stream monitoring to bird and animal counting. The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy reminds us that conservation isn't just about nature. It is about community, resilience, and quality of life. I know my wife and I are big fans and supporters of them. I congratulate Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on all its years of service to the community, and I thank all the volunteers.

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, meet Tariff Bear. He is cute, soft, and cuddly. He is only triple the cost of a normal bear like him. He is here to show us how this administration's tariffs are raising costs on families' favorite toys, clothes, and shoes because toys like him are becoming unaffordable to families. I recently got a letter from a concerned young Scout who is worried that the administration's tariffs will drive up the cost of Legos, one of his favorite toys. As a dad, this hits home for me. My girls are Lego and Disney Princess fans. I have watched the movie about ten times. From Transformers to Lincoln Logs to Barbies, this administration is raising prices in our toys aisles with these tariffs. We keep hearing that this President is ushering in a golden age. I think raising costs on families buying gifts, clothes, or shoes for their children does not sound very golden to me, To the young constituent who wrote to me, I will fight to lower costs for all Virginians and all Americans and to keep Tariff Bear where he belongs, which is in hibernation.

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary member of our community, Brigadier General Donald Wayne Hansen, U.S. Army (Retired), on the occasion of his 92nd birthday, celebrated on June 4, 2025. This milestone marks a lifetime of extraordinary military service, leadership, and dedication to our Nation. General Hansen's nearly three-decade career began after graduating from the University of Colorado in 1956 and commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. During the Vietnam War, he served as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate for the 1st Infantry Division, the legendary ``Big Red One,'' and later as Staff Judge Advocate for the United States Army Support Command in Saigon. His service continued in Europe with the 3rd Armored Division and in senior legal roles across the Army, including Chief of the Criminal Law Division, Commander of the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency, and Chief Judge of the U.S. Army Court of Military Review. In 1985, he was appointed Assistant Judge Advocate General of the U.S. Army, capping a distinguished career characterized by integrity, valor, and commitment to military justice. Among his memorable acts of bravery was his inspection of a collapsed tunnel in Vietnam's Iron Triangle, which demonstrated courage under uncertainty. I celebrate not only General Hansen's 92nd birthday but also his enduring legacy of patriotism and exemplary service that continues to inspire our Nation.

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Kyle Benjamin Coleman, a beloved son, brother, and student from Gainesville who tragically passed away this month. Only 19 years old, Kyle graduated from Battlefield High School and had just finished his first year at Morehouse College in Atlanta. At home, Kyle was the former teen president of our local Jack and Jill chapter. At Morehouse, he participated in campus organizations, including the Morehouse Business Association and the Leadership Education and Development Certificate Program. His friends called him a light and incredibly bright. He certainly was. I and so many in our community are sending prayers to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, imagine if someone owes you money and they said they would pay you back immediately, but they take weeks, months, and then years to do so. That is what is going on right now with our Federal Government. The IRS has a backlog of tax refunds that is costing the American people a lot of money. Instead of fixing the backlog and rooting out waste and fraud, this administration is defunding the IRS and firing tax experts. They are opening the door for more waste, fraud, and abuse, not less. This doesn't save money. Instead, we will lose out on $159 billion on tax revenue, and the impacts are just hypothetical. I am hearing from constituents all over my district who are tangibly impacted by this backlog and by what is going on at the IRS. Take a small business in my district who filed for a tax refund. They are owed tens of thousands of dollars, money that is critical to running and growing their business, and now they can't make new investments because they are waiting for their refund. There is another family whose refund has taken years now, and they continue to see delays in getting their money back. Defunding the IRS will only make those delays worse, and firing the tax watchdogs who prevent corruption will help big corporations dodge taxes left and right. DOGE is enabling tax fraud, and making it harder to hold corporations more accountable. If my colleagues want to save taxpayer money, how about we fix the IRS, not dismantle it. This will save more money than DOGE ever would. Russell Vought and DOGE

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, many people think after Elon Musk left his post and is taking shots at the administration that DOGE is over, but that is simply not true. The real architect of DOGE is Russell Vought. Vought is the co-author of Project 2025, the memo that President Trump said he has nothing to do with during the campaign trail. Vought currently heads the Office of Management and Budget and said himself that he wants to traumatize the Federal workforce. He said: `` . . . we want them to not want to go to work . . . We want their funding to be shut down . . . We want to put them in trauma.'' This includes firing hard-to-replace civil servants, scientists, and meteorologists; and intimidating and harassing those who remain in hopes of driving them out of the Federal Government, despite their expertise that we need to keep our country safe and prosperous. Let's be clear. This is not about making government more efficient. In fact, they want to replace many of these jobs with loyalists, even setting up loyalty tests. They are driving a brain drain in our Federal Government by choosing loyalty to the President over merit and competence, creating less efficiency and more waste, fraud, and abuse, and opportunities for corruption. Essentially, we have to stop this. Make no mistake, I will fight this every step of the way. Celebrating Station 7

