Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and welcome His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C. He serves as the spiritual leader and Primus inter Pares (First among Equals) of Orthodox Christianity worldwide, a Church of 300 million people.

Later this month, His All-Holiness will visit the United States to receive the Templeton Prize, the world's most prestigious international award at the intersection of religion and science. This honor is awarded annually to those who advance Sir John Templeton's vision of progress in religion through discoveries and insights that deepen our understanding across faiths. Since being elected Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew has been a courageous voice for unity, religious freedom, and environmental stewardship. His leadership has left a lasting mark on both the Orthodox world and the entire global community.

This will not be his first visit to the United States. When he came in 1997, he was received in the Oval Office by President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, who hosted a White House reception in his honor. He was also presented with the Congressional Gold Medal in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda by Speaker Newt Gingrich, a rare and distinguished honor. The State Department hosted him in the Ben Franklin Room, and Vice President Al Gore welcomed him at a breakfast at the Vice President's Residence.

These visits remind us of the enduring spiritual and cultural bonds between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the United States. As we prepare to welcome His All-Holiness once again, we recognize not just the leader of a faith, but a global advocate for justice, peace, and human dignity.

On behalf of Virginia's 7th District Greek Orthodox community, it is an honor to welcome him to Washington.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the brave civilians and first responders who answered the call 24 years ago on September 11 and the servicemembers who died in the ensuing wars that followed.

On that morning, ordinary individuals displayed extraordinary courage, not only through their service but also through their sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, 24 years ago, I watched in horror as the events of September 11 unfolded. 9/11 changed my life and the entire country. Less than 30 days later, I was activated as a reserve soldier, training soldiers to deploy to Afghanistan to defend our Nation abroad.

I went on to continue my service in Active Duty, forever changed by 9/11. Two decades later, my thoughts remain with the families of those who lost their lives that tragic day and the wars that came after 9/11.

We will always honor and remember the mothers, fathers, children, first responders, and all those senselessly slain in that devastating attack on our Nation.

September 11 changed the course of history, but in our sorrow we found unity. In crisis, we found resilience. We will never forget that terrible day 24 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Robert Upton, a Culpeper native who is training to join the U.S. Navy Submarine Force.

Robert is currently a student at the Naval Submarine School, training to serve as a sonar technician. Once he graduates, Robert will serve aboard or in support of a Navy submarine.

Robert is inspired by his father, who was in the Army, and his grandfather, who was in the Marines during the Vietnam war.

As a 25-year Army veteran and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know just how much our servicemembers sacrifice to serve this country. That is why, this week, I am recognizing Robert as Constituent of the Week.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Robert for his service and sacrifice now and into the future for this Nation. In Congress, I will always work to deliver for servicemembers like Robert.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize this week's constituent of the week, Ernisha Hall, on her work as cofounder, president, and CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.

For over half a decade, Ernisha has been leading the chamber in working to foster economic stability for Black businessowners. Serving over 2,700 businessowners to date, the chamber has introduced programs throughout Virginia that are aimed at strengthening the visibility of Black businessowners.

Mr. Speaker, Ernisha's commitment to her community and continued success serve as an inspiration to us all. As her Representative in Congress, I am grateful for the work she does each day in pursuit of economic justice. I congratulate her again on her accomplishments. It is a privilege to highlight her story on the floor of the U.S. House. I am thankful for all that she does.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Tonya Lacey for her 33 years of service in the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia. A proud graduate of James Monroe High School here in Fredericksburg, Mrs. Lacey's commitment to her local community has been nothing short of inspiring.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public service, embodying the spirit of community in every role she has held.

Beginning in 1992, Mrs. Lacey's journey with the City of Fredericksburg began as a receptionist in the City Manager's Office. She went on to serve as the Secretary of the Planning Department from 1999 to 2002, and as Secretary to the City Manager from 2002 to 2009. In her most recent role, she is the first African-American woman to serve as Fredericksburg's Clerk of Council, a groundbreaking achievement that broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

In her years of service, Mrs. Lacey received several professional accolades including her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) certification and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) certification. Mrs. Lacey repeatedly demonstrated her commitment to excellence in effort and actions when it came to attending 411 City Council meetings and 452 work sessions, and processing and managing 797 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and in documenting the factual record with over 7,617 pages of City Council meeting minutes in the historic record of Council.

