Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the FRIENDS Association for Children on their 150th anniversary of service to Central Virginia.

The FRIENDS Association for Children first began in 1871 as an orphanage in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. Today, it operates two multi-service licensed child development centers in the Richmond area, which offer exceptional care and education to children ages six weeks to 12 years of age in a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment. A broad array of services allows children to gain critical literacy and developmental skills needed to succeed in school and in life--including family support services, developmental childcare, youth development, music and performing arts, and health education. Through these programs, FRIENDS responds wholistically to the needs of families,

prepares children to succeed in their academic and life goals, and helps children to achieve a greater understanding and appreciation of their community and the world around them.

For a century and a half, the FRIENDS Association for Children has touched countless lives through their mission to serve Virginia's children and families. I am grateful for the tireless and selfless work of the many volunteers and staff at FRIENDS who have provided vital, compassionate care to our children and families over the years. Their commitment is inspiring and deserving of commendation and celebration.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring the 150th anniversary of the FRIENDS Association for Children.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

The repeal of this policy allowed thousands of American servicemembers to live and serve without fear. Finally, brave Americans are able to defend their country--our country--without worrying about both the stigma and the punishment that they could face because of whom they loved.

This decision, the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, impacted many of my constituents in Virginia's Seventh District, including Stephanie Merlo, an Army veteran. With her permission, I am honored to share her story tonight on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Stephanie begins by explaining that: ``A year after 9/11 happened, I enlisted as an Active Duty servicemember in the Army. My mom cried; my brother was proud; and I was honestly excited and scared both at the same time.

``Was I scared of deploying? Sure, a little. Was I afraid of failing? Of course.

``But my overall fear, that which consumed me beyond the point of depression, was the fear of being `ousted' and discharged for being a lesbian. In February of 2004, that fear showed its

face, and I was backed into a corner with deciding how I wanted to proceed with my military career.''

How many servicemembers had this fear? How many brave soldiers served honorably but with a secret, a secret that they knew could end their career in the military, their career of service to our Nation?

And Stephanie had two secrets: her sexuality, a secret she kept to protect her military career, and a secret regarding the sexual assault she suffered while in the Army. You see, reporting it could also mean revealing the secret of her sexuality.

Stephanie couldn't seek justice as a victim because seeking justice would mean she could potentially bring an end to her career. She could potentially be identified as gay in the military.

Stephanie was faced with this horrible choice, this horrible reality, and all the while, her intention had been to bravely serve our Nation, as so many brave LGBTQ Americans have.

I am proud to share this story because Stephanie reflects on the fact that had Don't Ask, Don't Tell not been in place, perhaps a bit of her story would have gone differently. She says that she never regretted her decision to join the Army, but she still lives with the regret of not allowing herself to live her truth.

Stephanie's story is emblematic of the struggles, the hardships, and, most importantly, the triumphs of so many who have served in our Air Force before the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

During that time, members of our military showed tremendous courage, selflessness. They served our country with the utmost honor and valor, and they put their service to country above even living their own truth. But our military is stronger because of the repeal.

Our military has always been strong because of brave servicemembers, brave soldiers like Stephanie, and our Nation is better because it has been protected by people like Stephanie and so many of the stories we have heard today. Our Nation is better protected because of the protections afforded to those who put on the uniform.

Tonight, we have the opportunity to reflect on the importance of this decision on the 10th anniversary of the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. For thousands of servicemembers and veterans like Stephanie, this decision was long overdue.

May we always look to defend and support those who are willing to serve our country, sacrifice on behalf of our fellow Americans, and build a stronger Nation. I am grateful to every LGBTQ servicemember who has served, past or present. I thank them for their sacrifice to our country, and I am so grateful that as they serve today, they can do it celebrating their full selves.

Mr. Speaker, I stand in support of my amendment demanding action in response to the Havana syndrome incidents affecting Americans around the world.

The recent string of mysterious attacks on U.S. diplomats and personnel, often called Havana syndrome, is a serious threat to our national security.

