Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby on its 20th anniversary. Since June 27, 2003, Virginians have participated in this fun and family-friendly event that started as a 75th anniversary celebration of Rosson & Troilo, a family-owned and operated business. The inaugural race in Culpeper, Virginia began with a total of 35 drivers and was awarded ``Outstanding New Race City'' by the All-American World Championship Race.

In 2005, the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby piloted the first-ever Junior Committee for a soap box derby. Members of the Junior Committee are between 13 and 21 years of age, and they take on the same responsibilities and goals as the adult committee. The Junior Committee operates as a mentorship program, providing members with leadership opportunities and allowing young derby drivers to learn from seasoned drivers in the community.

By 2007, the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby was ranked ``2nd largest derby in the world.'' In 2008, they claimed the title of ``largest derby in the world.'' In 2009, with the help of the community through donations and volunteers, they began building a permanent track facility, the Paul Bates Raceway. Since 2003, Rosson & Troilo has made it possible for derby champions and their families to travel to Akron, Ohio for the All-American World Championship Race. Throughout the last 20 years, Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby drivers have brought home many awards, including five world championships--Brandon Feagan (2008), Sean Brown (2010), Gabrielle Beville (2011), Joey Kratochvil (2014), and Mason Breedon (2016).

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Piedmont Area Soap Box Derby for 20 years of providing Virginia with a wonderful event that promotes community, leadership, and encourages young and seasoned drivers towards success. I look forward to all that they accomplish in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today during National Military Appreciation Month to recognize some of Virginia's many Active-Duty servicemembers, veterans, fallen heroes, and military families.

Earlier this month, I reached out to families across Virginia's Seventh District to gather their stories of service, detailing the courage and the unwavering commitment of Virginians who have answered the call to serve our country.

As the daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter of veterans, I am humbled to read some of the stories I received.

Rick Pullen of Fredericksburg shared the story of his wife, Air Force Colonel Cherie Zadlo, whom he described as the ``first woman'' in nearly every job she had in her 27-year career. Colonel Zadlo built an airfield, saw missiles come right at her while she was a passenger in a military cargo plane, and was almost killed by a roadside bomb. A symbol of dedicated service to our country, her maternity uniform is a part of the Women's Military Museum collection.

Marie Atkins from Prince William shared the story of her late husband, Michael Atkins, who joined the U.S. Army when he was 17 years old. He served two tours in Vietnam, joined the Army Reserves, and served in the Gulf war. Upon returning home, Mr. Atkins married Mrs. Atkins, they had two daughters, and he enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren. Committed to honoring his brothers in arms, he was a member of two motorcycle clubs, Rolling Thunder and Patriot Guard, which escorted fallen servicemembers to burials in military cemeteries. Mr. Atkins is now buried with military honors at Quantico National Cemetery.

Annette Wiahner from Orange shared the story of her late father, U.S. Army Air Corps fighter pilot Walter Kozial. Of her father's service in World War II, she writes: ``Few people know that he was among a few brave volunteers to be the first to try shooting projectile rockets off the P-51 Mustang. They were told that it was uncertain when the rockets would detonate and that they could light up while still on the wing. Dad said to himself, `Well, somebody has got to do it.' He had guts, and he loved his country.''

I also heard from Clayton Hill from Stafford who shared the story of his great uncle Wibb Cooper, a U.S. Army veteran and doctor in the Pacific theater during World War II where my own grandfather served.

Mr. Cooper was captured by Japanese forces and survived the horrific Bataan Death March. In Clayton's words: ``During that time, he stood up to his captors on behalf of other prisoners. He was decorated for his valor.''

Michele from Stafford, who was born and raised in Germany, emigrated to the United States in 1980, and she shares that she always felt that service to country is the responsibility and duty of all citizens. She wrote: ``When I joined the Army, it was my way of giving back to a country that was to become my new home.'' She served for 8 years before transitioning into civilian service working for the U.S. Government, and she retired after 35 years of total service to our country.

