Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, history has taught us time and time again that appeasement in the face of aggression and evil only invites more aggression.

We saw it in the 1930s, and we are seeing echoes of it in the Trump administration's actions today.

When we hesitate to support Ukraine, we drag our feet, or allow political infighting to stall critical aid, we are sending a dangerous message to autocrats, especially China.

Vladimir Putin invaded a sovereign democracy. He is betting that the free world will grow tired, turn inward, and look away. We cannot let that happen.

Standing with Ukraine is not charity. It is deterrence and in our national security interests.

If we do not stand with Ukraine, eventually American troops will be forced to fight aggressors in East Asia and Europe.

Deterrence is the key to putting them and our national security first.

Appeasement failed the world before. We cannot afford to repeat that mistake.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional work of the officers of the Prince William County Police Department in the recent arrest of a top MS-13 leader in Virginia's Seventh District.

Their relentless dedication to public safety and professionalism in the face of danger has not only made our communities safer but has also set a shining example of the effectiveness of law enforcement in confronting the serious threat posed by violent criminal organizations.

MS-13 is known for its brutal crimes, including drug trafficking, extortion, human trafficking, and violence that threatens communities in the Seventh District and across our country. Their reach and impact are deeply concerning, and the work of our law enforcement agencies to dismantle their operations is of utmost importance.

This particular arrest was the result of months of careful investigation, intelligence gathering, and coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The operation carried out by the Prince William County Police Department and their partners is a testament to the hard work, expertise, and unwavering commitment of law enforcement professionals who put their lives on the line every day to protect our families. Today's success is not only a victory for law enforcement but a significant win for public safety across Virginia's Seventh District and beyond.

As a former prosecutor, I know how critical it is to support law enforcement in their efforts to combat violent crime and ensure the safety of our communities. This is why I have consistently advocated for bipartisan legislation that equips law enforcement with the necessary tools and resources to do their jobs effectively. The urgency to get violent criminals

off our streets is exactly why I will continue to champion policies that prioritize public safety and law enforcement.

It is because of the bravery and hard work of the Prince William County Police Department and their partners that Virginia's Seventh District--and our entire Nation--is safer today. Their commitment to keeping our neighborhoods safe is a model we should all be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Prince William County Police Department for their exceptional service and commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities. Their bravery and professionalism deserve our deepest recognition and thanks.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Fredericksburg Nationals on winning their first-ever Carolina League Championship.

Under manager Jake Lowery's leadership, the team made a thrilling late-season run and delivered a dominant performance to win the championship.

Standout prospects like Seaver King and Travis Sykora showed incredible talent, while veteran leaders brought unity and heart to the clubhouse.

My team was honored to present a congratulatory letter when joining their recent ring ceremony and celebration.

This win is not just a triumph for the team; it is a moment of pride for owner Art Silber, his family, and the entire Fredericksburg community.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Fredericksburg Nats on the unforgettable season and championship well earned.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate this week's Constituent of the Week, Rick Sherman, on being named Businessperson of the Year by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

For over a century, the W.A. Sherman Company has been a cornerstone of Orange County. It has provided essential electrical, heating, and plumbing services to the community. Passed down through generations, the Sherman family's dedication to service has made a lasting impact on local families and businesses.

Rick's leadership and unwavering commitment to this community are truly deserving of this recognition. As his Representative in Congress, I am grateful for the work he does each day to strengthen our local community and serve the people of Orange County.

I congratulate him again on this well-earned award. It is a privilege to highlight his story on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, and I am thankful for all he does.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Representative for 72,000 veterans and tens of thousands of Active-Duty personnel who live in the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia.

As a 25-year Army veteran, former Army JAG prosecutor, and National Security Council staff adviser, I can say this: Imminent strike approval and mission launch times are highly classified.

Sharing specific launch and strike times 31 minutes before the mission begins and 2 hours before our forces were over enemy territory, in harm's way, is an egregious breach of national security. At best, the success of the operation was at risk. At worst, our pilots' lives were in danger.

This isn't a political issue. It is about trust, discipline, and the safety of our

servicemembers. Our men and women in uniform deserve better, and Secretary Hegseth needs to do the right thing to restore the confidence of the Armed Forces, the American people, and our allies. Pete Hegseth must go, and Congress must investigate to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.