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the new fire station that just opened off of Route 50, Station 7. This new 23,000-square-foot facility is replacing the previous fire station that was built in 1971 and will provide crucial, lifesaving services to over 6,000 residents, covering over 40,000 square miles of response area. Station 7 will be staffed around the clock by career and volunteer firefighters and respond to calls of all types, medical, fire, and even wildland support. The work that these first responders do is critical, and they keep all of us healthy, safe, and protected; putting their lives on the line for the benefit of the community. As a former volunteer firefighter myself, I thank the crews operating out of the new Aldie Fire Station for their service and dedication to our community. Effects of Big, Ugly Bill on Virginians

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, the big, ugly bill the House passed is actually far worse than we thought for Virginians. A new report shows that the red tape this bill adds to Medicaid eligibility could leave over 400,000 people in Virginia uninsured. That will lead to full ERs, long wait times, and higher insurance premiums for all Virginians. The bill also continues the attack on Virginia's Federal workforce by undermining benefits for contractors, veterans, and longtime civil servants. And while Virginians are being squeezed by grocery prices because of tariffs, the cuts to SNAP in this bill will mean tens of thousands of kids and over 35,000 veterans could lose their access to affordable food. I don't think leaving children and veterans without food assistance is beautiful at all. The truth is that this big, ugly bill is that it will bankrupt future generations by exploding the debt. It will hurt our economy in Virginia and leave kids and seniors without food and care.

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Puerto Rican Alliance of Northern Virginia for hosting and organizing their third annual festival. Virginia is home to a vibrant Puerto Rican community, and the festival celebrates the community's culture and contributions. It brings in vendors, volunteers, music, and a vibrant community. The festival made history in 2023 as the first-ever Puerto Rican festival in the DMV region. Each year, the festival draws over 10,000 attendees and continues to showcase the community's culture. The festival made history again in 2024 with over 18,000 guests in attendance. I thank the Puerto Rican Alliance of Northern Virginia, and I wish them a great event this year.

