Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Scott Foster for his 31 years of outstanding service in law enforcement.

Sheriff Foster began his career in 1994, advancing from the rank of deputy to captain. On September 15, 2022, he was appointed sheriff of the city of Fredericksburg and was sworn in shortly afterwards.

Since taking office, Sheriff Foster has worked to improve the Fredericksburg Sheriff's Office by updating operational plans, implementing policies and procedures, and improving training and recordkeeping.

Under his leadership, he also established a career development program to support employee growth and recognize professional excellence within the department.

I personally congratulate and thank Sheriff Foster for his dedication to ensuring our Fredericksburg communities stay safe and have access to the resources they need. His impact on community will be felt for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mrs. Laura McKie. a proud constituent of Woodbridge, Virginia as she celebrates her 90th birthday on March 21, 2026. For years, Mrs. McKie has been a leader of our community, advocating for education and women's rights.

Mrs. McKie has had a distinguished career, earning a degree in cultural anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis followed by a master's degree from Harvard University. After graduating she went on to serve as Director of Education at the Smithsonian's National Museum of National History. In that role, she was responsible for the Insect Zoo, Discovery Room, Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, and the Naturalist Center including a staff of two dozen museum professionals and 300 docents.

During her tenure, Mrs. McKie was also in charge of creating educational materials and guides for exhibitions, as well as several large-format films, and video productions. She served as the museum's accessibility coordinator, managing the implementation of fully accessible audio tours and ensuring that the museum's resources could be enjoyed by all visitors.

After retiring, Mrs. McKie didn't just stop there; she continued her dedication to public service. Most notably, she volunteered to develop and direct the Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, which documents the 91-year history of the prison that housed inmates from the District of Columbia. She curated the exhibitions highlighting the 1917 imprisonment, brutal treatment, and hunger strikes of suffragists like Lucy Burns and Alice Paul. Through her leadership, the museum tells the powerful story of the women of the National Women's Party and preserves the legacy of those who demanded the right to vote.

In March 2020, Mrs. McKie received a special proclamation from the Fairfax County Commission for Women honoring her as a ``Valiant Woman of the Vote'' for her devoted work in bringing the Lucy Burns Museum to life and contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Laura McKie on her remarkable life of service and leadership, and in wishing her a very happy 90th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, much has been said about the President's war in Iran. He has not made the case clear to the American people about what he is looking to achieve.

Regime change from the air may be unlikely and may result in a more extreme, hostile, and dangerous regime than existed before. All of that is true, but what is truly unacceptable is the cost, both in American blood and American treasure.

We don't know yet the cost of the war but by some estimates it could cost as much as $1 billion a day. The President has said 4 to 6 weeks, and that translates to $28 to $42 billion. I have heard even more alarming reports from senior DOD officials earlier today. That money won't be spent on lowering working Americans' grocery bills, prescription drugs, and gas at the pump.

The most terrifying cost is the six Americans who have been killed, including one who is a constituent that lived in Spotsylvania, Virginia.

Yesterday, the Secretary of Defense said it is ``tragic news'' that is reported because the press only wants to make the President look bad. That is outrageous and beyond the pale. This is not about the President. It is not about the Secretary. It is about the servicemembers.

The American people are deeply concerned about our sons and daughters dying in a war that just 27 percent support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Donna Wright-Sheldrick for her extraordinary career in public safety and her steadfast commitment to the people of Stafford County, Virginia

Donna Wright-Sheldrick began her distinguished service in August 1978 with the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy as a Staff Instructor. Over the course of 19 years, she became a cornerstone of the Academy's operations and institutional development. In addition to serving as Secretary to the Board of Directors and Administrative Assistant, she rose to the role of Senior Staff Instructor, where she played a critical role in shaping curriculum, strengthening training programs, maintaining essential databases, developing lesson plans, and securing grant funding.

Her diligence and foresight helped ensure not only the Academy's immediate success, but also its long-term stability and growth, benefiting countless law enforcement professionals across the region.

