Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) for receiving several Valor Awards, recognizing the exceptional bravery and selfless service demonstrated by the department's officers.

As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Valor Awards, we are proud to celebrate this tradition that has stood as the highest recognition of courage within the Prince William County Police Department. Since inception, these awards have honored generations of first responders who answered the call when it mattered most.

The impact of such bravery resonates throughout the community. Each courageous act, whether confronting immediate threats, providing aid in moments of crisis, or responding calmly under pressure reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of others. These actions go beyond traditional law enforcement. They embody public service at its highest level. The PWCPD has also demonstrated strong performance in investigative work, expanded community outreach, and received recognition for training, crisis response, and community-focused policing. Together, these efforts strengthen trust, safety, and unity across neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses.

By recognizing the Prince William County Police Department today, we not only celebrate their courage, but also the profound influence that dedicated public service can have on a community. We are grateful for their sacrifice and proud to stand with them in gratitude and recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Prince William County Police Department for their remarkable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Dumfries Volunteer Fire Department and to recognize one of its distinguished members who has received a Merit Award:

Firefighter Steve Hailey. While today we recognize Firefighter Hailey, this award reflects the commitment to duty, professionalism, and public safety that defines the entire department.

As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Valor Awards, we are proud to celebrate this tradition that has stood as the highest recognition of courage within the Dumfries Volunteer Fire Department. Since inception, these awards have honored generations of first responders who answered the call when it mattered most.

Each recipient exemplifies true valor, facing danger without hesitation, providing life-saving aid, and prioritizing the safety of others in the most challenging emergencies. Their courage and compassion strengthen the bonds within our community, fostering trust, resilience, and a shared sense of security. Today, we honor their collective bravery and commitment to public service.

Whether responding to fires, medical emergencies, or natural disasters, these individuals demonstrate an unyielding commitment to preserving life and property. Their professionalism and readiness in the face of uncertainty set an example for us all and serve as a reminder of the impact that first responders have on the lives of those they protect. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Dumfries Volunteer Fire Department and Firefighter Hailey for their remarkable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Sheriff's Office and to recognize one of its distinguished members who has received a Merit Award: Deputy Michelle Hand. While today we recognize Deputy Hand, this award reflects the commitment to duty, professionalism, and public safety that defines the entire Sheriff's Office.

As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Valor Awards, we are proud to celebrate this tradition that has stood as the highest recognition of courage within the Prince William County Sheriff's Office. Since inception, these awards have honored generations of first responders who answered the call when it mattered most.

Whether in the courtroom, on transport duty, or assisting during critical incidents, members of the Sheriff's Office play a vital role in maintaining the safety and order of our community.

Today, we recognize the extraordinary actions of Deputy Hand, whose bravery and dedication serve as powerful examples of the values upheld by the Prince William County Sheriff's Office. Her service reminds us that heroism is not measured by numbers, but by the impact one person can have through a single courageous act.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Prince William County Sheriff's Office for their remarkable contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an individual who is brave, strong, proud, tough, and most importantly, loving: my hero, my dad.

At the age of 47, my dad, a widower, decided to uproot his life and bring his family to the United States in order to provide us an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

Over the last 46 years, he has raised us, provided us support, love, and everything that a family could need.

Today, he is celebrating his 94th birthday. Happy birthday to my dad. I love him and here is to many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Joseph James Callahan, Jr., a United States Army veteran who dedicated more than 20 years of service to our Nation.

Lieutenant Colonel Callahan began his military career after earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology and receiving his commission as Second Lieutenant through the ROTC program at East Tennessee State University. He was a member of the Quartermaster Corps where he deployed to Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, serving under difficult and dangerous conditions in the Cha Rang Valley.

Throughout his 20-year military career, Lieutenant Colonel Callahan served in key leadership roles, including in command of the 5th Quartermaster Detachment and as an Army Advisor to the 47th Infantry Division Support Command of the Minnesota National Guard. He helped strengthen training and operational readiness. In 1987, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and later served at the Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, before retiring from the Army in 1990.