Alexa Rice from Prince William wrote to honor many of her loved ones; her husband serving in the U.S. Army currently on Active Duty, as well as her brother who serves in the U.S. Marine Corps. Her husband has been deployed for the past 8 months and Alexa's father served for more than 20 years in the Marine Corps. Her oldest brother served in the Marines, and her grandfather served with both the Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy.

She writes: ``It is with such gratitude that these special individuals, not just in my own family, but men and women all over get the recognition and appreciation they surely earn and earned.''

Virginians who are serving, have served, or love someone who is serving or has served know the true meaning of sacrifice.

We as Americans owe a debt of gratitude to every servicemember past and present who put on the uniform and defended our Nation. I will continue working in Congress to pass legislation to connect Virginia's veterans and veterans across the country with the benefits and support they deserved and have earned, and I will encourage all Americans to give thanks for the men and women in your life, in our life, in our communities who took up arms. We must all remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country.

Mr. Speaker, we as Americans enjoy the promise of freedom because so many brave Virginians answered the call.

Madam Speaker, I inadvertently voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 235 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as amended H.R. 1669, VET-TEC Authorization Act. I meant to vote ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Northern Virginia Lions Mobile Sight and Hearing Screening Unit. Since 1976, they have dutifully served our community members--including approximately 550,000 children--across Virginia's Seventh District in the counties of Culpeper, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and the City of Fredericksburg.

The Mobile Sight and Hearing Screening Unit's primary mission has been to detect vision or hearing impairments that may restrict someone's ability to learn or develop emotionally--and then refer these individuals to healthcare providers. Virginia volunteers have conducted screenings at schools, churches, county fairs, and health clinics across Northern Virginia at no cost to patients.

Thanks to advances in technology, Lions Clubs are now able to use portable sight and hearing equipment to conduct screenings in our communities. As a result, the Northern Virginia Lions Mobile Sight and Hearing Screening Unit conducted its final mobile screening event on March 29, 2023. The last remaining van is now being sold, and the remaining funds will be used to purchase new portable sight and hearing equipment, which will be distributed to Lions Clubs across Northern Virginia. For the past 47 years, the Northern Virginia unit has admirably exemplified the Lions Club International's motto, ``We Serve.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring all the men and women of the Northern Virginia Lions Mobile Sight and Hearing Screening Unit for their years of dedicated, selfless service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I missed today's vote due to a memorial service extending beyond its expected duration. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 232.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of Aging Together's 5 Over 50 Awards on May 17, 2023.

For years, Aging Together has worked tirelessly to coordinate care and services for our senior population and provide a valuable resource to our shared constituencies. For the past ten years, Aging Together has hosted the 5 Over 50 celebration to award five individuals from the region who exemplify the mission of their organization. Each recipient of this award has gone above and beyond in their community, dedicating their time to their neighbors, and has made lasting impacts in the lives of many.

Today we recognize the five recipients of this honor: Mr. Perry Smiley of Culpeper, Mrs. Darlene Kelly of Fauquier, Mr. Scott Bennett of Madison, Mr. Lee Frame of Orange, and Mrs. Barbara Adolfi of Rappahannock.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating these five awardees of Aging Together's 5 Over 50 Award and recognizing these individuals for their lasting impact that they have made on their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bethel Baptist Church of Orange County, Virginia in honor of its 125th anniversary.

Founded in 1898, Bethel Baptist Church was founded to ``satisfy and meet a spiritual need in the small community fondly known as Little Petersburg.'' The church immediately emerged as a critical site of community and spiritual enrichment for many Black residents of the area, including some who were formerly enslaved and others who served as soldiers during the Civil War.

Many decades later, Bethel Baptist Church continues its work of spiritual enrichment, community engagement, and social outreach under the stewardship of Reverend Dr. Willie Elder and First Lady Angenette Elder. From baptism services held in the Little Petersburg River to the rich pastoral lineage that has grown the church, the flame of spiritual service and community dedication is alive and well.