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 451 graduates of John Champe High School's class of 2025. This class has a lot to be proud of. In their time as Knights, the girls' soccer team made history by winning their first State title. A member of the swimming team earned a State title at this year's Virginia High School League Swim and Dive State championships. The students performed in musicals and theater productions, including Disney's ``The Little Mermaid.'' My family is already looking forward to seeing the next show. They certainly have left their mark on the John Champe community. Whether it is college, the military, the workforce, or the trades, I look forward to seeing all that the students accomplish. Congratulations to the John Champe High School class of 2025. Congratulating Lightridge High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the 463 students at Lightridge's High School class of 2025, a group that has accomplished so much. Over the last 4 years, as Lightning, they have struck us all with their amazing theater performances and band performances. They have won regional titles and competed in Model U.N. competitions. To the students, no matter what you do next, all of these experiences will prepare you to be leaders, critical thinkers, scientists, or whatever else you want to be. I am looking forward to following your journey, and make sure to thank your parents and teachers, as well. Congratulations to the Lightridge High School class of 2025. Congratulating Riverside High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Riverside High School graduating class of 2025. In their time as Rams, they have competed in the State and regional championships, performed plays, and gone above and beyond academically. They have excelled across a wide range of fields. Riverside Moon Productions won a competition, and the varsity softball team won a 5A State title. Riverside was also named as a platinum member of the 2024 AP School Honor Roll. This would not have been possible without the 80 percent of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school. Congratulations to the class of 2025 for all of their hard work and accomplishments. I am looking forward to the next chapter and what it has in store for them. Congratulating Briar Woods Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 457 graduates of Briar Woods High School class of 2025. In their time as Falcons, they have put time and effort into classes, sports activities, and clubs while building lifelong friendships. They have excelled in a wide range of fields this year. The football team went to the State championship. Seventeen students in the DECA chapter qualified for the International Career Development Conference. The theater program took home awards at the Blue Ridge Glamies for ``Hello, Dolly!'' The graduating class of 2025 was awarded a total of $6.7 million in scholarships and grants, and that is really impressive. I congratulate the entire class of 2025, and I know they will carry what they learned at Briar Woods into the future. Congratulating Broad Run High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 400 graduates of Broad Run High School's class of 2025. In their time as Spartans, they have worked hard in class, participated in clubs and extracurricular activities, competed in sports, and made lifelong friendships. The class of 2025 has excelled across a wide range of fields this year. The girls' varsity rowing team won bronze at the State championship. The Marching Spartans' Celestial program dazzled, and their production of ``The Mystery of Edwin Drood'' wowed crowds. They left their mark on our community in Ashburn. I look forward to seeing what they accomplish next. I congratulate the class of 2025 at Broad Run High School. I know they will look back on their time fondly. I hope they come back to Ashburn often. Congratulating Dominion High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 390 graduates of Dominion High School's class of 2025. In their time as Titans, they have excelled across a wide range of fields. Six will continue their athletic pursuits at the collegiate level. Members of the class made their mark at this year's Loudoun Now's 2025 Excellence in High School Journalism Awards ceremony. Others were National Merit Scholarship winners and so much more. Among the impressive things about Dominion are its proud alumni networks. School representatives told us about 15 alumni have returned to be teachers at Dominion High School. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the class of 2025, and I look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in the future. Congratulating Freedom High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the remarkable Freedom scholars in the class of 2025. In their time as Eagles, the graduates have accomplished so much. From inspiring performances on the stage to hard-fought victories on the field and a true commitment to serving our community, they embody what it means to be a Freedom Eagle. Their passion for change and dedication to making a difference is clear, especially through the efforts of their JROTC cadets, who have dedicated their Saturdays to community service. They left their mark on Freedom High School. I look forward to watching all that they accomplish. I congratulate the Freedom High School class of 2025. Mr. Speaker, I know as they leave the nest, they will soar into the future. Congratulating Heritage High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 345 graduates of Heritage High School and their class of 2025. In their time as part of the Pride, the varsity baseball team won the regional championship. Students put on their first student-led sensory performance, ``Big Fish,'' this past spring. Students hosted Heritage's third annual First Responder Cookout, thanking them for their service. So many students have given back to our community in many ways, and they have left their mark on the community. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to watching all they accomplish, and I congratulate the graduates of Heritage High School's class of 2025. Congratulating Independence High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 531 graduates of Independence High School's class of 2025. As Tigers, they have excelled academically and across a wide range of other fields. The crew team earned the gold medal at the 2025 Virginia Scholastic Rowing Championships. For the first time in the school's history, they played in an indoor percussion ensemble season. The students have contributed to the pride of independence and our community. As a school that is so new, it has been amazing to see all that it has accomplished. They are one of the first graduating classes. Whatever comes next, I wish them all the best of luck and success in this new chapter of their lives. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Independence High School Tigers. Congratulating Loudoun County High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 359 graduates of Loudoun County High School and their class of 2025. In their time as Captains, this class has gone above and beyond in creativity, leadership, and spirit. They have excelled across a wide range of fields, whether through giving back with the Captains Outreach, winning gold at the track-and- field championships, or demonstrating academic excellence. They truly have been an impressive graduating class. This class has left its mark on Loudoun County High School. I look forward to seeing all that the graduates accomplish in the future, and I congratulate the Loudoun County High School class of 2025. Congratulating Loudoun Valley High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the 767 graduates of Loudoun Valley High School's class of 2025. In their time as Vikings, this class has learned to lead with Viking Values, respecting one another, extending empathy, and acting with integrity. This class excelled across a wide range of fields, including field hockey. I congratulate them on their State title there. They have impressed the community with their art galleries and theater performances. Without a doubt, they have excelled academically. The students have left their mark on Loudoun Valley, and I look forward to watching all that they accomplish in the future. Go Vikings. Congratulating Park View High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 345 graduates of Park View High School's class of 2025. In their time as Patriots, this class excelled in the classroom and on the field. They have achieved excellence across different fields-- student journalism, mathematics, science, engineering, English, and the arts. They have demonstrated curiosity toward the world and compassion for others. Whether it is on the sports field or a variety of shows, band performances, and theater productions, I hope the students carry the memories they made with their classmates for a lifetime. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Park View High School's class of 2025. Congratulating Potomac Falls High School Class of 2025

Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the graduates of Potomac Falls High School's class of 2025. In their time as Panthers, they participated in a wide range of clubs and activities, including cybersecurity club, ice hockey, and Latin dance. They accomplished so much this year. The track team won a title at the VHSL Championships. The production of ``Hairspray'' was a huge success. The chamber orchestra earned straight superiors at their assessment. Potomac Falls was named a National Model School this year, 1 of only 13 in the United States and the only 1 in Virginia. These students have left their mark on Potomac Falls High School. I am sure their time at Potomac Falls will serve them well in the future. I wish them all the best of luck as they enter the best chapter of their lives, and they should thank their parents and teachers, as well. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the class of 2025. Congratulating Rock Ridge High School Class of 2025