Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Mrs. Kimberly Drew Wright, a vibrant member of the Chesterfield County community who touched countless lives through her passion for advocacy. Kim passed away on July 5, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Kim was a talented author and entrepreneur, a determined advocate for social justice who inspired thousands of women to become leaders in their communities, and a beloved wife and mother. She formed and organized the Liberal Women of Chesterfield County & Beyond (LWCC), inspiring change and fostering hope across the Commonwealth.

Kim went above and beyond for her community. She, alongside LWCC, played a significant role in local, State, and national elections by encouraging more women in Chesterfield County to serve as volunteers, activists, and candidates for elected office. She also worked to ratify of the Equal Rights Amendment in Virginia in 2020, seeing our Commonwealth become the 38th State to ratify the amendment.

Among many awards and accolades, Kim received the 2019 Newsmaker of the Year award from Virginia Professional Communicators for her achievements as the leader of LWCC and for sharing her vision, story, and impact with local, national, and international media. Based on her personal experiences with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), Kim also became an outspoken advocate for recognition, research, and treatment of this rare but potentially devastating condition, and she was a fierce champion for children affected by PANS and their families.

Kim is the reason I am here today--serving Virginia's Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her dedication, passion, and love instilled a confidence in me and touched the hearts of so many. When she got sick, she demonstrated true strength and grace.

I am honored to recognize my dear friend, Kim Wright. She will be greatly missed by her husband, children, friends, and all those who will remember her strength, courage, and pure humanity. Kim's legacy will be felt in our communities for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Mrs. Kimberly Drew Wright.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Culpeper Baptist Church on their 250th anniversary.

Over the last 250 years, Culpeper Baptist Church has served as a space for the community to gather, connect, and worship. Formed in 1774 as Mount Poney Baptist Church, the church was a place of worship open to all--Black, white, freemen, enslaved people, and servants. The community flourished under the ideals of religious liberty, which are forever woven into the history of Culpeper Baptist Church and the fabric of our nation thanks to the actions of its third pastor, John Leland. Leland directly petitioned then-Virginia legislator James Madison to enshrine religious liberty in our Constitution.

In 1833, Mount Poney Baptist moved to the Town of Culpeper, where it built a new church in 1858. The church then changed its name to Culpeper Baptist Church in 1873. Finally, in 1955, Culpeper Baptist Church moved and began services in its present-day location.

Since its inception, Culpeper Baptist Church has worked to serve the community well. In 1949, it established a kindergarten program--now known as the Child Development Center--which has grown to serve the community. Thanks to the labor of love poured into the program, it will celebrate 75 years of helping children from infancy through elementary school later this year. To better assist the community, Pastor J.T. Edwards created the Virginia Baptist Home for the Aged in 1950, known today as The Culpeper. Later, in partnership with the community, Culpeper Baptist Church renovated space within the church's building to open Generations Central Adult Day Care in May 2022, where aging adults are provided with intergenerational programming and care. Finally, in response to the growing Latino population in Culpeper, Primera Iglesia Bautista Maranatha, the longest-serving Hispanic Church in Culpeper, was founded in 2001 at Culpeper Baptist. The church continues to thrive today.

Throughout the last 250 years, Culpeper Baptist Church has cultivated a culture of faith and service. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Culpeper Baptist Church on their 250th anniversary. Please join me in wishing this community success as they work to foster a love for their neighbors and honor a history that upholds the American ideal of religious liberty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Virginia athletes who will soon compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

This year, nearly 600 athletes will compete for Team USA, including 15 talented individuals from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

As we look forward to Friday's opening ceremony and prepare to cheer on our Olympians, we have to recognize the incredible achievement of having been bestowed the honor and privilege that they have in representing our country on the world stage.

Their success is a testament to their relentless pursuit of greatness--the years of rigorous training, the sacrifice, and the instrumental support of their families, their friends, their coaches, and their communities.

Today, I commend these Americans, these Virginians, for their exceptional talents, for the challenges they have overcome, and for the countless hours they have dedicated to mastering their sport.

