Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record a statement from Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, and the representative of the Jewish Community at the City of Chesapeake's civic occasions.

Jewish Prayers on Capital Hill

(By Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman)

Howard Mortman, the author of an invaluable and unique

publication entitled, ``When Rabbis Bless Congress--The Great

American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill'' is C-

SPAN's communications director covering the U.S. Congress,

and a graduate of the University of Maryland. His family

belongs to Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Virginia. In

his publication, Mortman concludes in a tongue in cheek

style. ``So, want to hear rabbis cite Moses and Scripture and

Torah and Talmud and Mishnah to legislators and the public?

Don't turn to Jerusalem--the Knesset does not open with

prayer (although, arguably, who in the Knesset isn't a

rabbi?). Instead tune into Washington, where Israel's chief

rabbis can and have served as guest chaplains in Congress,

just like hundreds of others.''

While both the House and the Senate of the U.S. Congress

have full-time clergy chaplains. there is a long-standing

tradition of guest chaplains for a day which amounts to

offering a brief prayer at the opening session of each

chamber. Instructions are provided by both chaplains' offices

for the Invocation's length, and content is submitted ahead

of time. C-Span provides live coverage, and the prayer is

printed in the Congressional Record--which began operating in

1873--on the day of delivery. The guest chaplain is

ordinarily recommended by the clergyperson's Representative

and Senator, and it is truly a memorable experience to be

invited for such an honor. A certificate and photo op are

included.

I have had the privilege to offer the Invocation, so far

twice in each chamber, vividly recalling the accompanied

solemnity with the opportunity to engage with present members

of the august bodies. Most members are usually not present in

person, instead watching from the screens in their offices

the offered prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and

the session's agenda. unless there is a vote to take place on

the floor. I watched from home on TV the deadly attack on

Congress on January 6, 2021, with the defiled desecration of

both chambers and the rest of that magnificent and historic

citadel of democracy known the world over. To witness it,

though from a distance, was painfully shocking and beyond

unfathomable, with alarming ramifications for American

democracy and the Jewish community.

As the book's title reflects, there is much expressed pride

in Jewish clergy representing a minority participating as co-

equal with other religious figures in a tradition some regard

as violation of constitutional church and state separation,

though upheld by the Supreme Court in 1983. The book's

impressive treasure trove collection of myriad fascinating

and intriguing items with sprinkled humor is grouped into two

parts, including nine sections. Part One: Who They Are is

made up of Section 1: Setting the Scene: A Congress at Pray.

Section II: Who Are These Rabbis? Section III: Media

Portrayal. Part Two: What They Say. Section IV: Religious

Awareness. Section V: Policy and Politics. Section VI: War,

Evil, Terror. Section VII: Congress Institutions. Section

VIII: America the Exceptional! Section IX: Diversity:

Including the Christians. Given the close proximity of the

Washington Hebrew Congregation, the oldest synagogue in the

capital since 1852 and chartered in 1856 by a Congressional

act, it holds the record of guest chaplains. The first rabbi

to offer a prayer in Congress did so on February I, 1860.

This was an important moment for the American Jewish

community; historian Rabbi Dr. Bertram Korn is quoted, ``In

more than a theoretical sense, therefore this was the initial

recognition by the House of Representatives of the equal

standing of Judaism, with Christianity, as' an American

faith.'' Of note, on that historic date the House elected its

first Republican Speaker, New Jersey's William Pennington,

which was acknowledged in the prayer. The U.S. President then

was James Buchanan.

Rabbi Edward Calisch of Congregation Beth Ahavah in

Richmond, Virginia, was the first American--born rabbi to

offer a prayer in the House on April 6, 1892. The iconic

Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise was the first rabbi to offer a prayer

in the Senate on May 21, 1870. His biennial birth was

recognized with a special resolution in the Senate on April

4, 2019. Rabbi Sally Priesand of New York's Steven Wise Free

Synagogue was the first woman and first female rabbi to

invoke in the House on October 23, 1973. Her sponsor was the

Congresswoman Bella Abzug. In the Senate, the first woman was

Rev. Wilmina Roland Smith, a presbyterian minister, on July

8, 1971. The first woman rabbi blessing the Senate was Rabbi

Dena Feingold on April 20, 1994, sponsored by her brother,

Democratic Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.