Having spoken directly with individuals impacted, I know these attacks are having lasting and detrimental impacts on the health of our Nation's public servants.

I stand here today to call for a robust, interagency response, one that reflects the severity and urgency of the situation.

The State Department must play an active role in this response, share relevant information with Congress, particularly the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and make sure all affected personnel receive prompt and appropriate care. It is our duty to ensure our public servants get the care and answers they deserve.

As a former Federal employee, I intend to keep pressing the administration to better protect our diplomats and Federal employees serving at home and abroad.

I know firsthand their commitment to their missions, their devotion to our country, and the promises we have made to them.

I urge my colleagues to join me in this cause.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on my amendments to this legislation, which represent key central Virginia priorities as we rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.

I thank the chairwoman for her tremendous work, and I look forward to moving forward with this legislation.

My 340B-related amendment sends a message to big pharmaceutical companies: stop hiking drug prices on consumers and discriminating against 340B providers and pharmacies.

My amendment to boost funding for the Emergency Food Assistance Program reflects the requests I have heard directly from central Virginia food banks, their staff, and their volunteers, as they fight hunger.

My bipartisan amendment to increase support for NRCS field staff would help crop and livestock producers implement conservation practices that help their bottom lines.

As we look to maintain telehealth services that expanded during the pandemic, my amendment to strengthen Federal funding for telehealth resource centers would directly benefit providers like the Karen S. Rheuban Center for Telehealth at UVA, which serves so many of my constituents.

Finally, my amendment to strengthen ReConnect funding demonstrates our continued commitment as a Congress and as a community to closing

the digital divide and expanding broadband internet access throughout our communities.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 226.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of repealing the 1991 Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Today, we have another opportunity to demonstrate that Congress is serious about reclaiming congressional war powers and serious about representing the servicemembers and veterans who have served our country. Too often, they have served under authorities that were signed into law decades previously.

While the Constitution is clear that only Congress can declare war, we have steadily surrendered this responsibility to the executive branch. Building off the House's vote earlier this month to repeal the 2002 AUMF, we are considering today two additional bipartisan bills that repeal other outdated and inactive AUMFs.

First, we are considering my legislation to repeal the 1991 AUMF against Iraq. This AUMF was Congress' authorization for the first Gulf war of 1991 in response to Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait 30 years ago. The short military conflict that took place under this authority has been over for three decades, and we must remove this old, inactive authority from the books. Repealing this AUMF would help ensure that it is not misused or stretched by any American President going forward.

I thank the broad range of Members and advocates who have supported this legislation and helped bring us to where we are today. Representatives Gallagher, Golden, and Meijer have been critical partners in this effort to repeal inactive, outdated AUMFs. We come from different political persuasions and different areas of the country, but we share backgrounds in national security, a commitment to serving our constituents, and a focus on our constitutional responsibilities.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Meeks and Ranking Member McCaul are also original cosponsors of our bill to repeal the 1991 AUMF. They have been instrumental in moving this legislation forward quickly, including a unanimous vote out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this year.

I applaud Chairman Meeks for his leadership of the committee and for sending a clear message that Congress must assert its war powers. Even as a Democratic chairman with a Democrat in the White House, Chairman Meeks is making clear that this is not about a particular President. It is about fulfilling our obligation as Members of Congress.

Intelligence Committee Chair Schiff, Armed Services Committee Chair Smith, State and Foreign Operations Chair Lee, Rules Chair McGovern, and Rules Ranking Member Cole are also original cosponsors of this bill. And I truly appreciate the many other cosponsors who have been on board with this legislation, many of whom have served our Nation in national security roles prior to coming to Congress.

I also want to thank Congresswoman Barbara Lee for her leadership on AUMF issues and congratulate her on the House voting with strong bipartisan support to repeal the 2002 AUMF earlier this month.

Notably, my bill to repeal the 1991 AUMF is also supported by a broad range of foreign policy and veterans-focused organizations.

The American Legion, the United States' largest veterans service organization, has emphasized the importance of Congress reasserting its constitutional authority over war powers. In addition, I thank the many other organizations that have been supportive of this effort for their endorsement of our legislation.