These athletes carry with them the pride and encouragement of every Virginian, and I wish them the best of luck as they make our Commonwealth and our country proud.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 15 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Winners Church of Dumfries, Virginia and extend my congratulations to them on the completion of their new church building. This expansion will enable them to continue their mission of service to the community.

Winners Church has served the people of Virginia's Seventh Congressional District for more than 13 years. Under the direction of Senior Pastor Henry Godwin, Winners Church has enriched the lives of Dumfries residents by fostering a sense of community and providing invaluable support to their congregants. This new building serves as a symbol of the continued dedication to service that Winners Church nurtures in their community and will continue to grow through their love and faith.

The mission of Winners Church is to be a place where overcomers are raised, hope is restored, purpose is realized, and potential is maximized. Since the church's founding in December of 2010, they have continuously provided for their community through annual events such as the turkey giveaway, back to school giveaway, tissue drive, and quarterly visits to shelters and assisted living homes throughout Dumfries. I applaud Pastor Godwin and the entire Winners Church family for their tireless work to develop a welcoming environment for the people of Dumfries and beyond, and for the support they have provided to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Winners Church on the opening of their new house of worship. This remarkable achievement is a testament to their unwavering dedication and their deep commitment to serving the people of Dumfries, Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Mrs. Kimberly ``Kim'' Leach-Wright for her outstanding service at the U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review.

For more than 40 years, Mrs. Leach-Wright has been a dedicated public servant. She

started her career in 1983 as a student at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Patent and Trade Office. Later, in 1985, she joined the U.S. Department of Justice, Marshals Service where she worked to advance their mission of enforcing federal laws and aided various elements of the federal justice system. Over the last 22 years, she has served in the role of Supervisory Case Management Specialist of the East Team at the Clerk's Office where she has been committed to coaching employees and nurturing their professional growth into long-term career successes. She is described in the office as energetic, funny, and committed to helping others--an invaluable set of skills that will be greatly missed.

Early on, Mrs. Leach-Wright demonstrated her skills and received the Executive of Immigration Review Director's Award for her excellence in General Legal Support in 2001. In recognition of her leadership, she received the Executive of Immigration Review Director's Award again in 2020.

Her dedication, commitment, and passion for serving others is inspiring. Her contributions as a Team Leader help shape our future by both empowering professionals with knowledge and inspiring them to continue to learn. I am honored to recognize Mrs. Leach-Wright for her unwavering service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mrs. Kimberly Leach-Wright for her dedication to public service over the last 40 years. I join her friends and loved ones in celebrating her contributions and in wishing her the best as she retires to spend time with her husband, Ron, and her grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and celebrate the 19th anniversary of the opening of the Prince William County, Virginia branch of Victory Christian Ministries International. This milestone represents nearly two decades of dedicated service, spiritual guidance, and community support to the Prince William community.

With humble beginnings in Clinton, Maryland, Pastors Tony and Cynthia Brazelton have dedicated themselves to growing and nurturing the Victory Christian Ministries International community. VCMI's story began in the Brazeltons' Maryland basement where they hosted simple, yet powerful prayer meetings that rapidly grew. Soon, people from different

parts of the Washington, D.C. metro area began to join. To accommodate their growth, they incorporated Victory Christian Ministries International of Woodbridge, Virginia in July 2005. Over the years, VCMI has grown from a single church to an international ministry with several locations across our nation and in Europe. This growth is a testament to the positive influence and transformative power of their message.

Since its establishment, the Woodbridge branch of VCMI has been a beacon of hope and a source of strength for many in the community. Through their dynamic Sunday services and engaging weekly activities, they have offered spiritual nourishment and guidance to countless individuals and families. VCMI's commitment to youth development is particularly noteworthy. Their Chrisma Teens program has provided a safe and nurturing environment for our young people from all walks of life to explore their faith, develop leadership skills, and give back to their community.