Mr. Speaker, Signalgate is real. Protecting the details of ongoing military operations is a critical and basic requirement to ensure our national security and the safety of our military personnel. I know this from my 25 years in the Army and from my work on the National Security Council.

I join my colleague, Congressman Pat Ryan, in calling for an immediate congressional investigation of Signalgate. If the messages aren't classified and contain no sensitive war plans, as the administration claims, they should be released immediately.

I am calling for the full conversation to be shared with Congress so that we can fulfill our oversight role and verify the administration's accounting of events. If the administration truly believes no lines were crossed, no war plans discussed, and no classified information shared, then they should release the messages and let Members of Congress and the American people see for themselves, as the President has done in the past, and defend those actions publicly.

The American people deserve transparency and confidence. We must verify that no laws were broken and ensure our national security isn't being used as a shield to avoid accountability. American lives are at stake.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Dottie Dillard for their remarkable dedication to serving their community and exceptional volunteer efforts at the Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Just recently, The Dillard's were nominated for the Winter 2025 Serve Virginia Honor Roll by the 2024 Governor's Volunteerism & Community Service Awards. The Bi-annual Serve Virginia Honor Roll recognizes the valuable contributions of volunteers and organizations across the Commonwealth.

Twenty-seven years ago, after retiring from their successful careers--Mr. Jimmy from managing the Dillard Alarm Security company and Mrs. Dottie as the administrative representative of the company--the couple made the decision to give back by volunteering at their local hospital. Since then, they have accumulated over 13,000 hours of service to the hospital, where their contributions have touched nearly every staff member and patient.

From distributing newspapers, delivering flowers to patient rooms, and pushing patients in wheelchairs, to working in the Patient Access department. The Dillard's have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles. Their willingness to serve and their commitment to making a difference is a testament to their selflessness and devotion to others.

Their peers describe them as hardworking and reliable, never letting snow, extreme heat, or cold weather deter them from their volunteer shifts.

I am truly inspired by their passion for serving others and their commitment to their community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored in recognizing Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Dottie for their unwavering service and impact at the Mary Washington Hospital.

Mr. Speaker, as a veteran, I cannot support a budget that would cut $23 billion from care for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances during their service to our country.

This budget also harms local police by cutting hundreds of millions to COPS grants and justice assistance grants.

The Federal workers I represent know firsthand the disruptions and uncertainty that come when lawmakers fail to govern responsibly. Hardworking Americans understand that if you don't do your job, you don't get paid. Congress should be no different.

I am proud to work with Congressman Fitzpatrick on a bipartisan commonsense bill that forces Members of Congress to show up to work without pay during a shutdown. This would encourage real cooperation, prevent last-minute crises, and ensure that lawmakers are putting the American people first.

This budget is an unserious proposal that guts healthcare programs that Virginians count on. I won't vote for a bill that will lead to kids, veterans, and seniors losing the care they need.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 62.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the House as we have just marked the third anniversary of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine.

February 24, 2022, the date of the largest land grab in Europe since World War II, joins an ignominious list of others as a day of infamy, but this month, it is also notorious for something else.

In this month and this year, the Pax Americana, the rules-based international order established in the aftermath of World War II, an order that has delivered peace and prosperity to the United States, has been brought to a dishonorable end.

In this month, Trump ordered the U.S. Representative to the U.N. to vote with autocrats and against democracy.

Pete Hegseth, the FOX weekend television host improbably elevated into an American Secretary of Defense, announced that NATO membership for Ukraine was off the table. Going further, he suggested that Ukraine's return to its 2014 borders was no longer in the cards. Hegseth thereby deprived Ukraine and the West of two of their most valuable bargaining chips in determining the shape of any peace agreement that is to come.

In this same month, Donald Trump, the President of the United States, standing facts on their head, called Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the leader of Ukrainian democracy, an unelected ``dictator,'' and incredibly, spewing another blatant falsehood, blamed Ukraine for starting the war.

In this month, in perhaps the most shameful statement from an American President in the history of our Republic, Trump explained that because Russia had lost so many soldiers, it was entitled to keep some or all of the territory that it had seized in its unprovoked war of aggression.

It is bad enough that these are lies and betrayals of America's great traditions.

It is bad enough that these statements legitimize violations of the fundamental principles of Pax Americana and the U.N. Charter. Namely, the rules of the jungle no longer apply to international relations-- that might does not make right and that powerful nations cannot employ force to redraw international borders at will.

