Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 4 Fairfax, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Air Force after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation.

I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Air Force:

Moon Kyung Cho; Jannela Lopez De Guzman; Gabriel Nicole White; Reynaldo Campos.

These students will be honored by the Fairfax Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their Inaugural Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, VA.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 35 Fairfax, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Navy after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation.

I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Navy:

Alexandra Villagomez; Rosanna Curiel; Cassidy Blefko; Carlos Castillo; William Labrecque; Ricardo Melendez; Elliot Gamby; Ryan Garnier; Hannah Hong; Cameron Woods; Myiam Anderson; Hyunsoo Hung; Omar Hedgespeth; Daniel Delabarra; Millad Zahedi; Carl Christensen; Edward Beaudoin; Tyger Leiva; Gad Baron; Jack Havens; Bryan Dann; Kevin Anderson; Michael Barnhouse; Marshall Wacker; Kenneth Abankwa; Yawo Afodagni; Marvin Castelo; Mukunda Adhikari; Dane Dailey; Dylan Griffin; Justice McManis; David Koroma; Karl Yao; Ryan Dixon; William Sherard.

These students will be honored by the Fairfax Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their Inaugural Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 in Sterling, VA.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. Chuck Weir, who recently passed away at the age of 86, just hours before his 87th birthday. As a resident of Leesburg, Virginia, Chuck devoted his life to his family and public service, living as a selfless community servant. He was dedicated to his beloved wife of 57 years, the late Darlene Weir and together they raised four children, Sue Ellen Jones, Maureen Kay Woods, Gregory Allen Weir, and Jeffery Charles Weir.

Chuck was a respected leader in the Commonwealth who brought honor and integrity to everything he did. His deep passion for service left an impression on every person he met. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, receiving an honorable discharge as a Staff Sargeant. Chuck carried a passionate spirit throughout this world and always shared it unto his colleagues.

Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Chuck taught junior high school in Oregon. In 1957, he returned to service in the USMC with a commission as a Second Lieutenant. Chuck thoroughly enjoyed his 17 years as an officer in the Marine Corps. He retired as a Major in 1970 due to combat disability after he was seriously wounded during his service in Vietnam. Chuck was awarded a Purple Heart for his injuries. He also received his MPA in Computer Science from American University in 1970. His second career as a civil servant for the United States Government was cut short due to another injury that left him permanently disabled in 1976.

Chuck then devoted his life as a citizen who profoundly impacted our community. He was selfless and dedicated to bettering the world around him. He served on the school board for the Falls Church City Public Schools. He was a member and President of the Homeowner Association boards where he lived in Oakton and Lansdowne, Virginia. Chuck had a drive and a passion to support the people and causes he held dear. He also served the youth of his community as a member and President of the Arlington Optimist Club. Chuck served as a member of the C&O Canal National Park Commission for 21 years, making sure that this hometown National Park was preserved and protected for all to enjoy. He was honored to serve veterans as a member and President of the board for the Virginia Veterans Care Center in Salem, Virginia.

Chuck was an architect of the Republican party and we will forever be grateful for his service. He was a member of the committee for President Ronald Reagan's inauguration. Chuck was the Republican Party's 10th Congressional District Chairman in Northern Virginia. He was also a Virginia delegate to the Republican National Convention, and he served on the State Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia.

In all passions, Chuck was enthusiastic about serving people. His presence was noticed by more than just his friends and family as he always displayed wisdom and strength and constantly mentored those around him. His heart was sincere, and his legacy serves as inspiration for others to also endure in public service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me as we recognize the many contributions of Chuck Weir. The impact he has had on the Commonwealth of Virginia and to our country will never be forgotten, and I offer our deepest condolences to the Weir family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor philanthropic and community leaders Carolyn and Milt Peterson, and their children, Lauren Peterson, William ``Rick'' Peterson, Jon Peterson and Steven Peterson of Fairfax, Virginia. This past Saturday, we celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the Life with Cancer Annual Lobster Extravaganza, which is an annual fundraising event supporting the nonprofit organization, Life with Cancer.