As Clerk of Council, Mrs. Lacey guided our community by keeping the community informed about the operations performed by the government. She worked with the Mayor, Vice-Mayor, and City Council, keeping official records, responding to citizen inquiries and keeping citizens informed about City Council actions. She acted as the Freedom of Information Officer (FOIA) and Records Manager for the City of Fredericksburg, which was a vital position in the continuity of transparency and public access.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally thank Mrs. Lacey for her remarkable 33 years of service in our community. We are grateful for her tireless efforts to ensure that our government operates smoothly and that our citizens are well-served.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Dr. Shamira A. Brown--a dedicated researcher, a passionate toxicologist, and a trailblazer in the field of environmental work.

Dr. Brown began her academic journey at Southern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry. Her pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. She went on to earn her MS/ Ph.D. with a concentration in Environmental Fate and Exposure from the same institution, demonstrating both her commitment and excellence in the scientific field.

In 2003, Dr. Brown further distinguished herself by studying and conducting research at Oxford University, expanding her global perspective and deepening her expertise.

Dr. Brown's research has addressed some of the most complex issues in environmental toxicology and public health. These include the fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides contamination in groundwater, and the development of green chemistry solutions to reduce industrial pollution. Her groundbreaking investigations into the disproportionate effects of environmental toxins on disadvantaged communities have raised awareness around environmental justice and equity.

As a toxicologist, Dr. Brown does not simply study issues, she creates pathways toward solutions that focus on scientific progress and community health. Throughout her career, Dr. Brown has also been a committed mentor and advocate for underrepresented students in STEM. Her leadership and dedication have inspired many young scientists, including her own six children, some of whom have pursued environmental research. Her impact goes beyond the classroom and the lab, shaping a future for science that is more innovative and more inclusive and representative of the communities it serves.

Dr. Brown's professional experience highlights her exceptional expertise. She worked as an Environmental Protection Specialist for the Federal Aviation Administration from 2004 to 2018. She also served as a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Specialist for the Office of Airports and Environmental Planning. Additionally, she was an Environmental Fate Consultant for pesticides and persistent chemical pollutants (PCPs) in air, soil, and water.

I want to personally thank Dr. Brown for her lifelong dedication to research, scientific advancement, and the mentorship of future generations. Her contributions have not only elevated the standards in her field, but have also opened doors for countless others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in recognizing. Dr. Shamira A. Brown for her outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment to science and education. She is a true asset to our community and to our environment and I wish her the best of luck in her research to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Lewis Brown--an exceptional scholar from my district. He is a rising senior at Gar-Field High School located in Woodbridge, Virginia.

He is currently studying the extraction of bioethanol from crawfish and lobster shells, which is an innovative way to turn biological waste into renewable energy. He shared his work with my office showing the shells of crustaceans such as crawfish, lobsters, shrimp, and crabs are rich in chitin, a long-chain polymer that is one of the most abundant biopolymers. His work highlights both scientific curiosity and a commitment to sustainability.

But Lewis's dedication doesn't stop with his own education. He has also developed a virtual tutorial program through the MST (Math, Science, and Technology) initiative, where he mentors fellow students in biology, chemistry, math, and English. His passion for teaching and uplifting others reflects true leadership, service, and a deep commitment to both science and community.

He is also an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the National Honor Society, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, the American Chemical Society, and the Society of Toxicology. His dedication to academic excellence and scientific advancement is clear.

Mr. Speaker, I want to personally thank Lewis Brown for his remarkable contributions to environmental science, his commitment to education, and his vision for a more sustainable future. There is no doubt in my mind that he will go on to do great things in research, in government service, and as an educator and innovator.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my constituent of the week, Dale Sisson, on his retirement from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division.

A native of King George, Mr. Sisson has dedicated his career to his community. In addition to his membership in the Senior Executive Service, Mr. Sisson has a career at Dahlgren that spans 21 years. He has a variety of responsibilities, working his way up to the position of technical director where he has managed over 5,000 workers and a multibillion-dollar portfolio.

Much of that work that Mr. Sisson does is classified and, therefore, cannot be publicly recognized. As a 25-year veteran, I know Mr. Sisson's work has safeguarded our country and servicemembers.