It is bad enough that the Trump administration is failing to offer a strong bargaining position for Ukraine from which to negotiate a just peace.

It is bad enough that his statements have sent an unmistakable message to the world, in particular, Communist China, that aggression pays.

Things are even worse than all of that.

Under the tutelage of Donald Trump, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation of American foreign policy from a force for good in the world to a force for evil. Trump is aligning American foreign policy with that of the Kremlin.

As analyst Phillips O'Brien has put it: ``The USA is now run by gangsters who both want to ally with other gangsters and are using threats of destruction and violence to get their way.''

In the first term, there were guardrails because there were adults in the room. This time there are no such adults in the room. Trump has surrounded himself with sycophants, yes-men, third-rate fanatics, and clowns from the MAGA world. The guardrails are gone. Trump is free to follow his peculiar whims and unhinged instincts. Indeed, he is free to act as would a mad king.

The results are plain to see. The results are visible in Trump's repeated attacks on Denmark for refusing to sell Greenland to the United States, another dangerous fantasy which is roiling relations with a NATO ally that has been an exceptionally loyal friend in times of need.

They are visible in the trade war that Trump is promising to unleash on Mexico, Canada, Europe, and the entire world with untold consequences for prosperity everywhere, including here at home.

They are most visible in the collapse of our friendship with Ukraine, our

abandonment of a fledgling democracy that has been valiantly fighting for its very existence. Instead of standing by Ukraine, the Trump administration is insisting that it yield its natural resource wealth to the United States in exchange for previous American support without any guarantee of territorial integrity.

This is not the behavior of a great democratic power, the leader of the free world. It is the behavior of a Mafia state engaged in coercion and blackmail. It is impossible not to be ashamed by what is being done in the name of America.

Putin would like nothing more than to cause internal chaos in Ukraine and rid Kyiv of Zelenskyy. Trump is following suit. Zelenskyy is absolutely right when he stated that Trump is living inside a disinformation bubble.

At the root, Trump's policies betray a fundamental misunderstanding of the American idea: the fact that we are a free and self-governing people, a democracy that has always been a beacon of liberty.

The President and his billionaire, shadow co-president have embraced a dystopian ideology based on falsehoods. The effect of their disinformation is rapidly bringing us to a crisis point where their falsehoods will crash into the reality of a great power competition.

If America abandons Ukraine and embraces the Kremlin, the consequences for the United States and for the world will prove ruinous. Already, everywhere Russia has advanced into Ukrainian territory, its forces have raped and pillaged and murdered.

Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago this week, Russia launched an unprovoked invasion on Ukraine. We are entering the fourth year of war in Ukraine and 11 years of war on Ukraine since the invasion in Crimea and the Donbas.

In the past few days, the fact of this major invasion has sadly been disputed. It is important that history represent the truth. Whether it is Putin or anyone else, including in our government, that says Russia is not the aggressor and that Ukraine is responsible for the invasion, they are lying.

Yesterday's anniversary reminds us that the Ukrainian people continue to suffer, but I know that they will remain strong and resilient. This is not a regional fight. Ukraine's sovereignty is a U.S. national security issue. We must hold the line in Ukraine now or we may have American boots on the ground, fighting in Europe in a few years. That is my fear.

We do want peace, and yet this administration has begun negotiations from the weakest possible position. Before we even get to the table, Ukraine has been excluded from NATO. Territorial concessions were granted to Russia, and Ukraine didn't even have a seat at the table. This is what they get for a sacrifice of hundreds of thousands of their people, cities destroyed across Ukraine.

The Trump administration must increase pressure on Russia if we are truly interested in peace. With Russia, in particular, weakness invites aggression, and easing up on Russia only makes Ukraine's fight harder. We must stand firm.

I spent 25 years in the Army, defending America's national security interests at home and abroad. When I retired a little over 2 years ago, I traveled to Ukraine 14 times investigating war crimes. I traveled to Kharkiv, 20 miles from the Russian border. I traveled to Zaporizhzhia, 20 miles from the Russian front. I traveled to Mykolaiv and Chernihiv, cities that have appeared in the news, devastated by Russian attacks.