Though the Jews only make up 2.2 percent of the American

populace, 35 rabbis out of 527 House guest chaplains

participated from September 2006 to September 2016. As of

February 2020, 441 rabbis delivered prayers, with an average

rate of 7.5 percent since WWII, and 11 percent respectively

in 2018 and 2019. In Spring 2018, the number of rabbinic

invocations was 613, which is symbolically significant,

Mortman points out given the traditional number of Mitzvot.

Conservative Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff, a former Navy chaplain

and line officer during the Vietnam War, holds the record

with 16 offered prayers. The C-SPAN Video Library allows

access to House prayers since 1979, and to Senate prayers

beginning in 1986.

The book's invaluable Index of Names highlights 347 rabbis offering Congressional prayers. Rabbi Dr. Gary P. Zola, Executive Director of the

American Jewish Archives and Professor of the American Jewish Experience at the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati campus, offered one prayer in each chamber. He is among those at the volume's end who glowingly and justifiability endorse the book, writing ``Howard Mortman's extensively researched volume is jam-packed with astonishing facts and enthralling stories. His book is likely to become the final word on this subject. Once you begin to read Mortman 's captivating story of Jewish prayers on Capitol Hill, you will not want to put it down.''

Rabbi Dr. Israel Zobennan is the founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach. He is honorary senior rabbi scholar at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. He represents the Jewish community at civic events in the City of Chesapeake.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Howard E. Robinson, Sr., a constituent of Virginia's 4th Congressional District. In February, Mr. Robinson will reach the milestone birthday of turning 100 years old.

Howard E. Robinson, Sr., was born on February 1, 1922 in Chase City, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, to Robert and Mary Robinson. Mary a domestic worker, and Robert, a janitor, both believed in education to provide ladders of economic mobility for their children.

Mr. Robinson attended the Thyne Institute, which was established by the United Presbyterian Church and dedicated to educating Black children. Thyne Institute was the only school in Mecklenburg County for children of color to attend for almost 50 years, and due to the abhorrent policies of the Jim Crow South, Mr. Robinson was unable to attend an integrated school.

From a young age Howard understood the principles and ideas of hard work. To pay for his education at the Thyne Institute he cut grass for the school and drove the principal and his daughter into Chase City to shop.

Howard would graduate from the Thyne Institute as valedictorian, and go on to study at Virginia State College, now known as Virginia State University (VSU), on a full scholarship. While in college Mr. Robinson met Anna Smith, who he would marry in 1951. Mr. Robinson graduated from Virginia State College with a degree in biology.

Upon graduation from Virginia State College, Howard returned to the Thyne Institute to teach geography and English. In 1942 as World War II raged on, Howard was drafted into the United States Army where he served as a clerk and chauffer for a Captain at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Howard was honorably discharged after more than two years of service.

Following his service, Howard and Anna built a home in Chase City and became active in their community. Howard returned once again to the Thyne Institute, where he would teach biology, chemistry, and general science at the middle and high school levels for fifteen years. Howard went on to teach and serve as a guidance counselor in Mecklenburg County Public Schools at East End High School for 35 years.

Howard continued to pursue his own education throughout his career. At the request of the Principal and Superintendent, Howard pursued graduate level coursework from the George Washington University, Virginia State College, and obtained a master's degree in Guidance from the Hampton Institute, in 1962.

After spending his career in education, he retired in 1987.

Howard has dedicated his life to service. In total, he taught for fifty years. It is estimated that he educated, counseled, and inspired more than 10,000 students during his career. He also has provided civic, church, and academic leadership in the Southside community. Howard has lived a life of purpose, integrity, and love.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Howard E. Robinson, Sr., a happy 100th birthday.

Madam Speaker, small businesses play a crucial role in our national security and it is imperative that we do everything in our power to strengthen their ability to

compete for government contracts. That is why I introduced the Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protege Program Act of 2021, which authorizes a business mentor-protege program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This bill pursues two critical goals: strengthening and helping small businesses, the backbone of our economy, and bolstering DHS, which has the critical responsibility to keep Americans safe. The legislation will give a hand up to minority-, woman-, and veteran-owned small businesses, making them more competitive for DHS contracts, and therefore, more likely to be successful, offering jobs and returning dollars to their communities. This pandemic has only reinforced the significant role that small businesses play. A broader, more diverse pool of DHS contractors saves taxpayer dollars, creates a stronger economy and most critically, helps keep our country safe. The Department of Homeland Security Mentor- Protege Program Act of 2021 has been included in the House version of the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as an amendment and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that this vital piece of legislation remains in the final NDAA.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Reverend Curtis West Harris, for whom a post office in my district is being named next week following enactment of H.R. 3847 last year. He was an influential and well-respected member of our community, who fought for social justice all his life.