Life with Cancer is a community support and education program for cancer patients and their families, offering creative, physical, and social outlets that improve quality of life for all those affected by cancer. Life With Cancer's mission is to help those affected by cancer.

I especially would like to recognize Carolyn Peterson, the Chair Emeritus of the Life With Cancer. Through knowing Carolyn's story as a cancer survivor, we discover her love for life that can help each of us live a richer, more hope and love-filled life.

With her strength and perseverance as a cancer survivor, Carolyn and her husband, Milt have opened their home for this annual fundraiser that celebrates joy of friendship and togetherness amidst a cancer diagnosis. I would like to personally commend Carolyn and Milt who inspire others through their dedication and generosity in service to their neighbors, friends, and even those they do not know. The Extravaganza is such a unique event, every year including a New England lobster bake dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing, all to benefit thousands of individuals. I very much enjoyed the friendship shared this past weekend.

Carolyn, Milt and the entire Peterson family are friends to so many throughout our community. Through their love for each other, they have shared their love for service.

This year, Carolyn and Milt Peterson celebrate the milestone of 60 wonderful years of marriage, turned into an amazing journey of service, positively influencing the lives of countless members of our community. I thank them for their work and I celebrate this year of many achievements, deserving of recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize Carolyn and Milt Peterson and I sincerely hope that we all can live up to their tremendous example.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Nicole Ann Clark for her strength and perseverance as a breast cancer survivor, as well as the dedication she has displayed by continuing to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

She is a testament to the fact that hope exists for all cancer patients and their loved ones. Nicole's doctor found a tumor during a routine breast exam a little over five years ago. This was the beginning of a tough journey for her and her husband, guided by faith and support from family and friends.

With the recent news of a local breast cancer walk discontinuing, Nicole wanted to start an event to help women with Breast Cancer and give women a reason for continuing to exercise and stay healthy. Thus emerged Walk 4 Mountains, an inaugural event to give peace and comfort to women.

Walk 4 Mountains was held this past Saturday, May 5, 2018, with all proceeds benefiting the Loudoun Breast Health Network, Step Sister's and the Local Chapter of the American Cancer Society which will help to pay bills and take care of everyday activities for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

I sincerely thank her for her efforts in this fight. She is an inspiration to men and women everywhere, and her actions are truly honorable. With the establishment of this event, Ms. Clark's achievements and leadership will continue to strengthen the fight against breast cancer now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Ms. Nicole Clark's loyal and dedicated service in spreading awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer. On behalf of Virginia's 10th District, I wish Ms. Nicole Clark all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of Mr. Sanford M. Saunders, Jr., whom we lost too soon at the age of 59. A constituent of McLean, Virginia, Sandy is survived by his wife of nearly 22 years, Beth Saunders and predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Paulette David.

Sandy was loved immensely, sharing a special bond with his wife, Beth that came from his great heart and genuine nature. They had similar personalities and together sought the adventures of life, year after year finding the treasures of the world. Love is not an easy feeling to put in words but with Sandy, his love for Beth was revolutionary and he devoted himself to her.

Sandy carried a joyous spirit throughout this world and always shared it unto others. He will be remembered affectionately as the ``Sand- man.'' A name given unto him to fit his calm and comforting personality. He was a supportive uncle and the oldest cousin among all family members. His wisdom and humor prevailed in every conversation.

Above all passions, Sandy was enthusiastic about serving people. With over thirty years of representing his clients, Sandy every day pledged to arm them in his work.

From a young age, Sandy understood the importance of a good education. He received his J.D., Cum Laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1983 and his B.A., with honors, from Johns Hopkins University in

1980. In addition to his time practicing law, Sandy also served as a Visiting Fellow at George Mason University's Center on Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption, imparting his decades of wisdom in these fields to the next generations.

Sandy deeply loved life and this was clear to all those around him. Psalms 34:22 speaks, ``The Lord redeems the souls of his servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned. The dust returns to the earth as it was, but the spirit returns to God who gave it.''