In January 1998, Ms. Wright-Sheldrick brought her experience and leadership to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, where she has served with distinction as a Training Officer and as a core member of the Professional Standards Division. In a role that demands precision, accountability, and unimpeachable ethics, she consistently demonstrated a positive attitude and a deep commitment to doing whatever is required to uphold the highest standards of the profession. Her integrity and reliability have earned her the trust of colleagues and community members alike.

In recognition of her character and dedication, she was awarded the Sheriff's Office Integrity Award in 2011, reflecting her tireless efforts to foster transparency, professionalism, and public confidence.

She has also received numerous commendations for her work as a Rape Aggression Defense Instructor, empowering members of the community with critical safety skills. Additionally, her leadership in coordinating the Citizens Police Academy and administering Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act qualifications has strengthened the bond between law enforcement and the citizens they serve while maintaining rigorous compliance and training standards.

In her nearly five-decade career, Donna has exemplified the very best of public service--commitment, competence, and character. Her career reflects a sustained record of excellence and quiet leadership that has left a lasting impact on Stafford County and the broader law enforcement community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful community, we extend our deepest appreciation to Donna Wright-Sheldrick for her lifetime of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mrs. Terry Lein, a proud constituent of Woodbridge, Virginia, as she retires from the United States Navy after 29 years of extraordinary service in the Navy Nurse Corps.

Mrs. Lein built a remarkable career rooted in both compassion and dedication. She earned a bachelor's degree in Zoology/Animal Biology, followed by master's degrees in nursing and business administration, an academic foundation that would prepare her to lead and care for our communities. Her commitment to service was inspired early on by her father, who served in the Navy during the Korean War.

In 1996, she began serving as an Operating Room nurse, where she managed patient care in support of combat operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief efforts.

Throughout her nearly three decades of service, Mrs. Lein was stationed across the world, including assignments in Italy, Iceland, Japan, and Alaska.

When Hurricane Katrina hit, she was the Nurse Officer in charge, leading a unit of nurses during one of our Nation's most challenging moments, making sure patients received the consistent care they needed and deserved.

Recognized for her exemplary service, she earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NMCCOM) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement (NMCAM), both of which are a testament to her superior performance and meritorious service.

Although she has retired from the line of duty, Mrs. Lein's service to others continues. She now serves as Nurse Manager at the Bitar Cosmetic Surgery Institute, where she oversees clinical operations, supports nursing staff, and ensures patients receive the highest standard of safe, quality care.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mrs. Lein on her well-earned retirement and thanking her for almost three decades of service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Gardening Gays Farm of King George County, Virginia, on earning multiple honors in the 2026 King George ``KG Best of the Best'' Awards, a community- driven recognition of outstanding local businesses.

Through the votes of their neighbors and customers, Gardening Gays Farm was recognized in several categories, including best customer service, best family-owned business, best small business, best agriculture or farm business, best grocery or convenience store. This recognition reflects their outstanding service, quality, and community engagement. Their success is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and integrity that define this family-owned farm.

I had the pleasure of visiting Gardening Gays Farm and witnessed firsthand the passion and hard work that have made it such a beloved local institution. From their commitment to sustainable farming practices to the welcoming atmosphere that they create for families across the region, it is clear why so many in King George County hold them in such high regard. Small businesses like Gardening Gays Farm are the backbone of our rural communities and an essential part of Virginia's proud agricultural heritage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the owners and team at Gardening Gays Farm on these well-deserved honors and wishing them continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Jenkins Donelson Foundation (JDF) located in Stafford, Virginia for their decade of service to the communities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.

Since 2016, the Jenkins Donelson Foundation have worked to promote health and healthy lifestyles for the homeless, veterans, and underserved communities. Over the years, they have provided socks, shoes, foot care supplies, clothing, blankets, beds/bedding, kitchenware, bathroom goods, and toys.

In addition to their core activities, the JDF recently began hosting The Robert E. Jenkins Scholastic Chess Tournament, named after co- founder Robert Jenkins, who was an avid chess player. These tournaments help students develop decision-making and strategic thinking skills, which help improve their mental and physical well-being.

The JDF has also hosted numerous interactive Health Fairs, offering critical information on diabetes, hypertension, healthy eating, and foot health. Most notably, the JDF was recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit by Great Nonprofits, a prestigious recognition that reflects their unwavering dedication to serving our community.