Reflecting his excellence and unwavering dedication to duty, he earned the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous additional commendations and awards.

His commitment to service didn't stop there. Lieutenant Colonel Callahan continued serving the public through 20 years of dedicated work with the Virginia Employment Commission before retiring in 2011. Even in retirement, he remained committed to helping others by donating personal items to patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, reflecting his compassion and patriotism.

As a fellow Army veteran, it is my honor to recognize and honor the service of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph James Callahan, Jr. I also want to thank Mrs. Callahan and the entire family for their support, sacrifice, and devotion throughout his years of service. His legacy will live on.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life, service, and legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph James Callahan, Jr., a true American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my Constituent of the Week, Chief Rebecca Davis Nelson, on her appointment as chief of police for the town of Orange.

Prior to her promotion, Chief Davis Nelson was the longest serving officer in the department, a testament to her deep commitment and steady leadership. With more than two decades of law enforcement experience, she now makes history as the first woman to lead the agency, an achievement that reflects both her dedication and the trust she has earned within the department and the community.

Since 2002, Chief Davis Nelson has devoted her career to serving and protecting her community, building a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and strong leadership.

I am confident she will continue to guide the department with distinction in her new role.

I congratulate Chief Davis Nelson on this well-deserved honor, and I thank her for her continued service.

Mr, Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Thomas Tutwiler, a profound music educator with over 30 years of serving students.

Mr. Tutwiler built a remarkable career rooted in dedication, excellence, and deep passion for music education. He earned a master's degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music and a bacheIor's degree in music education and psychology from James Madison University, an academic foundation that prepared him to inspire generations of students.

Over the course of over 30 years, Mr. Tutwiler served at several schools and is now completing his 23rd and final year as Choral Director at C.D. Hylton High School. Throughout his journey, he has made a huge impact on students, parents, teachers, and the broader community, shaping the lives of countless young people through music, mentorship, and leadership.

His career includes a huge list of accomplishments. For more than 25 years, he performed with the Men/Girls/Boys Choirs of the Washington National Cathedral, an elite and highly competitive honor requiring exceptional sight-reading ability, vocal proficiency, and musicianship. In addition, he has served as a guest conductor on the regional, district, and county level honor choirs.

In 2015, Mr. Tutwiler was also named High School Teacher of the Year by Dale City in Prince William County, Virginia, and was recognized by James Madison University as Alumni Music Educator of the Year. I want to personally thank Mr. Tutwiler for the outstanding impact he has had on students, parents, colleagues, and the many generations he has guided throughout his career.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Thomas Tutwiler for his outstanding service and the tremendous difference he has made in our communities. I wish him all the best in his well earned retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 208th anniversary of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Stafford County, Virginia.

Mount Olive Baptist Church has a rich history that is marked by resilience and courage. On May 16, 1818, five Black landowners gathered near Roseville in Western Stafford County, Virginia to found the church. Their first service was held beneath a simple slab-wood shelter, where a congregation began to take shape under conditions that required far more than faith alone.

In 1818 Virginia, it was illegal for Black people to assemble without a white person present. As a result, Reverend Crutcher, a white minister, was required to attend as a legal requirement.

Yet it was the five Black landowners who made the true foundation possible, men who owned the land, chose to worship together, and accepted the risks of gathering in an unjust system.

Although they were denied formal recognition, they were the driving force behind the church's formation and worked tirelessly to ensure its growth.

Over the years, Mount Olive Baptist Church has grown and flourished, expanding its ministries and outreach to serve a growing congregation. Today, it offers Sunday school programs, men's and women's fellowship ministries, youth and adult choirs, and a wide range of services that serve the broader Stafford community.

The congregation's unwavering commitment to faith laid the foundation for the community that still thrives today. For 208 years, Mount Olive Baptist Church has stood as a sanctuary for worship and spiritual nourishment.

