Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, we celebrate a victory for military families. After introducing my bipartisan Support Military Families Act, the administration has heeded our call and granted an exemption to the return to in-person work order.

This is a massive win for patriotic military families who all serve together, ensuring that they have flexibility, stability, and the support they deserve. When we strengthen military families, we strengthen our national security.

I am grateful to the bipartisan group of legislators who stood with me, and I will give a special shout-out to my colleagues from the Commonwealth, Congressman Rob Wittman and Congresswoman Jennifer Kiggans, for their support in getting this across the finish line.

When we work together, we deliver results. Today, we did just that for our military families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bipartisan bill, the Support Military Families Act, that upholds our commitment to both our Federal workforce and the families of those who serve our country in uniform.

As a 25-year Army veteran, I know the professional sacrifice our military spouses make for the Nation. My wife, Cindy, has had a wonderful career alongside mine, but it was a challenge to make it work with what the Army required of me.

Last week, my office heard from a constituent who works remotely for the headquarters of a Federal agency in Washington, D.C. Her husband is an Active-Duty servicemember stationed in Virginia, and they cannot relocate. She has only three options to comply with President Trump's return-to-work executive order: Her husband can leave the military, she can drive 200 miles round trip to D.C. every day, or she can leave her job of more than 18 years.

That is a choice that no military family should have to make. That is why I am introducing this bipartisan bill, my first bill as a Member of Congress, to exempt military spouses from the in-person work mandate. I do so with my good friend, Representative Robert Wittman, who is a tremendous champion for our military and their families.

This commonsense and simple solution guarantees that those serving our country in uniform can continue their mission, that our Federal agencies retain experienced staff, and that military families remain together.

Supporting military families is not a partisan issue. It is an American issue. This isn't just one family's story. It is a reality for countless military spouses across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in standing up for the military families who sacrifice so much for our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Since 1985, the members of the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. have hosted this community event in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this meaningful tradition. This event has evolved into a youth oratorical competition, bringing together students in grades 6-12 from Prince William County Public Schools and surrounding areas. It offers students with a unique opportunity to research, write, and deliver an oration that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King's legacy continues to inspire people of all ages, including today's youth. His commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolence has profoundly shaped our Nation, urging us to confront injustice and work for a future where all treated with dignity and respect.

This year's speech topic: ``Fulfilling the Promise of Democracy: My Voice, My Choice, My Future,'' is inspired by Dr. King's powerful call for America to live up the ideals of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence by being ``true to what you said on paper.''

I congratulate the following contestants in the 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest: Middle School Contestants: Soluchi Eze--Benton Middle School; Chizaram Feliz-Ujorji--Pennington Traditional School; Ezana Tesfaye--Mary G. Porto Traditional School. High School Contestants: Jordyn Nesbitt--Gainesville High School; Rabab Raza--Osbourn High School; Naomi Samuel--Battlefield High School.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for showcasing the power of Dr. King's tireless commitment to equality and in congratulating the talented students of the 2025 MLK Youth Oratorical Contest. Let us learn from this next generation and consider how we may honor Dr. King's legacy by continuously seeking justice and leading with light in our own communities.