The resilience that is necessary to achieve a milestone of this order, 125 years of service,

is remarkable. Such resilience must endure difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and I applaud the grace and resolve this congregation demonstrated to emerge from those times stronger, more connected than ever before, and with a renewed sense of purpose.

Bethel Baptist Church has been a blessing to Orange County, Virginia, Virginia's Seventh District, and our entire Commonwealth. As the U.S. Representative for the Seventh District, I am honored to congratulate Bethel Baptist Church on its 125th anniversary, and I wish them many more years of growth, impact, and service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to thank the men and women who work every day to keep our communities safe and to honor those

who have given their lives in service to our communities.

As the daughter of a retired career law enforcement officer and as a former Federal agent, I know the responsibilities, the pressure, and the stress that can come with putting on the badge.

I stand here today during this National Police Week to honor Virginia's Seventh District and the officers who call it home.

Across our Commonwealth, we reflect on the service and the sacrifice of our community's law enforcement officers. As the Representative for Virginia's Seventh District, it is my great privilege to represent so many public servants: the men and women who have answered the call to serve their fellow Americans, their neighbors, and our communities.

This week and every day, we remember their colleagues and friends-- those who never returned home. In their absence, our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country have felt tremendous loss.

Today, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to read the names of fallen officers from Virginia's Seventh District. May they never be forgotten and may their service and their sacrifice inspire their fellow law enforcement officers to continue to serve and protect.

From the Prince William County Police Department: Police Officer Ashley Marie Guindon, Police Officer Chris Yung, Police Officer Philip Michael ``Mike'' Pennington, and Police Officer Paul Thomas ``Pete'' White, Jr.

From the Prince William County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff David William Myers, Jr.

From the Stafford County Sheriff's Office:

Deputy Sheriff Jason Edward Mooney and Deputy Sheriff Ford T. Humphrey.

From the Fredericksburg Police Department:

Police Officer Todd Allen Bahr, Officer William Franklin Mines, Sergeant Roy Glen Wright, and Officer Ellsworth Alexander Moore.

From the Culpeper County Sheriff's Office: Captain James Anthony Sisk and Deputy Sheriff George Robert Lillard, Jr.

From the King George County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff Craig Lamont Brooks.

From the Caroline County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff Strother W. ``Ted'' Lewis, Sr.

From the Greene County Sheriff's Office: Investigator Chadwick Alan Carr and Sergeant Rodney Lee Davis.

From the Orange County Sheriff's Office: Sheriff William B. ``Willie'' Young and Sheriff Willie C. Bond.

From the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office: Deputy Sheriff Bryan Marshall Berger, Deputy Sheriff Dean Ridings, and Detective Richard Lee Samuels.

This week, we remember these officers, these Virginians, and these heroes. They are someone's loved one, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, children. Their names are not only remembered here in the U.S. Capitol and throughout the Halls of Congress, but their sacrifices are honored throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

These officers were dedicated public servants. They were valued loved ones across our communities, and they represented the best of Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, during National Police Week, I thank the public servants who protect the U.S. Capitol every single day, those who stand watch over the very function of our democracy.

I know I stand with my colleagues expressing gratitude and appreciation for the U.S. Capitol Police.

On January 6, 2012, their heroism alongside that of the Metropolitan Police Department protected Members of Congress, Capitol employees, staff, and our very democracy. More than 150 police officers were injured that day, and yet they still stand strong, committed to their duty.

As the Representative for Virginia's Seventh District, I am proud to represent many of the men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police in Congress, and I am committed to making sure that they have the resources, support, financial security, and retirements they deserve and have earned through their selfless sacrifice.

It is the least we can do in return for their professionalism, their fervent commitment to duty, their devotion to our country, and their work every day in the Halls of Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the awardees of the 25th annual Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards.

The Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence are based on significant or distinguished contributions to the arts in the Greater Prince William County area. The Seefeldt Awards are sponsored by the Prince William County Arts Council--a membership organization established during Seefeldt's tenure as Chair of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors whose mission is to foster the creation, production, and appreciation of the arts through advocacy and education. Ultimately, the Awards seek to sustain their namesake's legacy of public service and support for the cultural arts in the Greater Prince William County area.

First, I would like to recognize Jordan Exum, this year's awardee for Outstanding Volunteer in the Arts. Ms. Exum has selflessly served the Greater Manassas and Prince William County area as Gallery Director of The ARTfactory, where she plays a key role in fulfilling the organization's vision of enriching the community through the arts by connecting local and regional artists through the ARTfactory's gallery and exhibitions.

Similarly, this year's Seefeldt Awardee for Outstanding Individual Artist, John Hartt, has connected the Prince William County Community through his vibrant and thought-provoking artwork. Mr. Hartt has amassed an extensive and distinguished career as a graphic designer, and certainly accomplished his goal of wanting to use his art to make others smile.

While individual support of the arts is important, it is also important to have the support of our business community. Understanding that artistic enrichment is a key component of leading a healthy life, this year's Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts, UVA Community Health, has been a steadfast supporter of the arts in the Greater Prince William County area.

Likewise, it is paramount that we have enthusiastic and passionate support for the arts at the school level. Sarah Weaver, this year's Outstanding Arts Educator, has been a consistent ally of the arts for more than a decade as she served the Manassas County Public Schools community in several roles, including as Fine Arts Department Chair at Osborn High School.

Next, I would like to recognize Gainesville Community Choir as this year's Outstanding Arts Organization awardee. I commend the Gainesville Community Choir for the community-building work they do to develop and support musical excellence. Their commitment to community, musical excellence, passion, and integrity are exceptional.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Denise McCall of DM Visual LLC as this year's Outstanding Patron of the Arts. Ms. McCall's support of the arts through her generous patronage as Director and Founder of DM Visual LLC, alongside her consistent volunteering as member of the Prince William County Arts Council, makes her an asset to the community and extremely deserving of this recognition.

I am pleased to see that support for the arts is alive and well in Virginia's Seventh District. I wish to congratulate all the awardees of this year's 25th annual Seefeldt Awards and implore them to continue the important work they have begun. Their dedication to enriching the Greater Prince William County area through the arts has an impact that will reverberate throughout our communities for generations to come. Kathleen Seefeldt's legacy undoubtedly lives on through the work they all have done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Tyrone Logan, the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2023 Small Business Person of the Year for the Virginia District Office.

Over the last 40 years, America's strongest economic growth has been driven by small businesses and their employees. Currently, small businesses employ half of our country's workers. Entrepreneurs like Mr. Logan are an example of the American Dream, and today we celebrate his hard work and innovation.

Mr. Logan has an unwavering record of serving our Commonwealth and our country. He started his military career with the U.S. Marine Corps and later transitioned to the U.S. Navy, where he took part in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. During his time with the armed forces, he served as a Master Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician and supported Special Operations Forces and Ground Combat Elements.

In 2010, Mr. Logan co-founded Obsidian Solutions Group, a company focused on America's homeland security, private sector security, and overall national security. Today, he serves as Obsidian Solutions Group's CEO, where he leads a team that focuses on integrating innovation and technology. Obsidian Solutions Group is an adaptive and flexible organization that emphasizes service and remains focused on putting mission first--working directly with our defense and intelligence communities to keep our communities safe. That's why Virginia's Seventh District is proud to be the home of OSG facilities, showrooms, and--most of all--its dedicated employees.

Mr. Logan's leadership is clear. In 2019, OSG was recognized as one of the 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Additionally, Obsidian Solutions Group was listed as one of the most successful businesses on the INC 5000 list. And in 2020, Mr. Logan was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Today, we celebrate another achievement of many more to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tyrone Logan, the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2023 Small Business Person of the Year for the Virginia District Office.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the impact of the broad-brush cuts in Speaker McCarthy's plan, a plan that would hurt Virginians, including $30 billion in cuts for veteran spending that would hurt the veterans I represent and cuts to the vital Meals on Wheels program that would hurt seniors across Virginia's Seventh District.