Mr. Speaker, please join me today in honoring the extraordinary life of Mr. Sanford Saunders, Jr., and I ask that my colleagues join me in offering our deepest condolences to the Saunders family.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment No. 84 be modified in the manner that I have placed at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my bipartisan amendment reflects several policy recommendations that have been proposed in various forms over the last several years, including Representative Bridenstine's Space Renaissance Act.

State spaceports have become increasingly important elements of our national space launch infrastructure, with States like Virginia, Florida, and Alaska contributing hundreds of millions in infrastructure improvements to launch sites to better support NASA, DOD, and commercial launch.

State spaceports like the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at Wallops Island in Virginia, which launches Orbital ATK's Antares and Minotaur rockets, have provided new, low-cost capabilities for NASA, Defense, and commercial users, while also improving resiliency and responsiveness. The recent NASA Reauthorization Act, which passed the House Science Committee by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote last week, included language urging NASA to fully leverage such State spaceport investments to meet infrastructure demands to support national missions.

As we now consider this FAA Reauthorization Act, it is also important to note that the FAA currently plays a critical role in licensing and working with these spaceports as they grow their infrastructure and capabilities to support a variety of missions. This amendment will help recognize the important role of these spaceports to our national launch infrastructure, establish an office of spaceports to better coordinate licensing, policy, and technical support for spaceports, as well as direct two important reports--one by the Secretary of Transportation and another by GAO--to address policy issues facing spaceports in our growing launch market.

The amendment is supported by a bipartisan group of my colleagues from Virginia, Maryland, and Florida and is supported by Virginia Space, Space Florida, and the National Association of Spaceports, among others.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I urge passage of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent to attend a memorial service. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 148 and YEA on Roll Call No. 149.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a remarkable woman who has made an extraordinary contribution to the Commonwealth of Virginia and the people of the northern Shenandoah Valley.

With the retirement of Tricia Stiles Simpson from her position as Legislative Assistant to Virginia State Senator Jill Vogel, those attending the 2018 session of the Virginia General Assembly experienced a clear loss of energy, enthusiasm, honesty and intelligence that constitute this extraordinary human being.

A gifted speaker and writer, Tricia has always displayed natural leadership skills and has been highly sought after for a variety of boards and commissions. Over the years, she has generously given of her time, energy and money to a wide variety of organizations, serving as chairman or vice chairman of the following: Frederick County School Board, to which she was elected and reelected; United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley; Frederick County Department of Social Services; Winchester Branch of the American Association of University Women; Shenandoah Valley Private Industry Council; and Tri-County VA Opportunities IndustriaLization Center.

As one who has consistently lived her life out of the conviction that each individual has inherent dignity and worth, Tricia Stiles Simpson's overriding passion has been to serve and advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society, especially disabled children. During her 35 years of service to individuals with disabilities, Tricia has been an award-winning Special Education Teacher in Clarke County; Director of Rehabilitation Services for Northwestern Workshop; National Project Director of the National Association of Rehabilitation Facilities; administrator at Grafton School; and Executive Director of the Winchester-Frederick County Child Advocacy Center.

In each of these positions, as well as during the 10 years she spent as Senator Vogel's Legislative Assistant, Tricia generously gave of her time and energies to those struggling with almost every challenge imaginable, treating each with honesty and compassion, so that they left her presence knowing that they had been heard and respected. Asked how she managed to deal so successfully with confused and troubled people, Simpson explained her simple three-part rule: ``Say what you mean and do what you say; be consistent; and love them absolutely.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in recognizing and thanking Tricia Stiles Simpson for her extraordinary career serving the people of the northern Shenandoah Valley and the Commonwealth of Virginia and wishing her and her husband, HB Simpson, many years of continued happiness in their retirement years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Arc of Loudoun, on its 50th anniversary of making immeasurable contributions throughout Virginia's 10th Congressional District.

Since its creation in 1967, this foundation has advanced Rachel Paxton's dream to use her historic Leesburg property to support the ``needy children'' of Loudoun County, delivering care and services for people from infancy to adulthood, with differing abilities. The Arc of Loudoun has reshaped the quality of life for citizens, enabling thousands of people to live with greater independence and dignity by implementing one vision, to help members to live ``a life like yours.''