Those people are resilient. They are fighting for their freedom, much like we fought for our freedom almost 250 years ago. We are going to celebrate that anniversary in one short year. Can we imagine what it would have been like if France did not intervene on our behalf? We have a portrait there, the Marquis de Lafayette, that stood with us shoulder to shoulder. The French spilled blood on our battlefields.

We weren't even asked to do that. We were asked to provide some material support, 31 tanks, a couple hundred of our armored vehicles, and some money. Granted, we have to watch how we spend our money. We have an obligation to the American people. We also have to recognize where our national security interests lie. I think for some reason we have forgotten the fact that we spent 80 years defending an international order that our grandfathers fought for and died on European battlefields for. I can't explain it.

They know that in Ukraine because that is what they are fighting for. They know that if they give up, the Russians will occupy. In those occupied areas, they have already deported tens of thousands of children to be reeducated and taken away from their family. They put the Ukrainian people in camps.

Russia is basically like a boa constrictor, slowly digesting chunks of Ukraine. If we pause now without security guarantees, they will be back at it in a few years just like they were after Crimea, like they were in Georgia, and like they were in Moldova.

We have to be clear-eyed about that in our interests. In Virginia's Seventh District, my voters expect me to stand up for American values, and that is exactly what I am doing by speaking out today.

That is why I will keep fighting for strong U.S. leadership all around the world. That includes Ukraine's sovereignty, for our own country's national security interests, and for the values that keep and have kept America strong.

On this anniversary we must reaffirm our commitment that we stand against autocrats and dictators like Russia and North Korea and that we stand with Ukraine on the right side of history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend John C. Egertson, County Administrator of Culpeper County, Virginia, on his retirement after a remarkable career in public service.

Mr. Egertson began his career in public service in 1986 as a planning technician, quickly advancing to the role of zoning administrator a year later. His commitment to leadership only deepened over time, culminating in his selection as County Administrator by the Board of Supervisors in April 2016.

For more than 25 years, Mr. Egertson has served as a steadfast leader and dedicated steward of Culpeper County's government. As County Administrator, he has overseen the daily operations of county departments, implemented the directives of the Board of Supervisors, and served as a vital liaison between the Board and state and regional agencies. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing initiatives that have strengthened the community and improved the quality of life for all residents.

Throughout his career, Mr. Egertson has been deeply involved in various organizations and committees, including the Town and County Interaction, Human Services Board, Chamber of Commerce, Piedmont Workforce Development, Career Partners, Airport Committee, Criminal Justice Board, E-911 Board, Public Safety Board, and the Joint Capital Planning Board.

Under Mr. Egertson's guidance, Culpeper County has achieved numerous milestones, including recognition for excellence in financial reporting and innovative programs that have fostered civic engagement and community pride. His commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and collaborative governance has left a lasting legacy that will benefit Culpeper County for generations to come. As he embarks on this new chapter of his life, I extend my deepest gratitude to Mr. Egertson for his dedicated service and exemplary leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Egertson on his retirement and wishing him continued success and happiness in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and extend my deepest gratitude to the courageous firefighters of Prince William County, Virginia, who exemplified extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the aftermath of the recent tragic accident between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C.

In the face of unimaginable devastation, these first responders rushed to the scene, to aid in the rescue and recovery of victims from the cold waters of the Potomac River. Their actions, alongside their colleagues from the DC Metro Area, demonstrated unparalleled courage. Despite the freezing temperatures, they worked tirelessly through the night, embodying the highest ideals of public service.

The Prince William County Fire Department's contributions were integral to this massive rescue operation. Their courage and professionalism in such a dire situation remind us of the sacrifices our first responders make daily to protect our communities. Though this tragedy claimed the lives of all 67 individuals aboard the aircraft and helicopter, including members of our military and civilians with bright futures ahead, we find solace in knowing that these firefighters did everything within their power to bring dignity and closure to grieving families.

I thank all the heroes who showed up when our country needed them most, but also to uplift their spirits as they continue their vital work.

I ask my colleagues in Congress to Join me in honoring: Command 503 of Dumfries, Firefighter Steve Hailey, First Boat 512 Crew, Technician II James McCue, Technician II Greg Klatte, Technician II Neftali Mena, Technician I Mike Woods, Second Boat 512 Crew, Captain Mike Darabond, Technician II Jason Guimond, Technician II Jermey Lonas, Technician II Issac Brooks, Incident Management Team, Battalion Chief Rob Moreau, Captain Barbara Cafini, Lieutenant Nick Feliciano, and all brave individuals who supported their work in their unwavering commitment to duty and humanity. May their example inspire us all to serve with courage and compassion in times of crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Prince William County Fire Department for their outstanding leadership and remarkable contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Curtis O. Porter, for his leadership and countless contributions serving our children, youth, and families across the Nation.