Reverend Harris was a trailblazer. Born in Dendron, Virginia, on July 1, 1924, Reverend Harris attended Virginia Union University in Richmond and then began work at Allied Chemical in Hopewell. During his time there, Reverend Harris served as a union shop steward and worked to promote diversity by advocating for the employment of African Americans in positions beyond janitors. When met with opposition, Reverend Harris sued Allied Chemical for violating regulations prohibiting discrimination.

Ordained as a Baptist minister in 1959, Reverend Harris continued his fight for social justice. In 1960, he was sentenced to sixty days in jail for staging a sit-in at a segregated drugstore in Hopewell. Reverend Harris was arrested over a dozen times for peaceful protest and civil disobedience.

Reverend Harris joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's (SCLC) national board and would eventually become the leader of the SCLC's Virginia Chapter for over thirty years. During his time with the SCLC, Reverend Harris became one of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s top lieutenants, marching with Dr. King from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. In 1966, Reverend Harris organized a march to fight plans for a landfill in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Hopewell, ultimately coming face to face with the Ku Klux Klan at the steps of the Hopewell City Hall.

In addition to his service with the SCLC, he served in leadership roles for the Hopewell Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, at the Virginia Council on Human Relations, and with numerous organizations.

Reverend Harris was highly respected within his community. He was active in local politics, serving as an elected member of the Hopewell City Council for over 25 years, and eventually as Hopewell's first Black mayor.

Throughout his time in public service, Reverend Harris fought tirelessly for civil rights and educational and environmental justice.

On December 10, 2017, Reverend Curtis Harris died at the age of 93. He was buried in Appomattox Cemetery, which he fought to integrate in 1960.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and accomplishments of Reverend Curtis West Harris and in celebrating the renaming of the post office in Hopewell in his honor.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize my Constituent Services Director, Rev. Sylvia Copeland-Murphy, for her devoted service to her church, Oak Grove Baptist Church, in Suffolk, Virginia, where she has served as the Assistant Pastor for the last 18 years.

Sylvia was born and raised in Suffolk, Virginia. She was one of seven children in her family and attended public school in the Suffolk area. Sylvia has dedicated her life to serving as a voice for the underprivileged through her work on housing assistance, with Oak Grove Baptist Church, and as Constituent Services Director for Virginia's Fourth Congressional District.

I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Sylvia on the campaign trail in 2016. She has an infectious, kind personality that draws people towards her, and has been an irreplaceable member of my team.

Through her work at her church, Sylvia has supported her community by leading youth groups, women's ministries, and workshops. These initiatives showcase Sylvia's deep care for her community and her devotion to Oak Grove Baptist Church. I knew early on that her dedication to supporting her community would be a great asset to my office.

With Sylvia's support, the first congressional office in the city of Suffolk opened and she continued to serve her community through her role as a caseworker, and eventually, as Constituent Services Director. Her compassion, diligence, and organization made her a natural fit for the position, one of the hardest jobs in any congressional office. Through her particularly impressive background in housing and devotion to her community, Sylvia has been able to provide immeasurable support to the people in Virginia's Fourth Congressional District.

Sylvia has a knack for finding the source of a problem and fixing it. With her passion, empathy, and intelligence, Sylvia is a powerful leader and successful advocate for her community. Sylvia's dedication to public service has left a lasting impact on the lives of the parishioners of Oak Grove Baptist Church and the Suffolk community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Rev. Sylvia Copeland-Murphy for her service to her community and Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Michael Paul Williams, a columnist from the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the primary newspaper of record for the Commonwealth, which is located in my district.

Mr. Williams was recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. He is the first Pulitzer Prize recipient at the Times-Dispatch since 1948.

Throughout his nearly 40-year career, he has been a dedicated and effective journalist who has focused much of his work on issues of race and racial inequality in Virginia.

The first commentator of color at the Times-Dispatch, he has provided unique, insightful, and impactful commentary that has sparked public discourse, helped shape narratives and understandings of race in Virginia, and challenged readers to consider the inequities that communities of color face.

It is with great honor that I congratulate Michael Paul Williams for his award-winning commentary on the issues impacting our communities in Richmond.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant David Hershberger as the 2021 recipient of the inaugural Memorial Day recognition program for the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia.