I want to thank all the board members and volunteers that play a crucial role in making sure our communities have access to these necessary resources.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating and honoring the Jenkins Donelson Foundation for their ten years of service in our community. I look forward to witnessing their continued impact in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an exceptional member of my staff who is moving on to his next chapter.

Marc Rabourdin, my deputy district director, has served the people of Virginia's Seventh Congressional District with distinction for more than 4 years.

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

He has continued to deliver results for central and Northern Virginia on my team with the same professionalism and care. From day one, his dedication has made a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. Always calm, steady, and deeply knowledgeable, Marc has been a trusted presence and an invaluable resource to our constituents and our team.

A true public servant, Marc earned his nickname, the mayor, in our office because he knows the communities, local leaders, and needs of the Seventh District better than just about anyone.

Mr. Speaker, while we will miss him, we are grateful for his service to Virginia's Seventh Congressional District and wish him every success in his next endeavor serving Virginians.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Candi Mundon King on her appointment as Virginia's Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Secretary Mundon King is a proud graduate of Norfolk State University and has been a lifelong champion for the people of Virginia.

From 2021 until her appointment, she represented Virginia's 23rd House District, which includes parts of Prince William and Stafford Counties. During her time in the Virginia House of Delegates, she remained a strong advocate and proven leader within the General Assembly.

Having served as Chair of the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns, Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and as a member of the House Finance and Labor and Commerce Committees, Secretary Mundon King advocated for important legislation across sectors, including securing pay raises for teachers, protecting victims of human trafficking, providing paid sick leave for home health care workers, and safeguarding renters from unauthorized home access.

Most notably, she passed the historic Virginia Momnibus, landmark legislation that transformed maternal health care across the Commonwealth by allocating almost $7 million in funding.

She also founded the Sickle Cell Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus, advancing health equity for communities across Virginia. With more than two decades of experience in advocacy and community engagement, Secretary Mundon King brings a deep understanding of governance and service to her new role. Prior to serving as Delegate, she worked in philanthropy and global advocacy at leading organizations. As Deputy Director of CARE, she advanced its advocacy agenda and helped secure passage of the Global Food Security Act.

At the Gates Foundation, she worked with senior leadership to strengthen relationships with elected officials, appointed leaders, and community partners, while leading community relations efforts in Washington, D.C. Beyond her professional service, Secretary Mundon King has remained deeply rooted in her community. She serves as a Girl Scouts troop leader, volunteer color guard coach, a member of the Virginia Employment Commission, and the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

I want to personally congratulate Secretary Mundon King on this well- deserved appointment and commend her unwavering and continued commitment to the people of the Commonwealth.

I have had the pleasure of working alongside her on critical issues, including maternal health, and have witnessed firsthand her leadership and tireless advocacy.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Candi Mundon King on her appointment to serve as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Virginia and wish her great success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

For more than four decades, 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 41st anniversary of this distinguished program, one of the oldest and largest celebrations of Dr. King's legacy in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The event brings together students in grades six through twelve from Prince William County Public Schools and surrounding areas, offering them a unique opportunity to research, write, and deliver original orations honoring the life, leadership, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This year's speech topic: ``Awakening the Dream: Breaking Barriers in the Fight for Justice and Unity, ``is inspired by the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose calls for justice, unity, and an equitable future continue to resonate today.''

I want to personally congratulate the following contestants in the 41st ``Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest: Middle School Contestants: Brianna McGlawn--Manassas Park Middle School; Daniella Odom--Rippon Middle School; Jasraj Saini--Benton Middle School; Salima Lankford-Diallo--Manassas Park High School; Beulah Sarsah--C.D. Hylton High School; and Ryqah Shaikh--Gainesville 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 its unwavering commitment to uplifting our youth and preserving Dr. King's legacy.

I also congratulate these talented students for using their voices to advance the ideals of justice, unity, and equality. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alexandra Vakos on being named the 2025 Distinguished Assistant of the Year in a medium-sized office by the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys.

Each year, this award honors just three prosecutors across the Commonwealth. Alexandra was selected from approximately 1,000 prosecutors who were qualified. She stood out because of her outstanding trial accomplishments and contributions to the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys.