For years, Americans have been calling on their Representatives in Congress to exercise our responsibility to make decisions on war and peace. We cannot simply allow AUMFs to accumulate without congressional action.

We have more work ahead of us as we reassert congressional war powers and reform, repeal, and, in some cases, update AUMFs. But, today, we can take an important step by passing my widely supported legislation to repeal a 30-year Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on the repeal of the 1991 Gulf war Authorization for Use of Military Force.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of repealing the 1957 AUMF. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Ranking Member, I was also not born when this Authorization for Use of Military Force was put in place.

In addition to considering my legislation to repeal the 1991 Gulf war AUMF, I am pleased that we are considering a separate bill that I co- led with Congressman Meijer to repeal an open-ended resolution from 1957 that authorized the use for military force in the Middle East.

This Cold War-era authorization still on the books today is more than 60 years old, and it provides outdated, blank-check authorities to an executive branch or Presidential administration that might seek to justify expanded operations in the Middle East. It is not necessary, and we must repeal it.

Repealing this resolution would not undermine any existing U.S. military operations, but it would help ensure that its significantly outdated authorities are not used or abused by any future President. Additionally, it would show that Congress is ready to exercise its responsibilities under the Constitution.

I was pleased to see this bill pass out of the Foreign Affairs Committee on a voice vote, and I appreciate Congressman Meijer's leadership, as well as the bipartisan cosponsors who have joined him.

It is far past time for Congress to reassert our war powers. I welcome the bipartisan and diverse coalitions that have mobilized around this shared goal of constitutional responsibility, Congress demonstrating its sense of responsibility as it relates to authorizing war powers in moving forward with repealing these outdated and unused authorizations.

We owe it to our constituents, especially those who have served in uniform. While they time and time again demonstrate their willingness to serve our Nation, there should never be a worry that they may be deployed under a 60-year-old-plus authority. It is important that every time we send servicemembers off to war, we here in the United States Congress are taking the step of being responsible by voting on authorizations.

Today, it is time to vote to take this outdated resolution off the books. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting to do so today.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my dear colleague from Michigan for putting together this Special Order for us to talk about our former colleague--and for so many of us--our friend, Representative Paul Mitchell.

Mr. Speaker, I first had the opportunity to meet Representative Mitchell on the floor of the House when his youngest son was visiting. We were on the House floor, entering our cards in for a vote, and Paul's son wanted to help push the voting button for different Members. Paul, at that time, was a Republican; I am a Democrat. And if you gave your card to Paul's son, he would invariably vote with the Republicans, regardless of who you were. So there were quite a few engaged Democrats who thought they were being so kind letting a child vote, who had to run over to the well right behind me to change their vote, because, indeed--I believe he was 10 at the time--a 10-year-old had somehow mischievously voted incorrectly.

Paul was simultaneously delighted by what was a bit of a funny experience on the House floor, but also a little bit embarrassed that people were running over,

That was Paul. He would bring, and does bring, joy to every meeting. He is a serious person, focused on policy, focused on truth, on reality, on the things that matter to him, which were: his incredible career in business, on his wonderful family, eminently proud of his children; and, particularly, always willing to draw on his personal experiences in business, as a parent--as a parent of a law enforcement officer--to find commonality and to advocate for the things that he believes in.

And during our time in Congress, I was so grateful to serve on the Problem Solvers Caucus, or to be part of the Problem Solvers Caucus with Paul, where invariably during our weekly meetings, he would be a jovial part of those meetings, focused on the hard work of legislating, but also on bringing a bit of humanity and commonality to the people gathered around the table, sometimes engaging in very, very difficult conversations.

Paul made the very hard decision to retire after his terms in Congress. It was one that, as a friend, I heard him talk through the pros, the cons, whether he was ready to leave this place. A place that, while he was here, he so deeply loved, and a place where I believe as a colleague, I saw him make a significant impact. But ultimately, with a young child at home, a beautiful farm with lots of sheep, and a renewed interest in a love of racing, Paul did decide that it was time for him to retire.