As we commemorate this 19th anniversary, we celebrate not just the longevity of an institution, but the countless lives that have been touched, the families that have been strengthened, and the communities that have been enriched by their work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Victory Christian Ministries International's Woodbridge branch on their 19th anniversary. I applaud Pastors Tony and Cynthia Brazelton as well as the entire VCMI community for their contributions to Prince William County--guided by the values of love, compassion, and community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the life of Ogle Harris and his contributions to the history of Occoquan, Virginia and Virginia's Seventh Congressional District.

Born in Virginia in 1872, Ogle Harris grew up as one of five children. He spent his life in the Town of Occoquan where he raised his seven children from his marriages to Cora L. Peyton and Lottie Bowles.

In the early part of the 20th century, Harris opened a business in Occoquan selling handmade ice cream out of his home's summer kitchen on Washington Street and at the African American Odd Fellows Hall. He eventually converted his ice cream shop into one of Occoquan's two main grocery stores.

Mr. Harris was known throughout the community for his honesty, generosity, and his upstanding character, which allowed his business to flourish. After his death in 1949, his son, Arthur, and his daughter- in-law, Doris, took over the store. The store served as a center for Occoquan's commercial and African American communities and continuously supported the success of the Town of Occoquan until its closure in 1974.

In recognition of and appreciation for Ogle Harris and his descendants' contributions to the Town of Occoquan, the Occoquan Town Council has bestowed the honorary designation of ``Ogle Harris Way'' to the 100 block of Poplar Alley.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ogle Harris's life and his contributions to the Town of Occoquan. His legacy will live on through the designation of ``Ogle Harris Way'' and the memories of his impact on the Occoquan community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank Colonel Michael L. Brooks for a successful three-year tour as commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Quantico.

A native Virginian, Colonel Brooks' thirty-six years of honorable service to our country began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988. From his first assignment as the operations clerk in the S-3 office at Camp Lejeune to his tour as the commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Quantico, his dedication to the Marine Corps mission is unwavering.

Colonel Brooks has deployed to support various military operations during his career. In 1990 and 1991, he deployed in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was then deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, participated in the July 2006 evacuation of American citizens in Beirut, Lebanon, and assisted in operations Infinite Moonlight in Jordan and Inspired Union in Kuwait.

Throughout his service, his commitment to his education and leadership has never wavered. In 1992, he was assigned to Officer Candidate School at Quantico, the very base he would lead thirty years later. Before finishing his tour with 2d Marines, Colonel Brooks earned a degree in psychology from Campbell University. In 2011, then-Major Brooks attended Resident Command and Staff College in Quantico and soon after was selected to attend the Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Since assuming command of Marine Corps Base Quantico in 2021, Colonel Brooks has contributed to the base's distinction as the nation's premiere training institution for the Marine Corps. His contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact not only on the base, but on the wider region. He prioritized strengthening vital relationships in the community and presided over the installation's $6.96 billion total economic impact, all while upholding the base's proud traditions set forth over one hundred years ago.

Throughout his service, Colonel Brooks has earned numerous decorations including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3d award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5th award), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3d award), and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Colonel Brooks is the true embodiment of the USMC's slogan Semper Fidelis. I thank him for his tireless commitment to protecting our nation and commend him for the positive example his leadership has set for all of us throughout his long and distinguished military career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and thanking Colonel Michael L. Brooks for his steadfast and unwavering service to our country, and in wishing him the best as he takes the next step in his career at his last duty station in New Orleans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 4th Annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade in commemoration of the 159th Juneteenth.

June 19, 2024, marks the 159th commemoration of Juneteenth, a celebration of the liberation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger led troops to Galveston, Texas to issue General Order No. 3, which made clear that slavery had been abolished in 1863, two and a half years prior, with the Emancipation Proclamation.

This significant moment in American history is worthy of recognition, and the annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade provides that opportunity to the community. This year's parade seeks to celebrate the National Pan-Hellenic Council, known as the Divine Nine, and recognize their continued dedication to supporting Black communities worldwide. For more than 100 years, this group of nine historically Black Greek- letter organizations has uplifted Black communities through civic action, community service, and kinship. It is my privilege to join the greater Prince William County community in recognizing the dedicated work of the Divine Nine.