As we celebrate this milestone, let us honor the legacy of those five individuals who contributed to the church's mission over the

years. Their dedication has helped build a thriving community that will continue to flourish for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating Mount Olive Baptist Church on its 208th anniversary. I am honored to represent the families and individuals who make up this caring and loving community, and I look forward to celebrating their continued success for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank my Deputy District Director, Marc Rabourdin for his service to the people of Virginia's Seventh Congressional District with distinction for more than four years.

Before joining my office Marc began his service to the Seventh Congressional District working for my dear friend and predecessor. former Congresswoman and now Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and care, he has continued to deliver results for Central and Northern Virginia. From the very first day in January 2025, his dedication has made a real difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Marc cultivated strong partnerships across the Seventh district. Always calm, steady, we referred to as the ``Mayor'' given his talent for meeting people where they were and nurturing positive relationships with leaders and stakeholders of all backgrounds.

Most notably, Marc was instrumental in my office's Community Project Funding initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026 as he helped to secure thousands of dollars for improving water treatment processes in the rural counties of Greene and Orange and brought millions of dollars for supporting law enforcement including Stafford County Sheriff, Town of Culpeper Police Department, Caroline County Sheriff's office, and Madison Sheriff's Office.

Marc is moving on to an exciting new role, now serving as the Director of Local Government Engagement in the Office of Governor Spanberger. While it is bittersweet to see him depart, I know that he will continue to do great work serving communities all across the Commonwealth.

I want to personally thank Marc for hitting the ground running and for setting a stellar example for the rest of my district team.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Marc Rabourdin for his immeasurable service to the Commonwealth and Virginia's Seventh congressional district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Ms. Sheyna Burt, an accomplished attorney, President of Youth Orchestras of Prince William, dedicated violinist, and most notably a community leader. It is my privilege to recognize her on the occasion of An Evening Above the Clouds, a celebration marking 16 years of uplifting our community through the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

More than 25 years ago, Ms. Burt began her musical journey as a student in the Prince William County Public Schools' strings program. What began as a childhood hobby grew into a lifelong passion and purpose. Today as President of the Youth Orchestras of Prince William and the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra, she remains committed to sharing the arts and ensuring that generations to come have access to those same opportunities as she did.

Through her leadership both on stage and in public forums, she has helped shape a more inclusive and vibrant cultural landscape, expanded access to music education, and advocated for the importance of the arts.

Her work extends well beyond performance. Through her legal expertise, Ms. Burt has supported nonprofit organizations in advancing their missions.

Through her leadership with the Hylton Performing Arts Center as a board member, board chair, and now immediate past chair--she has helped to facilitate an environment where artists and audiences can connect, thrive, and be inspired.

For more than 25 years, Ms. Burt has made a lasting impact on our community through her vision, her advocacy, and her unwavering dedication to others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Burt, a true champion of the arts and a leader who will impact generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Carol Kitman, a stalwart supporter, a trusted friend, and a maternal figure whose presence has been a constant in my childhood, my life, and my family.

I first met Mrs. Kitman in 1980, on the streets of Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, the year my family immigrated to New York from Ukraine in search of a better life. She saw my brother Alexander and me playing and asked our grandmother if she could take a photo--a small moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong connection.

In that moment, Mrs. Kitman did more than take a photograph. She took the time to speak with us, to listen, and to understand our story. Carol was deeply touched by our Jewish family's journey to the United States and chose to remain a part of our lives.

Over the years, she became someone I looked up to, admired and deeply trusted. My brother and I went to her house for trick-or-treating, get- aways to the suburbs, and began to understand what the American dream could be for us. We forged a life-long bond with her and her husband, Mr. Marvin Kitman, an American television critic, humorist, and award- winning author.

The Kitmans were present for so many of our milestones, including our weddings, graduations, holidays, and family celebrations, always capturing those moments through Mrs. Kitman's lens. They attended my Pentagon ceremony, where I was honored with a promotion to rank of lieutenant colonel in the United States Army.