Since his retirement, I have been a friend who has been on the receiving end of so many photos, as I am sure so many of our colleagues here have been, of snowy days on the farm in Michigan, beautiful views of the water, and race cars.

As a Virginian, we have a NASCAR racetrack just on the line of my district--I generally like to claim it. And Paul was scheduled before his diagnosis to come to Virginia for a race. And I just thought how hysterical is that for a man I used to talk hard policy issues and debate policy and disagree--sometimes very fervently--with is now going to be literally racing through my district--or just adjacent--in his race car.

So I look forward to the time when Paul--because he is a fighter, regardless of any diagnosis--I think we know that he is intent on getting back in his race car, back to his farm, and certainly continuing to be engaged and focused.

I look forward to the time when we could welcome him in Virginia for him to race around the track. I am unsure whether or not I may choose to enter into that vehicle with him, but I might stand on the sidelines and cheer.

Mr. Speaker, Paul was an incredible friend. He was an incredibly good Member of Congress, because at every moment, he just was focused on what was right. I know that is how he was in business, in his personal life before he came here. I know that is how he continues to be.

Certainly, as a new Member of Congress, witnessing someone who has always genuinely shown kindness and heart, every conversation he had here in the Halls of Congress was a great example to me. I am so proud to have

served with him during his time in Congress, but far more than that, I am deeply honored to call Paul Mitchell a friend, a real friend, and deeply honored to know that he is someone who will always stand up for truth, who will always stand up for what is right, who will always stand up for his family, for his friends, and for his country.

So my dear friend, I wish you the very best as you continue in your recovery. We are all thinking of you. I am so grateful for your friendship.

Madam Speaker, on October 16, 2002, the United States Congress voted to authorize military action against Saddam Hussein's Iraq. The text of the authorization was clear. That was its purpose. Years later, Saddam Hussein is long dead, and our military action has ended.

The 2002 AUMF is separate and distinct from the 2001 AUMF, which authorized our counterterrorism efforts after 9/11 and which remains in use today.

The 2002 AUMF is not in use. It is long overdue for repeal, which is why we have voted multiple times to repeal the 2002 AUMF with bipartisan support.

Since coming to Congress, I have been very clear, Congress must reassert congressional authority in decisions of war and peace. The authority is required by our Constitution, and it is fundamental to our representation of our constituents, especially our servicemembers.

Our men and women in uniform deserve to see a new era of congressional accountability, one where Members of Congress do not shirk their accountability when it comes to issues of war and peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise to remember the life of a courageous, kind, and selfless Virginian, Mike Lecik.

Service was an unwavering part of who Mike was. Throughout his career, Mike served as an Air Force firefighter, an assistant fire chief with the U.S. Department of Defense, and the assistant chief at the Huguenot Volunteer Fire Department in central Virginia.

As an Air Force firefighter, Mike deployed twice to the Middle East. After coming home to Powhatan County, he was proud to serve in his local volunteer fire department. He cared deeply for his community and his country. A few years ago, Mike was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer linked to the dangerous conditions of his service as an Air Force firefighter.

I first got to know Mike because the VA did not recognize this connection, and he wanted to do something about it. He wanted to learn more about how the system could be changed for the better and for the benefit of his fellow servicemen and -women.

This fight was not just about getting the support that he needed; rather, it was about the thousands of firefighters just like him who faced this challenge. Mike truly wanted every veteran firefighter to get the care they deserved.

Mike passed away earlier this year at the age of 41.

Mike was dedicated to his community, the safety of his neighbors, and, above all, his family. It was my honor to have him as a constituent.

Mike leaves behind a family and a community that deeply cared for him, and he leaves behind a cause that is worth championing.

Across the board, firefighters are more likely to be exposed to certain carcinogens. They are more likely to suffer certain diseases and illnesses because of their career. And they experience higher rates of cancer than the general U.S. population.

This connection is well-documented by scientific research, but it is yet to be recognized by the VA, the Federal agency entrusted with caring for those who have borne the battle.

