Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank James Tiani, who is retiring June 17, 2025, after over twenty years of outstanding service to the House of Representatives in the Office of Acquisitions Management. He lives in Oakton, Virginia, and I am proud to represent him here in Congress.

Originally from New Canaan, Connecticut--just 35 miles outside of New York City--Jim spent his early years enjoying the city's nightlife before diving into his professional journey. Working with Mobil Oil in sales and marketing, Jim was known as ``Pitbull'' for his sharp negotiating skills, intensity and passion. He transitioned to the contracting side when his company moved to Virginia, where he was asked to set up a marketing purchasing group. He retired from Mobil after a 30-year career in 1998.

Jim was enjoying life as a retiree from Mobil Oil and doing part-time consulting. After 9/11, he decided to give back his corporate knowledge to the Government and he accepted a part-time position at the House in 2001, as a contractor in Acquisitions Management. After two years, he accepted a permanent position as Contracts Specialist, which he thought would be for just a few more years but continued until now. Jim is retiring after having lent his talents and skills to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for over twenty years.

A devoted sports fan, he roots for the Washington Commanders in football and splits his baseball loyalties between the Nationals and the Yankees. Outside of work, he treasures time with his two grandchildren, ages 6 and 4, and enjoys Italian food, lamb, and a classic martini. He's an avid reader of David Baldacci, a fan of Top Gun: Maverick, and a proud Corvette enthusiast. Travel is another one of his passions--especially to Italy, where his family roots run deep. A Count by lineage, his family, the Tiani's, were knighted by Napoleon and once protected the king and the pope. With strong ties to Rome and nearby Sete Frati, Jim is proud of his Tuscan heritage. He's looking forward to his next adventure--an Alaskan cruise this July.

I congratulate Jim and I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his distinguished service to the House and the Nation it serves. I wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter (``Friends'') as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Since its founding in 2005, Friends has served as the independent nonprofit fundraising partner of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and a vital advocate for the welfare of homeless pets in our community.

Friends was established by a small group of devoted animal lovers who envisioned a better future for pets in need. Over the past two decades, their commitment has never wavered, and their impact has grown through the support of like-minded donors, volunteers, and business partners.

In 2024 alone, the generosity of Friends' supporters made possible a live release rate of over 90 percent at the Shelter. Their contributions provided personalized leashes and collars to 2,579 adopted pets. Parasite prevention treatments reached 2,189 cats, 1,821 dogs, and 135 rabbits. Medical care was administered to 46 animals suffering from injury, illness, or abuse. Dental treatment and pain relief were given to 47 pets in need. In addition, spay or neuter surgeries and vaccinations were provided to 622 community cats, a key step in reducing stray populations.

As Co-Founder and President Evelyn Grieve has stated, ``Their generosity allows us to continue transforming the lives of both pets and people in our community for the better.'' When we improve the well- being of animals, we strengthen the emotional and mental health of the individuals and families who welcome them into their homes. Companion animals offer comfort, stability, and joy, and ensuring their safety and care creates a more compassionate and connected community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter for their extraordinary service over the past 20 years and wishing them continued success in their mission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.

Located in the heart of Fairfax County and the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, the Dunn Loring Woods neighborhood consists of approximately 550 homes situated on about 300 acres.

By the summer of 1964, construction of the homes was complete. The next spring, residents formed the Dunn Loring Woods Civic Association (DLWCA) to enable the community to speak with one voice on local issues and seek improvements in the neighborhood.

Dunn Loring Woods is known as an exceptionally warm, friendly, and welcoming neighborhood. Many of the original owners still reside there, and those who have moved often return to attend community events such as block parties. Residents tell stories of young residents helping their elderly neighbors, and civic association meetings that more closely resemble friends stopping by to chat.

By May 1965, the Civic Association was formally organized, allowing Dunn Loring Woods residents to pursue a voice in county government and improvements in the neighborhood.

Over the last 60 years, Dunn Loring Woods has led the effort to promote civic pride among its residents, inform the community about local and regional issues that affect the residents, and advocate for land use policies and public service investments that benefit the community. The quality of life and community spirit enjoyed by the residents now is a testament to their success.

As the former president of my own civic association, I know firsthand that when residents invest their time, care, and energies in their communities, it benefits us all.

Fairfax County is considered one of the best places in the Nation in which to work, live, and raise a family, largely because of the willingness of so many to become actively involved.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Dunn Loring Woods on its 60th anniversary and thanking all of the residents for their tireless efforts and dedication to the community and region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Wade Witmer on his retirement after decades of dedicated and exemplary service to the American public. Mr. Witmer's commitment to public safety is unparalleled, and our country is significantly safer today because of his tireless work throughout his career.

Mr. Witmer began his federal service at the White House Communications Agency, where he served with distinction under four U.S. presidents--George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald J. Trump, and Joseph R. Biden. Among his many contributions, Mr. Witmer played a critical role in developing the secure mobile communication system, known as the ``Traveling Secure Cell Phone System'', housed in the presidential motorcade vehicle. This remains vital to the security operations of the United States Secret Service.