Staff Sergeant Hershberger died on January 10, 1968, in service of his country while assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division during the Vietnam war. Staff Sergeant Hershberger was involved in close combat with an armed hostile force and for his gallantry in action he was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.

Staff Sergeant Hershberger was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 10, 1947, the first child of Lloyd and Wilchester Woodley Hershberger (Chester). Along with his siblings Cindy, Patti, and Charles, David relished life in the country. With many aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby, he was rooted in family. The Hershberger family faithfully attended Laurel Avenue Church of Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia, where David attended youth group and was much loved by his church family.

He attended Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach where he was on the track team. He was particularly adept at running hurdles and was awarded a trophy for Athlete of the Year. He graduated with the class of 1965.

SSG Hershberger enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 and attended his training as an infantryman in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Dr. James D. Johnson served with SSG Hershberger and said that, ``David was a natural leader. Everyone, and I mean everyone, in Company A, 360th Infantry knew him . . . When David spoke, everyone knew to listen and that whatever he said was straight. He was very energetic, enthusiastic, mature beyond his years and highly respected in everything he did.''

It is for these reasons and so many more that I am proud to recognize Staff Sergeant Hershberger as the 2021 recipient of the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia's inaugural Memorial Day recognition program for his selfless service to our Commonwealth and our country.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Staff Sergeant Hershberger for his devotion to the United States of America and his selflessness while in defense of our country.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to honor and recognize the late Rhea K. Hale, a constituent of mine, who devoted her career to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.

Ms. Hale's determination enabled her to forge an impressive career doing what she loved. She worked for IBM's Center for Environmentally Conscious Products, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Forest, and Paper Association, and WestRock. She was a respected and well-known voice within the industry, as well as a recognized authority on issues related to public policy and sustainability.

Ms. Hale had a talent for seeing possibilities, and the vision and persistence to bring them to life. She is remembered by her friends and colleagues not only as a passionate and determined advocate for bettering our planet, but also as a kind, thoughtful, caring, and unfailing friend.

One of Ms. Hale's friends noted that ``If you walked into a room and Rhea was there, everything was better.'' Although our Commonwealth has lost a wonderful, intelligent person, we must reflect on her work and honor her legacy. Rhea will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, her colleagues, and all those whom she touched during her life.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing my deepest condolences to Ms. Hale's family, and in honoring her life's work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record a poem from Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach, and the representative of the Jewish Community at the City of Chesapeake's civic occasions.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as the proud sponsor of the resolution honoring Earth Day.

For over 50 years, people have come together on April 22, which is tomorrow, to support protections for our air, water, and land, and to increase appreciation for Mother Earth.

But every day, not just on Earth Day, we must commit ourselves to protecting our planet. We must embrace our shared responsibility to preserve our Earth, not only by increasing environmental and climate literacy but by building upon efforts like the Paris Agreement to ensure that future generations inherit a livable, sustainable, and ecologically rich planet.

Throughout the past year, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our Nation. However, our natural environment, including parks and green spaces, has been a haven for communities to come together safely.

This past year has reinforced the importance of protecting these natural spaces and ensuring the continued cleaning and greening of all communities.

Like those who celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970, tomorrow we must continue our work to address environmental challenges, large and small, from climate change to litter; to educate friends, neighbors, and elected representatives about the need for year-round action; and to honor the stewardship ethic that serves as the foundation of this special day.

Together, we can protect our planet, public health, and overall well- being of all people and wildlife.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of Tobi Ojo, an 11th grade student at Grassfield High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, and the high school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. Ms. Ojo wrote a powerful essay on Stacey Abrams' groundbreaking electoral successes and the exceptional work of African-American women across our nation. I am inspired by Ms. Ojo's words, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them.

Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of the African-American community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Tobi Ojo's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.

February is the month to celebrate black history,

accomplishments, and excellence. When thinking of historical

figures who embody these ideologies, many individuals would

mention Martin Luther King Jr. or Rosa Parks. If neither of

these historical figures is mentioned most people would say

another popular African-American man. Black excellence in

terms of African-American women is hardly recognized. One

African-American lady who has been currently seen breaking

societal expectations is politician and lawyer, Stacey

Abrams.

Mrs. Abrams broke history by being the first black woman to

be a major party nominee for governor in the United States.

She was a former liberal State House leader who wanted to

change the historically conservative state of Georgia. Her

campaign was centered on ``the Georgia of tomorrow.''