Through her kindness, dedication, and generosity of spirit, Mrs. Kitman made a lasting impact on my life. She was far more than a photographer known for documenting the lives of my brother and me. From our very first meeting, she became a vital part of my life. Throughout her 96 years, she touched many lives across New York and New Jersey.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me honoring and remembering Mrs. Carol Kitman and her husband Marvin, who played such meaningful role in my life. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Kitmans' children and their entire family. I am honored to have known them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Avery Wise, a fearless 17-year-old leader from Woodbridge, Virginia, who has already committed his life to serving others.

At just 17 years old, EMT Wise volunteers weekly with the Occoquan- Woodbridge-Lorton (OWL) Volunteer Fire Department, where he responds to 911 emergency calls, provides medical assistance to patients, and administers appropriate medical treatments.

Last year, his passion for service was put to the test in a profound and life-changing way. While in class learning about air management, EMT Wise was dispatched to an emergency involving a 73-year-old woman who had stopped breathing. Without a doubt, he went into action, performing an intubation procedure and attaching a ventilation device to restore her breathing. After successfully stabilizing the patient, he remained by her side during transport, carefully making sure her chest continued to rise adequately. Thanks to his quick actions and composure under pressure, the patient was released from the hospital in good health.

This experience did not deter him, instead it strengthened his commitment to public service and deepened his understanding of what it truly means to serve, no matter how big or small the call could be.

EMT Wise's dedication to serving his community doesn't stop when he is off the clock. He has been a member of the Trail Life USA scouting program for over 11 years, serving in multiple leadership roles, including First Officer and High School Chaplain, taking on the responsibility of assisting the Troop Master in troop management and communicating with the Committee Chair to discuss ways to improve the organization.

In addition, EMT Wise is an extraordinary varsity basketball player with the Northern Virginia Homeschool Athletic Association. He also earned the Passion for Public Service Scholarship from the National Society of High School Scholars.

In want to personally thank EMT Wise for his dedication to serving his community, and I wish him continued success as he works toward becoming a crew leader within his EMT team. Mr. Speaker. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing EMT Wise for his courage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Vince Smithers on his 40 years of federal service.

Throughout his career, including at the Office of Personnel Management within the Healthcare and Insurance arena--Mr. Smithers has exemplified professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those around him. As a federal warrant holder, he carried out his responsibilities with the highest ethical standards, playing a critical role in supporting the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, one of the largest employer sponsored health programs in the Nation.

Though he is known for his quiet demeanor, Mr. Smithers' presence has a way of uplifting every room he enters, his colleagues describe him as a true team player--thoughtful, kind, and dedicated to fostering a healthy work-life balance within the workplace.

I want to personally thank Mr. Smithers for the outstanding impact he has had on his colleagues, his workplace, and the many individuals he has served over the past four decades. His leadership and expertise reflect the very best of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Vince Smithers, honoring his service and the difference he has made in our communities. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Sallie Chew Baker also known affectionately as ``Dear Mama.'' Born in 1885, Mrs. Baker was a respected businesswoman, educator, and spiritual leader who left a lasting impact throughout the Caroline County Community.

Mrs. Baker's legacy continues to live on through the countless lives she touched.

Alongside her late husband, Dansberry Abraham Lincoln Baker Sr., she raised six children--Judge, Napoleon, Druscilla, Dansberry Jr., Proft, and Lloyd. However, she didn't just stop there, she opened her home to children across the community, creating a safe, nurturing environment where everyone felt welcomed and cared for.

A devoted community leader, Mrs. Baker owned and operated a grocery store that not only provided essential goods but also served as a critical place for families in need to shop. Her kindness and compassion were evident in every part of her work, always putting others before herself.

Her commitment to preserving history was equally remarkable. Mrs. Baker played an important role in protecting the historic Guinea one- room schoolhouse, which served Black students from 1918 to 1959. When the community plan to convert the site into a beer garden, she fought tirelessly to preserve its legacy. In a defining moment, she attended an auction at Union Bank & Trust and successfully put in a bid for $575 to reclaim the building--an act that earned her deep respect not just from her immediate community, but those who also doubted her abilities.

After securing the property, she transformed the schoolhouse into the Ever-Ready Club, a space to uplift children and ensure they had access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.