The importance of this historic day deserves recognition and celebration. This annual parade, which does just that, would not have been possible without the dedicated work of the Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade Committee--composed of Ms. Mellionese Bennett, Ms. Ebony Lofton, and Ms. Cydny A. Neville. I thank them for their commitment to bringing this celebration to life.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth and the 4th Annual Greater Prince William Juneteenth Parade. Thank you to the Divine Nine for their dedication and to the parade committee for highlighting the celebration of such a significant historical event.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Gun Violence Awareness Month.

I am proud to represent Virginia's Seventh District. In the Commonwealth, we know far too well the horrors of gun violence that impact our communities.

From our universities to our Walmarts, to our playgrounds, to our walking paths, to our elementary schools, people across our Commonwealth and the rest of the country have been impacted by acts of gun violence that forever change lives.

I am a former Federal agent. I used to carry a gun every single day. I know what it is to be a responsible gun owner, and I also know that background checks are proven to help law enforcement keep guns out of the hands of those who pose a danger to themselves and others.

We must ensure that we have background checks on all firearm purchases. I know that Congress must reinstate a ban on the manufacturing, sale, and transfer of military-style weapons and high- capacity magazines, and I urge Speaker Johnson to bring these measures forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the Prince William Resolves.

Today, I am honored to commemorate the unveiling and dedication of a historical marker in remembrance of the Price William Resolves, a celebration co-hosted by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Prince William Resolves Chapter and the Prince William County Historical Commission.

In 1774, the Prince William Resolves were passed in opposition to the British crown and in response to the call for support from patriots in Boston, Massachusetts following the Boston Tea Party. This moment marked the first act of public defiance against British rule in Virginia. Today, the Prince William community gathers to celebrate the bravery and patriotism of those who came before us. Through this marker, visitors and the community alike will continue to learn about the courage with which Prince William's residents stood up to achieve rule by the people.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Prince William Resolves. I am honored to represent the Prince William community and am proud of the work they do to keep our history alive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Victor McKenzie, Jr., who was recently named Chair of Virginia's Addiction and Recovery Council.

Mr. McKenzie has devoted much of his career to helping Virginians who suffer from substance use disorders. A leader in his community, he has been a consistent advocate for expanding access to behavioral and developmental health services for all who need them. As Executive Director of the Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA) of Virginia, he works to transform communities across our Commonwealth by spearheading work on substance use disorder and recovery, and providing Virginians with education, advocacy, and support.

Through his work, Mr. McKenzie has provided Virginia families and individuals with the support they need to thrive. His continued commitment to Virginia families is highlighted by his recently being elected Chair of Virginia's Addiction and Recovery Council, where he will advise the Governor, the Virginia General Assembly, and the Board of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services on matters pertaining to substance use.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating and thanking Mr. Victor McKenzie, Jr. for his service on behalf of the people of Virginia. I look forward to celebrating his contributions to our Commonwealth, and I thank him for his tireless commitment and advocacy on behalf of Virginians struggling with substance use disorders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Sam Hill and Mrs. Lillian Hill for their lifetime of service to their community.

Throughout their lives, Dr. and Mrs. Hill have dedicated their time and energy to serving their community. Throughout their career in the field of education--Dr. Hill as the provost of Northern Virginia Community College and Mrs. Hill teaching students who are deaf and hard of hearing--they continuously provided students with guidance and instruction that prepared them for their next steps. Along the way, they have also volunteered with countless local organizations, donated their expertise and time as board members of various organizations, and have been involved with the Hylton Performing Arts Center since its inception. Their commitment to service is clear and worthy of recognition.

Their devotion to the betterment of their community, and the selfless mentality they bring to their volunteer work, serves as a shining example that we all can strive to follow. To pay tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Hill for their years of dedicated service, the Hylton Performing Arts Center honored them both at their 14th Anniversary Gala. It is my pleasure to congratulate Dr. and Mrs. Hill on this well-deserved recognition of their legacy of public service and commitment to education in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating and thanking Dr. Sam Hill and Mrs. Lillian Hill. Their contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia will continue to uplift our neighbors for generations to come and I look forward to celebrating their continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Military Appreciation Month and ahead of Memorial Day to recognize some of the many Virginians who have contributed to Virginia's proud legacy of military service and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Earlier this month, I reached out to families across the Seventh District asking them to share ``Stories of Service,'' recognizing the unwavering courage and commitment of their loved ones who have answered the call to serve our country.