The Arc of Loudoun serves 3,125 people, with over 4,000 instances of services through their five programs on Paxton Campus. They provide an integrated and innovative environment in their services, all devoted to their mission to maximizing the potential of children

while supporting families and individuals with disabilities so that they may thrive in Loudoun.

These programs include the Aurora School. Founded in 2003, the School is a private day school for students with special needs and behavior challenges. Founded in 2010, the Open Door Learning Center is an inclusive preschool for children with and without disabilities. The Center provides daily care with onsite behavioral and music therapy provisions for young children, many with developmental disabilities.

The ALLY ``A Life Like Yours'' Advocacy Center vvas founded in 2011 and serves as a community resource for information, advocacy and support for children with special needs, their families, caregivers, and the professionals who work with them. Founded in September 2017, the Ability Fitness Center is a therapeutic fitness and wellness center for individuals with neurological disorders including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy, and developmental disabilities. This past January, the Arc of Loudoun launched the Advantage Behavior Clinic. The clinic provides individualized behavior and verbal therapy, speech therapy, and social skills development for children with autism and other related disabilities.

I am thankful for the leadership of the Arc of Loudoun management team: Melissa Heifetz, Denise Daffron, YaTonya Abdullah, Eileen Shaffer, Megan Allman, Kendra McDonald, Amy Metaxa, Helen Parker, Matt Smith, Morgan Payne, and the entire staff, volunteers, and supporters.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Arc of Loudoun on its 50th anniversary. May the Arc of Loudoun continue to assist in the cultivation of a better life for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rabbi Amy R. Perlin for her 32 years of exceptional service to the Temple B'nai Shalom and the surrounding community of Fairfax Station. After decades of service, Rabbi Perlin will be retiring this July.

Rabbi Perlin was determined to build a vibrant and meaningful Jewish life for families in Northern Virginia. In 1986, she founded the Temple B'nai Shalom congregation, becoming the first female rabbi in the United States to start a congregation on her own, bringing together the essence of Jewish spiritual life for about 100 families from several nearby communities in the fall of 1986. Under her leadership, the Temple has grown to serve over 500 families from throughout Northern Virginia, and earned a reputation as a values driven, welcoming, diverse, caring, and highly-participatory congregation.

Nationally, Temple B'nai Shalom is known for retaining and inspiring generations of Jewish youth to continue practicing their faith through Confirmation and Post-Confirmation, posting one of the best post-Bar Mitzvah retention rates in the country. Additionally, the Temple has sent a record number of rabbinic students to Hebrew Union College and the Jewish Institute of Religion, with seven members of the congregation matriculating to the Institute since 2002. Having Rabbi Perlin's students named to these prestigious institutions is truly a testament to her resolute commitment to providing Jewish youth with a first-rate education.

In recognition for her leadership and service, Rabbi Perlin received the Jewish Women International's 2012 Women to Watch award. In 2013, she was recognized as one of ``America' s Most Inspiring Rabbis'' by The Forward newspaper for her impact shaping 21st century Judaism.

In addition to her faithful service to the Temple B'nai Shalom congregation, Rabbi Perlin is a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Together with her husband of 41 years, Gary, she has been dedicated to social justice and philanthropy in the Washington area and worldwide.

In honor of Rabbi Perlin's legacy, the congregation of the Temple B'nai Shalom is establishing the Rabbi Amy R. Perlin and Gary L. Perlin Endowment to commemorate the invaluable leadership and service she and her husband have provided to the Northern Virginia community. With the establishment of this endowment, Rabbi Perlin's contributions and leadership will continue to thrive and strengthen the Jewish faith now and in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Rabbi Perlin's loyal and dedicated service to Temple B'nai Shalom. On behalf of Virginia's 10th District, I wish Rabbi Perlin all the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor all members of the New Dominion Women's Club of McLean, Virginia, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary. For half a century, its members and their friends have worked to make Northern Virginia a better place in which to live.

Founded in the spring of 1968 by eight dedicated, civic-minded women, this club has a proud history of community involvement, volunteer service and fellowship.