She played a pivotal role in establishing a regional behavioral health docket in the Fredericksburg area. This initiative helps connect individuals with serious mental health illness and substance abuse disorders to treatment and support through evidence-based practices and judicial oversight.

As her Representative in Congress, I am grateful for her commitment to justice and strengthening our community. That is why I am proud to name her Constituent of the Week.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate my constituent of the week, Professor Anand Rao, on launching the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts at the University of Mary Washington.

As director, Professor Rao will lead this new initiative, positioning UMW as a leader in the national conversation around artificial intelligence.

Professor Rao is an emerging expert in blending AI with the humanities and ensuring AI is shaped in ethical, thoughtful, and humanistic ways.

Students who take courses through the center will have the opportunity to build their own chatbots, conduct research, and contribute to building the future of AI.

Mr. Speaker, again, I congratulate the professor on all of his accomplishments. It is a privilege to highlight his story on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize George Hinckley on his work in founding Smart Community STEM Camp.

This camp is a youth program that teaches kids coding and how to fly and operate drones, provides mentorship, and brings communities together.

As camp director, George encourages young Virginians who are interested in pursuing technology-based careers as their pathway to success.

George's dedication to STEM education is contributing to the future of learning and exposes students to diverse opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, George's leadership and unwavering commitment to this program are truly deserving of this recognition. I am honored to congratulate him on this well-earned moment and recognize him as this week's Constituent of the Week.

I congratulate and thank George for all that he does for our students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christine Culberson of Spotsylvania County as Virginia's Seventh District Constituent of the Week.

Christine was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association for good reason. She was recognized for her unwavering passion of career and technical education. This work has enriched the learning experience for students across Spotsylvania County Public Schools.

Educators like Christine take the time to invest in our students and inspire a lifelong learning, restoring quality education of our children.

Christine's recognition isn't just a personal achievement, it reflects the innovation flourishing in Spotsylvania County Schools. Her efforts uplift her colleagues and elevate the entire CTE community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Christine for everything she has done for public education, and I am proud to honor her today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my commitment to peace in Ukraine, a peace that acknowledges the massive sacrifice of the Ukrainian people and that secures perpetual sovereignty, not just a temporary reprieve that the Russians will use to rearm and reattack.

We must continue to stand firmly with the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom and sovereignty. I have traveled to Ukraine extensively since this major phase of the war started in February 2022, 15 trips, the first 14 between June 2022 and October 2023, investigating war crimes and trying to help the Ukrainian people. The last one was the only bipartisan House delegation visit to Ukraine this year. Frankly, I think that is a shameful statistic, that only Congressman Mike Turner and I managed to make it to Ukraine this year, a year the Ukrainians faced enormous pressure.

In those trips, I visited places like Bucha, Irpin, Hostomel, places where Russian soldiers brutally executed civilians, places where Russians attacked Ukrainian infrastructure, attempting to freeze and starve the Ukrainian population.

I tell you that what I saw was a war crime, and those crimes are perpetuated almost daily by Russians, including attacks on and killing of POWs.

It is in the United States' national security interest to secure peace between Russia and Ukraine, but only when that peace comes with dignity and security for the Ukrainian people.

We have seen Russia's playbook. They use time. They buy time to rearm so they can attack. They sow discord throughout the neighborhood, in Moldova, Transnistria, Georgia, and Ukraine.

True peace will never be achieved by the world by appeasing Putin. That is why we must stand together. This peace proposal that we have recently seen, the 28-points, Dmitriev, who is the leader of the sovereign wealth fund, and Witkoff, a real estate investor--I call it the Dim-Wit peace proposal.

This Dim-Wit peace proposal is nothing more than a giveaway to Vladimir Putin. It does nothing to achieve peace. Frankly, it would have made Prime Minister Chamberlain blush after Munich, that level of weakness and appeasement.

Let me be clear. A just and lasting peace in Ukraine could not be achieved by the United States alone. It could not be achieved without transatlantic unity. It could not be achieved without European support.

We must stand with the Ukrainian people. We must stand on the right side of history and not support a shameful and weak appeasement deal.

``Glory to Ukraine''; ``Slava Ukraini.''