In 1962, Mrs. Baker then donated the land to be used for the new Macedonia Baptist Church in Woodford, Virginia. In recognition of her remarkable gift, she was honored as the church's first ``Mother'' and had the distinction of cutting the ribbon on Easter Sunday, April 14, 1963.

More than six decades later, the church continues to serve as a spiritual home for many Virginians.

I want to personally honor Mrs. Baker for her contributions and unwavering commitment to the Caroline County community. I also want to thank family, friends, and members of Macedonia Baptist Church for their ongoing service and dedication to strengthening our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mrs. Baker, and her legacy of faith and community leadership.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Frank W. Harris III, a

United States Marine Corps Colonel whose extraordinary life of service spans three defining conflicts in our Nation's history: World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war.

In each of these wars, Colonel Harris stood in defense of freedoms at moments when it was tested most. Colonel Harris has demonstrated time and again what it means to put Nation before self.

In doing so, he has embodied the highest ideals of the Marine Corps: honor, courage, and commitment.

Having lived through a century of American history, Colonel Harris represents more than remarkable longevity. He represents resilience. To witness 101 years and to have spent so many of them in service to others is itself extraordinary. His life tells the story of perseverance through hardship, faith through uncertainty, and leadership through change.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly honored to have him as my constituent. From this Army colonel: Oorah and Semper Fidelis.

Constituent of the Week: Patrice Summers

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Patrice Summers on her 26 years of exceptional service to Prince William County.

Inspired by her mother's civic engagement, Patrice committed herself to public service from a young age. For over two decades, she served as an elections officer and then chief elections officer right here in Prince William County.

Patrice is also actively involved in the Virginia 512 organizing committee.

Beyond her public sector and union work, Patrice is a devoted caregiver to two of her family members. Her dedication to uplifting her neighbors, her family, and giving back to her community embodies a lifetime of selflessness.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate her on this well-earned recognition and honor her as this week's Constituent of the Week. Congratulations, and I thank her for all that she does.

Constituent of the Week: Pranav Vedula

Mr. Speaker, today, I honor my Constituent of the Week, Pranav Vedula, of Stafford County, Virginia, for winning the Seventh Congressional District's App Challenge.

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages students to explore STEM, coding and computer science by creating original software applications.

Pranav, a senior at Colonial Forge High School, did exactly that by developing an innovative app called ReCheck. ReCheck is a productivity app designed to assist individuals experiencing memory loss.

It allows people living with dementia to build customized to-do lists that help them maintain independence and confidence in their daily lives.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Pranav for using his skills to bring awareness to this critical issue and for his clear commitment to improving people's quality of life. I wish him continued success in his future academic and professional pursuits.

Constituent of the Week: Curry Roberts

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate my constituent of the week, Curry Roberts, on his retirement from serving as the president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington.

A Fredericksburg-area business leader, Mr. Roberts has dedicated his career to our community.

Mr. Roberts has attracted over 6,000 new jobs to the region, laying groundwork for key opportunities for industry to work with local government.

In addition to work on the FRA, Mr. Roberts also had a 35-year career in leadership on various nonprofit, public sector, and private-sector jobs.

Mr. Roberts has always had the back of our communities, and I am committed to paying this forward in Congress.

I congratulate him on his retirement, and I wish him well on his next chapter.

Constituent of the Week: Richard E. Toye, Sr.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Richard E. Toye, Sr., a 98-year-old World War II veteran, for his service to our country.

Mr. Toye was drafted in 1944 and stationed in Okinawa as the member of the Quartermaster Corps.

After being discharged from Active Duty, he reenlisted and served in the Navy Reserves until 1950.

Mr. Toye has been a steady voice for positive change in Spotsylvania County. He volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, United Way, and the Spotsylvania County Democratic Committee.

As a 25-year Army veteran and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know the depth of sacrifice that his service to our country demands.

That is why this week I am proud to recognize Mr. Toye as a constituent of the week. I thank him for his service to our Nation and for his continued work in our community. I will always work to deliver for veterans like him.