The Club tailors its structure to maximize the benefits of its efforts to the community and its members, and it annually votes on a slate of directors to lead the planning process for the membership. In support of its mission, club members meet monthly to plan several community fundraisers, service projects and program activities that take place throughout the year.

Program activities are comprised of cultural programs, lectures, holiday celebrations and membership events, which incorporate in-kind donation collections for local groups in need. Memorable events include, Suited for Change, SHARE of McLean, Second Story, Doorways of VA, Bethany House, The Reading Connection, Food for Others, and Education for Independence, Homestretch and more. These events have been abundantly successful in raising money for the Club's beneficiary organizations, especially in 2017 when the club raised over $20,000 in donations. I would like to acknowledge their dedication and commitment to the many worthwhile projects and program activities over the past fifty years that have enhanced the broader community. As is obvious from this long and diverse list of activities, the women of the New Dominion Women's Club are extraordinarily dedicated, passionate and creative.

I thank the many women who have shared a legacy of community service for the many individuals of Virginia, while providing an opportunity for fellowship among women.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the New Dominion Women's Club as they celebrate their Fiftieth Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, due to illness, I was unable to attend votes on 4/18/18. Had I been present, I would have voted Yea on Roll Call No. 143; Yea on Roll Call No. 144; Yea on Roll Call No. 145; Yea on Roll Call No. 146; and Yea on Roll Call No. 147

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brambleton Middle School in Ashburn, Virginia as they celebrate their inaugural year with a Day on Capitol Hill.

Since its opening in August 2017, Principal Renee Dawson and the entire faculty and staff has worked tirelessly to ensure the high quality of education to students from every background and creed.

Brambleton Middle School upholds the mission to empower all students to make meaningful contributions to the world. Built on the acronym, C.L.I.M.B., Brambleton faculty and staff work to Create, Lead, Inspire, Motivate, and Believe in the power of diversity to foster a community of excellence. In thanks to this dedicated faculty and staff; Brambleton Middle School students are achieving remarkable things in the classroom while also expanding their horizons through extracurricular activities including VEX robotics and the Civil War History Book club. The Eighth Grade recently organized a kindness brigade, putting out Random Acts of Kindness Magnets around the school. Coming from a family of educators, I understand the impact that teachers and other school staff can have on our children. With that in mind, I am proud of the faculty and staff at Brambleton Middle School who foster personal and educational growth through their approachable and collaborative methodology inside and out of the classroom. Principal Dawson has been passionate about building a cohesive path for her students with the philosophy that it takes a community to raise children, and together as a school, we will be that positive impact in our community. Before the first day of school, Principal Dawson invited all sixth-graders to write her a letter asking for feedback on their individual learning experiences. From this letter-writing campaign, Principal Dawson and the Brambleton Middle School community formed the BAM Ambassadors, a group of 30 kids selected to serve the community as school leaders. By soliciting suggestions and forming the BAM Ambassadors, Principal Dawson and the Brambleton Middle School leadership team set a foundation for the school as it continues to grow.

The hard work these students put towards their academics and their unwavering commitment to civic engagement is inspiring. I hope their curiosity and tenacity persists in future endeavors, and they continue to make a difference.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Brambleton Middle School's inaugural year, and I wish each student many more successes as they continue their education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3249, the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2017.

I would like to thank Chairman Goodlatte and the entire Judiciary Committee for their efforts on this legislation and working through the process to bring this to the floor.

I wanted to set out some recent headlines from the in-depth reporting by The Washington Post on the rise of the MS-13 gang problem in the Washington metropolitan area, which includes Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, and why this legislation is needed.

``MS-13 is `taking over the school,' one teen warned before she was killed.''

``She told the girl she'd see her in hell before stabbing her. Now, she's guilty of an MS-13 murder.''

``'People here live in fear': MS-13 menaces a community 7 miles from the White House.''

``Police: MS-13 members in Maryland stab man more than 100 times and decapitate him.''

This is from my local paper, the Loudoun-Times Mirror:

``MS-13 gang members convicted in gruesome murder of a Leesburg teenager.''