Military firefighters put their lives on the line each day--not just to defend our country but also to selflessly defend their fellow servicemembers. But to this day, thousands of veteran firefighters are left uncovered by the VA for certain types of cancer treatments.

Earlier this year, I reintroduced the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act in Mike's name to fix this longstanding issue. This bipartisan legislation would make sure diseases like Mike's are recognized as presumptive service-connected disabilities.

By recognizing the long-term effects of military firefighting and the diseases that can arise from this career over time, our bill would provide much-needed peace of mind and security to thousands of veteran firefighters and their families. It would lift an undue burden off thousands of veterans experiencing severe and often-terminal illnesses.

Right now, the VA doesn't cover significant treatment costs like those faced by Mike, as the VA, in many cases, does not recognize the direct service connection between firefighting and cancer as a presumptive service-connected disability beyond 1 year following Active Duty.

Our legislation would establish the presumption that veteran firefighters who become disabled by serious diseases, including heart disease, lung disease, and certain cancers like Mike's, within 15 years of separating from Active Duty contracted the illness due to their service in the military.

By creating this presumption, the VA would be required to provide equitable disability benefits and treatment cost coverage to veteran firefighters like Mike.

This legislation has the support of Democrats and Republicans from across the political spectrum, including many who have served our country.

Specifically, I would like to thank my Republican colleague, Congressman Bacon from Nebraska, himself an Air Force veteran of nearly 30 years, for his continued partnership in leading this bill. I thank Congressman Bacon for recognizing that this issue should unite us all because we all represent veterans with stories like Mike's.

Even as he was engaged in the battle of his life--for his life--Mike was eager to make progress on this issue. When I first reached out to Mike to ask whether he would like to be involved with the legislation, he never hesitated.

Mike had already been in touch with our team about some of his issues with the VA. And when asked if he wanted to take up this challenge and make a difference through the legislative process, he said: ``Absolutely.'' He was ready to take up the mantle for his fellow vets. It was his honor.

Even as his illness progressed, he stayed apprised of new developments on this legislation, and my team was humbled to work with him. He showed incredible strength and determination that we will never forget.

The Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act is about a fundamental question: How do we show our gratitude and appreciation to those who served, to those who have put on the uniform, and to those who have worked under hazardous and dangerous conditions to keep their countrymen and fellow servicemembers safe?

The answer is found beyond platitudes. It is found beyond spoken promises. It is found in action. And it is found in delivering the benefits our veterans have earned through their sacrifice.

No veteran who puts on the uniform should repeatedly have to make the argument that their injury, their illness, is connected to their service when the evidence is so apparent--to the degree that the majority of our States have already recognized the link between these serious diseases and the occupational hazards of firefighting and have enacted presumptive disability laws.

In the case of Mike and thousands of firefighters like him, no veteran should experience a VA that refuses to help cover the costs of treating their service-connected cancer.

As I urge my colleagues to recognize the urgent need to pass the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act, I am thinking of his wife, Tiffany, and his three daughters, Amery, Aubrey, and Addy. He loved them deeply, and I work in his honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to honor the service of the law enforcement officers who protected Members of Congress, Capitol employees, and staff on January 6.

On that day the U.S. Capitol Police and the Washington Metropolitan Police repelled an attack on our democracy. Bear spray, American flagpoles, fire extinguishers, and their own riot shields and Tasers were used against them. More than 100 police officers were injured that day--their eyes gouged, their ribs cracked, and their spinal disks were shattered; and countless more are grappling with terrible trauma.

In the wake of the attack, these men and women have faced increased pressure, scrutiny, and threats. But, Mr. Speaker, if you walk out of this Chamber, you will see them standing strong--staying committed to their duty, their country, and their fellow Americans.

On behalf of the people of central Virginia, and on behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank the Capitol Police and the Washington Metropolitan Police for their heroism and their bravery. I honor the lives and the legacies of those we have lost: Officer Brian Sicknick, Officer Howard Liebengood, Officer Billy Evans, and Officer Jeffrey Smith.