Mr. Porter began his professional career as the Special Program Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Court Service Unit in Manassas, Virginia. His innovative work diverting over 100 runaway and homeless youth from secure detention to volunteer host home families earned him the Meritorious Award in Juvenile Justice Probation in 1984.

Mr. Porter's dedication to at-risk youth led him to serve as the Senior Assistant Director of Volunteer Emergency Families for Children (VEFC), where he seemed crucial funding and expanded the program's reach. His exemplary work caught the attention of Governor L. Douglas Wilder, who appointed him to several state boards, including the State Criminal Justice Services Board and the Virginia Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Advisory Committee.

In 1995, Mr. Porter transitioned to federal service, joining the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over the next 29 years, he served in various high-level positions, including Acting Associate Commissioner and Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner of the Family and Youth Services Bureau. His leadership was instrumental in overseeing critical national programs addressing runaway and homeless youth, adolescent pregnancy prevention, domestic violence prevention, and mentoring children of prisoners.

Mr. Porter's commitment to public service extended beyond our borders when he represented the Department of Health and Human Services on a trip to New Orleans with First Lady Laura Bush, supporting the city's recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. Throughout his career, Mr. Porter has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary's Award for the Mentoring Children of Prisoners Program and the Administration for Children and Families Assistant Secretary's Award for Exemplary Leadership.

As Curtis O. Porter retired from federal service on December 31, 2024, I want to commend him for his exceptional service and enduring impact on the Commonwealth of Virginia and our Nation. His unwavering dedication to improving the lives of children, youth, and families serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Curtis O. Porter for his remarkable 43-year career in public service and to wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Honorable Joyce Connery, a dedicated public servant who retired from the Federal Government on January 31, 2025, after an illustrious career spanning several decades.

Ms. Connery's service to our Nation has been exemplary, culminating in her role as Chair of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB). Appointed to this critical position by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. on January 29, 2021, Ms. Connery led the Board in its vital mission of providing recommendations to the President and the Secretary of Energy on public health and safety issues at Department of Energy defense nuclear facilities.

Her journey in public service is marked by a series of high-profile positions that showcase her expertise in nuclear policy and national security. Ms. Connery served as the Director of Nuclear Energy Policy within the Office of International Economics on the National Security Council under President Obama. In this role, she coordinated policies and programs related to nuclear safety, security, and trade across various agencies. Ms. Connery's commitment to nuclear security extended to her work as the Director for Threat Reduction and Nuclear Energy Cooperation at the National Security Council. Serving under both the Bush and Obama Administrations, she played a crucial role in managing nuclear Cooperative Threat Reduction programs and was instrumental in organizing the Nuclear Security Summit.

Her dedication to public service began early in her career when she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Turkmenistan from 1993 to 1995. This experience laid the foundation for her future work in international relations and nuclear nonproliferation. Throughout her career, Ms. Connery has been recognized for her outstanding contributions. She received the NNSA's Silver Medal, the Secretary of Energy's Distinguished Service Award, and was a finalist for the 2012 Service to America Medal for National Security and International Relations. Her expertise in nuclear policy was further acknowledged with a Presidential Citation from the American Nuclear Society in 2013 and a Meritorious Achievement Award from the Nuclear Infrastructure Council in 2015.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Connery has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. She serves on the Board of HopeLink Behavioral Health, as Vice Chair of the Executive Board of the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts and is a member of Prince William County's Community Safety Advisory Board. Ms. Connery's educational background is equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from Tufts University, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School, and is a graduate of the University of Virginia's Sorensen Public Leadership Program. In 2023, she advanced her passion for serving others by earning a Master's in Social Work from George Mason University.

Ms. Connery's career exemplifies the highest standards of public service. Her unwavering dedication to nuclear safety and security, coupled with her diplomatic skills and commitment to community service, have made our Nation safer and stronger. As she retires from federal service, we extend our deepest gratitude for her decades of exemplary service and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Joyce Connery for her remarkable contributions to our Nation's security and well- being.