In this particular case in Leesburg, Virginia, the teenage boy, Carlos Otero-Henriquez, was stabbed over 50 times and his body was dumped in a quarry miles away in West Virginia.

The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Tracy Doherty-McCormick, had this to say after the murderers were convicted: ``The hallmark of MS-13 is extreme violence. This brutal kidnapping and murder is a tragic reminder of the impact MS-13 has on communities here in northern Virginia. My hope is that our efforts to investigate and prosecute this case will send a clear message: Violence will be aggressively prosecuted.''

This, and many of these other cases, are why we need the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act, which authorizes $50 million, but targets 30 percent being directed toward already- established regional gang task forces.

As we know, MS-13 is a transnational gang that has been found not only here in the Washington metropolitan region, but in Los Angeles, Long Island, Houston, and other cities throughout the country.

The Washington Post has highlighted how the 2014 border surge contributed to the MS-13 gang problem writing: ``The violent street gang is on the rise in the United States, fueled, in part, by the surge in unaccompanied minors.''

The unaccompanied minors, who often fled their native country to get away from the gangs, arrive here only to find themselves targeted by those very same gang members they were fleeing.

MS-13 preys upon these youngsters in their own community--and let me emphasize, it is their own community that they are victimizing--who may not have much of a family structure, and, in effect, MS-13 tries to become their family or threaten them with death if they don't.

Last summer, when I went on a ride-along with our Northern Virginia Regional Task Force, I was able to see their good work right in front of us. There was a young man on the sidewalk of Sterling Boulevard in Sterling, Virginia, just miles from here. The gang task force noticed him and turned around and decided to stop him and see what he was up to. With years of experience, the officers knew the MS-13 indicators.

The boy looked about 16 years old, from what I could tell, but it turned out he was actually a 22-year-old gang member. He was covered in MS-13 gang tattoos. When he lifted up his shirt when they asked him to do so, he showed all of the particular signs of MS-13, from his head to all over his feet.

It turns out he had been jailed in El Salvador for murder when he was 16 and had been deported from the United States twice for engaging in violent crime.

As it turns out now, when they come to the border, we don't have the law to be able to stop them. Fortunately, this House did pass a law back in the fall, on a bipartisan basis--it is over in the Senate now-- to be able to stop these gang members from getting in the country in the first place and being able to deport them quicker. But in the meantime, we need to increase the work and the support for these regional gang task forces.

We also saw the technology they use. They can use something along the lines of an iPad or an iPhone where they put this gang member's fingerprint on there and immediately it comes to light, as shown in the international records, that he was a murderer and that he had been in jail. But they need more of those resources. They only had two of those that they were able to use, and they said every one of their cars needs that kind of resource.

That same night that we were on the ride-along, three other suspected MS-13 gang members were also picked up. This isn't an aberration.

At a town festival in Herndon, Virginia, in my district, the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force told us that they had identified an estimated 200 to 300 suspected gang members who were milling about while our children were getting popcorn, getting on the rides, and there were people coming together to have a hotdog or a hamburger in a community festival.

According to the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, an MS-13 gang member put a hit out on his own brother because he refused to join the organization. Fortunately, because of the good, intensive work of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, they spared this young man from being killed by his own brother.

That is why we need to have these resources that we are voting on today. We need to help on a Federal level.

The community policing involved with the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force includes officers who speak Spanish, understand the gang culture, and help get the kids out of this. They get involved in the education, getting them into the schools. They understand where they are trying to target these young people, and they are familiar with their communities and have developed very good relationships with these communities.

ICE officials complement these efforts by removing the dangerous gang members once identified and allowing the task force to work in our highest risk schools and communities to prevent gang violence.

The Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act would direct this additional Federal funding toward these gang task forces so that our gang task forces--which are comprised in my area of 13 local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies--can really make the best antigang efforts in this three-pronged approach that they engage in: education, intervention and prevention, and enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I have seen firsthand the good work these gang task forces can do to remove these gang threats from our community, so I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I thank you for the opportunity to speak to this.