Although she is not currently the governor of Georgia, no

woman has ever come close to holding that position. Moreover,

there has not been a governor position held by a black

individual since the Reconstruction Era.

Stacey Abrams is also a successful graduate from Yale Law

School. Outside of politics, Mrs, Abrams runs a small

business and is a successful writer. Most of her successful

books, such as Minority Leader: Lead From Outside and Our

Time Is Now, center around her struggles and achievements in

her life. These books inspire others like Mrs. Abrams to

break societal standards set to hinder black lives in

America.

Instead of allowing her race and gender to become a

hindrance, Mrs. Abrams continues to strive to make a change

in the state of Georgia. Georgia has had a history of black

representation in small positions but not in statewide

positions. Abrams continues to work to improve black

communities in Georgia. One of her top priorities is to see

more black women leaders in government positions (The New

York Times 2021).

Stacey Abrams is also a voting rights activist who fights

for Americans to have their voice heard through their votes.

After seeing the massive mismanagement of Georgia's 2018

election, she decided to combat this problem. This was one of

the reasons why she founded the Fair Fight. The Fair Fight

helps educate voters on election reforms and advocate for

election reform on various government levels. This

organization promotes fair

elections by encouraging fair elections in Georgia. Fair

Fight focuses on empowering the voices of minorities and

diminishing voter suppression (About Fair Fight/Fair Fight''

2020).

Fair Fights was one of the many organizations that Stacey

Abrams founded. In 2019, Fair Count was created. Fair Count

was established to increase civic engagement in states and

improve Census accuracy. Another organization that was

created by Stacey Abrams is Southern Economic Advancement

Project. The Southern Economic Advancement Project promotes

public policies that improve economic power and increase

equity in the South.

Stacey Abrams seeks to create change outside of Georgia and

the United States. She is a member of former Secretary of

State John Kerry's World War Zero bipartisan coalition which

tries to educate individuals on climate change. Stacey Abrams

has met with politicians in Taiwan, South Korea, Israel to

bring about change on different issues worldwide (``About

Stacey Abrams/Fair Fight'' 2021).

Politician and writer, Stacey Abrams, has won awards that

shine her accomplishments and works. She was a recipient of

John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award. Stacey Abrams continues

to break history day by day by fighting for those who do not

have a voice and representation in government policies and

positions.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the exemplary work of Shea Dowling, an 8th grade student at Albert Hill Middle School in Richmond, Virginia, and the middle school winner of the Black History Month essay contest I hosted earlier this month. Mr. Dowling wrote a superb essay on the presidency of Barack Obama and the positive impact it has left on African-Americans. I am inspired by the words of Mr. Dowling, and I encourage young people across our country to reflect on what this month means to them.

Since its creation less than 50 years ago, Black History Month has been a time to honor and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of the African-American community.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Shea Dowling's exceptional work in celebration of Black History Month.

As the first Black President, Barack Obama is an important

figure in Black history. His 2008 election set the record for

the most votes ever cast, recently surpassed by Biden in this

election. He was a good President in the eyes of many during

his two terms. He fought the 2008 recession and helped pass

the Affordable Care Act. He also repealed Don't Ask Don't

Tell which allowed the LGBTQ+ community serve openly in the

military. He set in motion the opportunity for gays to marry.

Obama also signed the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which

helped lessen the wage gap between genders.

Throughout Obama's campaign and presidency, he faced

discrimination and people calling him and his family names.

People did different things, such as they called his wife,

Michelle Obama, a man. The birther movement started, where

people questioned the legitimacy of Obama's birth

certificate.

A number of Black leaders inspired our country and paved

the way for Obama's success; including MLK, Jesse Jackson,

John Lewis, and Shirley Chisholm. However, seeing a Black

President for eight years, the majority of my childhood has

shown my classmates that they, too, can be anything they

want--even President. Obama's presidency has ushered in the

success of other Black leaders nationally including Kamala

Harris, Kwanza Hall, and Jamaal Bowman.

Electing a Black leader to the highest position of power in

our country is a step in the right direction, but we have a

long ways to go to become a truly equal nation with equal

rights and equal opportunities for all. We have to stand

together, united against racism and discrimination. We have

to continue

teaching both the good and the ugly of history, we have to

look beyond mean words and ways to divide us. We need to

teach people to stop looking at one another as strangers, but

instead, to look at them as friends and get to know what is

inside of others. Together, we can carry Obama's legacy

forward, continue to elevate Black voices and Black leaders,

and move forward as a country that knows our differences--the

many voices we bring to the table--is what makes us unique as

a country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the work of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff, specifically the Black and brown members, for their excellent work every day, but especially for their work across the Capitol complex after it was desecrated on January 6, 2021 by a mob of rioters and insurrectionists trying to reverse the results of a fair and free election. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated stewards of our temple of democracy, and their exemplary work deserves to be acknowledged.