Public servants like Mr. Sisson have always had the backs of our communities, and I am committed to paying this forward in Congress

Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Sisson for his service to our country and wish him well on his next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, as the vice ranking member of the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture, I rise today in support of both the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts.

These bills aren't perfect, but digital innovation is critical to our economy, and I support a regulatory framework that protects consumers in the financial system.

However, I am concerned about the ability of certain officials to use these assets for self-enrichment at the highest levels of our government. These bills ensure Members of Congress and many other government officials must abide by ethics rules that we expect from government officials, allowing the industry to innovate as it should. Two individuals are exempted, the President and Vice President.

This is incredibly dangerous, and it undermines confidence in this important industry. It also further degrades the public trust in our government, especially at a time when that trust is already eroded by the President's refusal to release the Epstein files.

We need to take important steps to establish a regulatory framework for digital assets to thrive and to restore public trust. We need action now, and I hope we can close these loopholes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Charles Jameson of Culpeper County, Virginia--a veteran, educator, historian, and lifelong servant to our community.

Although his education, military service and extensive career took him all over, Mr. Jameson, has remained a lifelong resident of Culpeper and still lives across the street from his childhood home.

He began his journey at George Washington Carver Regional High School, where he and many other African American students from Culpeper, Orange, Madison, and Rappahannock counties were educated during segregation.

He went on to attend Virginia Union University before transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his degree in 1970 in pursuit of his lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. However, before he could begin his teaching career, Mr. Jameson was drafted into the U.S. Army and deployed to Vietnam, where he served with honor and distinction. He received advanced artillery training and was awarded for his courage and three Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart, and two Army Commendation Medals.

Before returning home, he joined his father, Saint Jameson, in the construction business. When his father retired, Charles took over his role, eventually rising to the position of Project Superintendent and later construction manager. After nearly four decades in the field, he retired in 2010.

In retirement, Mr. Jameson redirected his time and energy into meaningful community service, becoming a driving force behind numerous local initiatives. He worked closely with fellow Carver High School alumni on scholarship programs, served on the boards of the Carver 4- County Museum and the Museum of Culpeper History, and played an active role in organizations such as the Carver Agriculture Research Board, the Culpeper Minutemen, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

He also holds a leadership position in the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, where he helps organize Culpeper's annual July 4th Patriotic Presentation--an event that honors the region's rich historical legacy. His extensive service and leadership have earned him numerous accolades, including the Culpeper Colonel Award, the MLK Dreamkeeper Award, Aging Together's 5 Over 50 Award, the NAACP Activism Award, and the Neighborhood Watch Amazing Citizen Award.

I want to personally thank Mr. Jameson for his lifelong dedication to service, education, and the preservation of our shared history. Today, he continues that legacy by focusing on his extensive research into African American participation in the Revolutionary War.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in recognizing an extraordinary citizen in my district, Mr. Charles Jameson, for his unwavering commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the exceptional work of the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team based in Quantico, Virginia, for their groundbreaking achievement in conducting the first-ever armed First-Person View (FPV) kinetic strike demonstration by the Marines in the continental United States. This milestone event took place during a live-fire exercise on April 25, 2025.

These Devil Dogs used a leading-edge FPV drone integrated with an anti-personnel fragmentation payload, which can support other modular payloads, which exhibited the flexible and scalable solution in contemporary warfare our military urgently requires.

The results were impressive. The drone engaged and neutralized every target in the strike zone, illustrating not only the technical effectiveness of the platform, but its immense strategic value in high- risk, operational environments.

This capability comes at a time when global conflict is redefining how wars are fought. Today, over 70 percent of the causalities in Ukraine are from these types of drones. The recent coordinated drone strikes carried out by Ukraine against Russian military infrastructure are a clear signal: low-cost, highly adaptable drones are reshaping the modern battlefield. America must be prepared. This demonstration by our Marines shows we are not just responding, but leading. As we scale up our investment in unmanned systems, we must prioritize solutions that are fast, flexible, and affordable.

By equipping our Armed forces with reliable, mission-ready tools that can be rapidly deployed and continuously improved, we will maintain both deterrence and dominance. The Marines at Quantico are proving that innovation doesn't require complexity or high cost; rather, it requires bold thinking and dedicated execution.