Madam Speaker, I stand here to honor the life and memory of William Edward Quarles, Jr.

Mr. Quarles was a pillar of the Goochland County, Virginia, community, and he constantly worked to make Goochland stronger. He encouraged his neighbors to get involved in local decisionmaking, and he cared about improving public safety and protecting the families that called Goochland home.

William was a dedicated leader with a heart for public service. He served on the Goochland County Board of Supervisors for 8 years, serving as chairman three times. He served for 6 years on the Goochland Planning Commission, including two times as chairman. He also served on the State EMS Advisory Board and as a representative for the

Virginia Association of Counties. In these roles, he was skilled at finding consensus and preventing divisiveness.

William was also a fierce champion of public education. Throughout his life, he fought to make sure that every child in the Goochland area could access quality education and new opportunities. He was a cofounder of the Goochland Education Foundation, and he was serving on the Goochland County School Board at the time of his death.

William took on each day's new challenges with an unforgettable vigor, a bright smile, and a contagious laugh and enthusiasm. He always remained positive. His enthusiasm was contagious.

People talked about how you couldn't talk to William without him pulling you into some sort of volunteerism, some level of civic engagement, some plan that he was working on. He helped people become their better selves, their more engaged selves, their more community- focused selves.

Madam Speaker, last month, William passed away at the age of 68. He left a community mourning. A bright spot, a bright man, and a man who would bring such kindness to every endeavor, William liked to use a simple acronym, one that his father-in-law had also used. The acronym is SMILE:

S--Seek to understand before being understood;

M--Make the other person feel important;

I--It is not about me;

L--Listen twice as much as you speak;

E--Enthusiastically and quickly admit it when you are wrong.

Madam Speaker, when I began running for Congress, William gave me these lessons, this acronym SMILE. He said: ``Remember this. This is how you best serve people.''

As our Commonwealth and our Nation face new challenges, we would do well to follow William's advice as we seek solutions and work to come together.

Madam Speaker, today, my thoughts are with his wife, Ruth; his sons, William and Christopher; his friends and family; and the greater Goochland community. William was a friend to everyone, and he considered everyone a friend.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here to honor the life of Captain Donald Lambert, Jr.

Last weekend, the Henrico County Police Department lost one of its own.

Captain Lambert served in the Henrico Police Department for nearly 34 years, and his fellow officers remember him as a true friend, mentor, and leader.

I had the privilege of getting to know Captain Lambert through his work as the head of the Henrico Special Operations Group. Captain Lambert's security expertise helped keep me, as well as my predecessors, Congressmen Brat and Cantor, and our staffs, out of harm's way, and I am forever grateful for his dedication to his work.

Captain Lambert was a pillar of our central Virginia community. He was a dedicated member of the Henrico Police Department, but he will be remembered as a gifted musician, a beloved Sunday school teacher, and a man who demonstrated true compassion for others.

Captain Lambert's decades of selfless service to the community of Henrico and the Commonwealth of Virginia will never be forgotten.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, and fellow men and women of the Henrico County Police Department as they honor his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of my amendment to H.R. 1 to crack down on foreign-backed disinformation and propaganda on social media. This amendment is the text of the Bipartisan Foreign Agent Disclaimer Enhancement--FADE--Act.

Under the FADE Act, political ads, issue campaigns, and content funded or directed by a foreign principal and intended to influence the American people must be disclosed to the Department of Justice. But too often, this rule does not extend to the world of social media.

Additionally, foreign agents acting from abroad too often evade current disclaimer requirements. Amid the pandemic and following the 2020 general election, foreign governments continue to exploit existing vulnerabilities in our national security, including influencing Americans directly and infiltrating public discourse without their knowledge. Foreign adversaries, such as Russia, China, and Iran, are among the most active, and they are increasingly assertive in their efforts.

Madam Speaker, this amendment will help protect against foreign influence that seeks to sow political division and promote dangerous information contrary to the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

My amendment would require disclaimers--clearly stating this content is coming from a foreign principal.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my amendment to