The labor of Black and brown Americans is integral to the history of our Capitol building. When the Capitol was first constructed, enslaved Black laborers were brought in from across the country to build the home of our nation's democracy. Enslaved laborers were involved in nearly every step of construction, from quarrying marble and sandstone to masonry to devising the architectural innovations needed to install the Statue of Freedom in 1863.

Today, our Capitol continues to rely on the labor of Black and brown Americans. Our Black and brown custodial staff make sure the entire Capitol complex is pristine and accessible to all that visit, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, they have worked to maintain our community's health and safety. I see the pride they take in their work each and every day and thank them for their endless dedication.

On January 6, 2021, Black and brown custodial staff were in attendance as well. While media coverage has largely focused on the experiences of House Members and Senators, custodial and administrative staff throughout the Capitol complex weathered the siege all the same. Once the Capitol was secured, these dedicated employees were the first back to work, scrubbing the stains inflicted on our temple of democracy by the same rioters who made them fear for their lives.

Our colleagues' work to clean the Capitol is particularly commendable considering the appalling racial nature of the riots. Former President Trump and his supporters spread baseless allegations and lies about the integrity of the 2020 presidential election, including about the validity of votes cast in majority Black or brown cities. When election officials and the courts refused to overturn the results, a predominately white mob, including proud white supremacists, stormed the Capitol. After seeing these white rioters treated more kindly than protestors for racial justice often are, the largely Black and brown custodial staff were left to clean up the mess. They cleaned up broken glass, blood, empty bottles, and other items left by the mob. I read that a staff member described the experience of cleaning up after the insurrection as ``degrading.'' To that end, I say we see you and we appreciate your efforts. Their work was not made in vain, nor did it go unnoticed.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these distinguished members of the U.S. Capitol custodial staff for their hard work in the aftermath of January 6, 2021 and for the professionalism they show each and every day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank the Virginia National Guard for their outstanding work during and after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. These men and women honored the call of our country, forsaking precious time with their families, to serve and maintain our democracy.

Virginia's National Guard provided a sorely needed response on January 6, with the Quick Reaction Force out of Manassas arriving within 12 hours of receiving D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's request for assistance. In the following days, thousands of citizen-soldiers from across our great Commonwealth deployed to defend our nation's capital. These individuals made tremendous sacrifices to uproot their lives in the defense of democracy; within a matter of days, and in some cases even hours, members of the Virginia National Guard took leave from their regular jobs and deployed to Washington, D.C. without knowing when they would return home. I am especially proud of the men and women from across the Fourth Congressional District of Virginia who served, including BTroop, 2nd Squadron--183 Calvary Regiment from Suffolk, VA, 1710th Transportation Company from Emporia, VA, and 276th Engineer Battalion from Petersburg, VA.

These brave individuals remained dedicated to the mission for weeks at a time, despite the U.S. Capitol not offering the level of hospitality our heroes deserve. While in the city, they persevered while sleeping on cold floors, being shunted disrespectfully into parking garages, and lacking access to quality food. When I had the opportunity to meet with our Virginia National Guard while attending the inauguration, I was struck by how they maintained their cheerful spirit despite these challenging and weighty responsibilities. This is a testament to their true character as Virginians, who are called to service regardless of the conditions and the mission given to them. The Virginia National Guard provided crucial support for the preservation of our democracy. Due to the sacrifices of thousands of our Commonwealth's brave soldiers and airmen, in coordination with other State National Guard units from across our nation, we were able to inaugurate President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Vice President Kamala D. Harris on the same hallowed grounds where a violent mob sought to overturn the certification of our national election just two weeks prior.

Time and again, ``The Commonwealths Guardians'' have served Virginia and the United States of America and will continue to do so when called upon. The actions of our Commonwealth's brave citizen-soldiers demonstrate the indominable fortitude of the Virginia National Guard.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and honoring the brave members of the Virginia National Guard who answered the call to service in defense of our nation's capital to ensure the preservation of our cherished democracy.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on June 12, 2019 during roll call no. 250, on the Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted nay.