After 25 years in the Army, I recognize the uniquely critical importance of innovation, readiness, and a steadfast commitment to success. These Marines modeled all of that and more.

Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in commending these Marines for their bravery, professionalism, and pioneering accomplishments with respect to operational drone warfare.

Their service is indicative of an evolving, strong, and adaptable U.S. military and I hope they serve as an inspiration to all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Epsilon Sigma Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, based in Prince William County, Virginia. Since its founding on June 13, 2015, Epsilon Sigma Boule has exemplified the highest standards of leadership, scholarship, and community service.

Sigma Pi Phi, also known as the Boule, is the oldest Black Greek- letter fraternity, established in 1904 to provide a space for African American men of professional distinction at a time when few such outlets existed. Its legacy includes names etched into the very fabric of American history--W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King, Jr., Arthur Ashe, Whitney Young, and so many others whose contributions have shaped our Nation. Today, its ranks continue to include influential leaders such as Representatives James Clyburn, Bobby Scott, Emanuel Cleaver, and Senator Raphael Warnock.

The Epsilon Sigma Boule of Sigma Pi Phi was established to advance this rich legacy in Northern Virginia. Its members are African American men of accomplishment and service, representing diverse professions and industries. Together, they have embodied the Fraternity's founding mission by working diligently to uplift and empower their communities through servant leadership and civic engagement.

Through the Epsilon Sigma Boule Foundation, the fraternity has invested substantially in initiatives that serve the greater good-- mentoring youth, increasing access to STEM education, supporting the performing arts in Title I schools, and providing college scholarships for deserving minority students. These actions reflect a commitment not only to excellence, but to ensuring equity and opportunity for all.

As the Epsilon Sigma Boule celebrates a decade of excellence, we honor its enduring mission and the transformational impact it continues to have in Prince William County and beyond. They have exemplified principled leadership and civic responsibility, carrying forward the Fraternity's mission with purposeful action and a steadfast dedication to community advancement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Epsilon Sigma Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity and in celebrating the tremendous work this organization continues to do to strengthen our communities and shape the future of our country.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize my district's 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner, Kaitlyn Anthes as my Constituent of the Week.

Kaitlyn's charcoal drawing, titled To Light and Guard, will hang in the U.S. Capitol representing Virginia's Seventh District for the next year.

Her artwork was so impressive that when we received her piece, my district director initially thought we had purchased professional artwork to hang in the office.

In addition to being a talented artist, Kaitlyn recently graduated from Courtland High School in Spotsylvania.

In Congress, I am working to strengthen public education so students like Kaitlyn have access to programs that allow them to pursue their passions.

I congratulate Kaitlyn on this well-earned accomplishment and wish her luck as she heads off to college in the fall.

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to congratulate my constituent of the week, Dr. Janet Gullickson, as she retires from her post as president of Germanna Community College.

In 2017, Dr. Gullickson became the first woman to serve as president in the history of the college. Throughout her tenure, Germanna has been praised for its quality education and professional development opportunities.

From helping nursing students access experiential learning through their work with Mary Washington Healthcare to ensuring that Germanna remains on the cutting edge by becoming the first institution of higher learning to receive Amazon Web Services' mobile classroom, Dr. Gullickson has dedicated her presidency to ensuring that her students are set up for success in the classroom and beyond.

I also recognize Dr. Janet Gullickson as a great military mom. She raised a great soldier and military lawyer and my former captain. I wish her well on her next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the exceptional leadership of Fredericksburg City Public School Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett.

Dr. Catlett has been a trailblazer in implementing forward-thinking strategies to strengthen her students' well-being.

In the summer of 2024, she launched an initiative to curb cell phone usage in schools by requiring her students to store their phones for the entire school day.

As a lawmaker in Congress, leading the effort to remove phones from schools from bell to bell nationwide, I am grateful for Dr. Catlett's commitment to helping our students unplug.

As a father of two kids, I know the importance of creating a learning environment that nurtures the academic success and mental health of our young folks.

Collaborating with educators like Dr. Catlett has been critical in working to build a stronger future for Virginia's next generation of leaders. I extend my deepest gratitude to her for advancing these critical initiatives.