To hear about the impact of this incredibly important program, I reached out to Virginians I serve to talk about the program, and I heard from hundreds of seniors, volunteers, doctors, and caregivers, who have seen the benefits of Meals on Wheels.

Carolyn from Woodbridge, who lost her husband a year before breaking her hip and turning to Meals on Wheels for support, called this service ``a true blessing as I heal.''

Anita from Fredericksburg whose 94-year-old aunt relies on the program said: ``Please vote against defunding Virginia's senior meal delivery services.''

When Shawn from Caroline County's grandmother suffered a stroke, Meals on Wheels made sure she had lunch so his parents would not have to quit their jobs to care for her.

At a time when thousands of Virginia seniors are at risk of hunger, the Meals on Wheels program should not be on the chopping block. I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation.

Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall No. 190, Mace Amendment 1.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Woodbridge High School JROTC robotics team, which is competing in the JROTC National Championship in Dallas.

In its very first year of existence, this team has already earned an invitation to compete against teams across the country. After a season of climbing the rankings, quickly learning about the skills needed to win, and placing in statewide competitions, their hard work has paid off.

Woodbridge High's team is the only JROTC VEX robotics team in the entire Commonwealth. Today, they are not only making Woodbridge proud, they are making all Virginians proud.

These Virginia cadets overcame the odds. Their determination, their innovation, and their ability to rise above adversity make them fierce competitors, and it puts them on a pathway to success as future leaders of our communities, our Commonwealth, and our country.

These results are a testament to Virginia's JROTC students, their instructors, and their parents.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Vikings and wish them the best of luck at nationals.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Woodbridge Chapter 1270 on its 50th anniversary. The Northern Virginia region is home to tens of thousands of federal employees and many retirees who have chosen to stay in the region. Throughout their careers, these dedicated civil servants have given their time and effort to serve their fellow Americans, and NARFE has consistently provided them with coordinated support.

Founded in 1921, NARFE is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the earned pay, retirement, and health care benefits of federal employees and retirees as well as their spouses and survivors. Woodbridge Chapter is one of more than 800 NARFE chapters nationwide, with members located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Panama. In Virginia, there are a total of 298,000 Federal Employees and Retires.

The Charter for the Woodbridge Chapter was issued April 10, 1973. Today, the Chapter membership is over 200 with another 250 national members residing in the Woodbridge jurisdiction. Chapter members have had a strong voice in many national and local legislative issues affecting federal retirees, senior citizens, and the public at large. Currently, the chapter has several members participating at high levels within the Virginia Federation of NARFE and at Headquarters, including the First Vice President, Treasurer, the Chair for National Legislation, and an Area Vice President. The Woodbridge Chapter is often recognized for its leadership.

This chapter has supported Alzheimer's research for many years through various fundraising events, especially its Fashion Shows in years past. On October 26, 2012, Woodbridge Chapter 1270 was recognized in the Congressional Record by Congressman Gerry Connolly for raising $16,552 for Alzheimer's disease research in 2011 alone. Over the years, the chapter has raised more than $100,000 for Alzheimer's research and is consistently recognized by the NARFE National Office and the Virginia Federation for its efforts. Nationally, since 1983 the NARFE organization has raised more than $15 million for Alzheimer's disease research. The chapter is also a strong supporter of Prince William County's Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) organization through annual food drives and individual contributions.

In the past the chapter has participated in the annual Dale City 4th of July parade and has offered paper shredding events for the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Woodbridge Chapter 1270 for 50 years of dedicated service to Northern Virginia's federal employees.

Individuals in this organization are the lifeblood of our federal government, and I am grateful for their service and proud to represent so many of the outstanding individuals in this organization. I wish them the best for their anniversary and continued success in future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, during Roll Call Vote No. 151 on H.R. 5, I mistakenly recorded my vote as YEA when I should have voted NAY.