I am honored to work on behalf of so many military families and veterans, and I am grateful for the opportunity to stand here today to read some of the extraordinary stories I received.

Lisa Harms from Stafford County recognized her daughter, Second Lieutenant Sabrina Harms, who is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force.

A UVA alumna, granddaughter of World War II and Korean war veterans, and the niece of Vietnam and Persian war veterans, Sabrina is in her third year of medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and will graduate as a family medicine doctor next May to care for our servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

I thank Sabrina for her devotion to our country and fellow servicemembers. Lisa must be incredibly proud.

Bonnie, who lives in Stafford County, shared with me the story of her father, Jesse James Verling, a lifelong Orange County resident.

Mr. Verling never talked much of the details of his service in the Philippines and the European theater during World War II. However, following his passing, Bonnie opened his safe deposit box and discovered his military decorations, getting to understand more about her father's brave and dedicated service on behalf of our country.

Our Nation owes an immense debt of gratitude to every one of our neighbors who put on the uniform. I thank Bonnie for recognizing her father's service and allowing me the opportunity to do so in the Congressional Record.

William Hosp from Prince William County shared his father's story of service. William Brokaw Hosp, Sr., served in the U.S. Army during World War II, having enlisted straight out of high school.

After seeing combat during the Battle of the Bulge, he was transferred to Okinawa following Germany's unconditional surrender. He ultimately served on both fronts of the war. His resolve, courage, and commitment to democracy are an inspiration. I am glad to have received his story and have the opportunity to recognize his service.

Stephen from Orange County recognized many members of his family who served to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans: his father and two uncles who served during World War II, his brother who served in Vietnam, and his brother who served stateside as a member of the detail at Fort Myer responsible for interring the honored dead at Arlington National Cemetery.

Stephen wrote: ``As they say, freedom isn't free, and we should all be thankful every day for those willing to pay the price.''

I am grateful for Stephen's family's sacrifices on behalf of our country.

As we head toward Memorial Day weekend, we remember the Virginians who bravely defended and died for our country, Virginians like Second Lieutenant Leonard M. Cowherd III. Leonard's sister, Lauren Salinas, wrote to me about her brother's career in service.

After growing up in Culpeper County, Leonard graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 2003, and he was deployed in early 2004. He was killed in action in Iraq on May 16, 2004. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Lauren wrote: ``Twenty years have passed, but I remain grateful for the support and the love we still receive from many who knew Leonard in the community.''

We will never forget the Virginians whose individual sacrifices allow us to enjoy the promises of freedom. My heart is with Leonard's family as they continue to hold his memory and spirit with them.

We honor every one of our neighbors who are serving or have served in the United States of America's uniform and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms.

This Memorial Day, I encourage all of my colleagues and all Americans across the country to reflect on the service and the sacrifice of the brave servicemembers--our neighbors, friends, and loved ones--who paid the heavy price of freedom as we remember those who never came home.

Honoring Centennial of Foreign Service

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service.

Over the past century, Foreign Service officers, many of whom call Virginia home, have worked tirelessly around the globe to help maintain the global leadership of the United States.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside many Foreign Service officers. These Americans display an unwavering commitment to our diplomacy and our national security.

As we celebrate 100 years of modern American diplomacy, let's pause to reflect on the invaluable contributions made by these public servants on behalf of our country, even while facing threats and working far from their hometowns and, oftentimes, their families.

I stand here today to express my profound gratitude to these officers, as well as to honor the hundreds of members of our Foreign Service who have given their lives in service abroad.

To recognize this important centennial, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill to mint a commemorative coin celebrating 100 years of the U.S. Foreign Service.