Mr. Witmer was later called upon in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to address a gap in emergency communication capabilities in the U.S. Mr. Witmer was hired to deliver what would become the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). He led a rapid modernization of the Federal Emergency Alert System, successfully implementing the capability to seize all television broadcasts for presidential alerts and ensuring that broadcast control could be reliably returned to civilian networks following a national alert. Mr. Witmer currently serves as Deputy Director of IPAWS.

After the Presidential Alert System was shown to work as planned. Wade Witmer turned his focus to other public alert systems to further protect civilian lives during emergency and disaster scenarios. He developed and deployed nationwide systems for Tornado Alerts in coordination with the National Weather Service in Oklahoma, Amber Alerts to aid in the recovery of abducted children, and Silver Alerts to help locate missing seniors.

Wade's commitment to public safety extends beyond our borders, as he traveled extensively throughout his career to support

emergency agencies around the globe in establishing their own cell phone-based emergency alerting capabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Wade Witmer for his years of service. Mr. Witmer's retirement marks the loss of one of our foremost experts in emergency management communications. May his retirement be filled with health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Jerome Newell on the occasion of his retirement after nearly 50 years of dedicated and exemplary service to the United States Army and the American public.

Mr. Newell has been nominated for the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for his exceptional performance and leadership throughout his tenure with the Mission and Installation Contracting Command.

He currently holds an Unlimited Contracting Officer's Warrant and has successfully executed many contracts supporting a variety of mission partners, including Fort Belvoir Base Operations Services, Rivanna Station, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Fort Walker, and the Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems at Fort Belvoir.

He served with distinction as the Director of Contracting at Fort Meade for two years. He was later selected by the Department of the Army to serve on the Commanding General's Staff as the Army Industrial Property Administrator and Contracting Officer Representative on the first Base Operations Support (BASOPS) contract awarded by the U.S. Army at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Mr. Newell's service also extended beyond our borders. During the Cold War, he served as Deputy Comptroller of Palmerola Air Force Base in Honduras. There, he took on the critical role of expeditionary Contracting Officer for Joint Task Force Bravo, successfully terminating and re-awarding contracts essential to mission continuity across Central America.

Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, Mr. Newell was entrusted with the responsibility of establishing the East Coast viewing site for families and members of the media during the Guantanamo Bay federal trials.

He also served as the Department of the Army and Mission and Installation Contracting Command Headquarters' Procurement and Contracting Subject Matter Expert during interagency planning meetings for the trial and court-martial of former Private First-Class Chelsea Manning.

As Mr. Newell embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he will recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions he has made to the United States Army and our Nation. His dedicated service will leave a lasting impact.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Jerome Newell for his many years of service to our armed forces and our Nation. I congratulate Mr. Newell on his retirement. May his life be filled with health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the James Madison High School Robotics Team, Team 620, known proudly as the Warbots.

The Warbots participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an international high school robotics competition. This year, Team 620 qualified for the FIRST Robotics World Championship held in Houston, Texas, marking only the fourth time in the team's 25-year history that they have achieved this honor.

At the Championship, the Warbots and their robot, ``Dory,'' delivered a remarkable performance, finishing 11th in the Galileo Division's qualification rounds. The team went on to serve as captain of a three- team alliance, selecting partners from India, Canada, and Michigan. They then went against the 5th seeded alliance and won with a score of 228-227.

In addition to their success in Houston, the Warbots had an extremely successful regional competition season. In January, FIRST released this year's challenge, ``Reefscape,'' prompting teams to design, build, and automate their robots in under two months. During District Competitions in March and District Championships in early April, Team 620 captured the Excellence in Engineering Award and the Autonomous Award. Their alliance won the Alexandria event and earned the highest score of the year in the FIRST Chesapeake District.

I include in the Record, the eighteen students who represented James Madison High School at the World Championship:

Josh Lauro; Graduating Senior

Annabelle Hallworth; Graduating Senior

Nick Abbott; Graduating Senior

Daphne Jaillon; Graduating Senior

Davin Meggers; Graduating Senior

Noah Weintraub; Graduating Senior

Zach Sinclair

Michelle Cerga

Isaac Gantsoudes

Theo Tatro

Thomas Santonicola

Ishaan Pandya

Julia Blinde

Liam McLaughlin

Zihe Chen

Zihou Chen

Riya Datta

Tristan Moss

These talented students were supported on their journey by lead mentor Jeff Ressin, school sponsor AJ Benker, and a dedicated team of mentors and parent volunteers.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the Warbots for their innovation and teamwork. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these students and wishing Team 620 continued success in future seasons.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the honorees of the 2025 Achievement Honors Gala. Each year, the Chamber brings together community and business leaders and extraordinary individuals who exemplify service, innovation, and dedication to our community.

This year's Member to Watch Award recipient is Dr. Swathi M. Reddy of All Smiles Orthodontics. A native of India and a lifelong learner, Dr. Reddy has pursued excellence in her field across three countries. She earned her dental degree in India, her DMD from Boston University where she graduated with high honors and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor fraternity, and her specialization in Orthodontics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. As a local practitioner and community leader, Dr. Reddy has donated 3D printers to elementary schools and actively supports numerous professional organizations. She is a great example of how professional excellence can be paired with deep community investment.

The Community Impact Award honors two remarkable individuals: Elena Jordon and Ron Kowalski, both of whom have made lasting contributions to South Fairfax.

For more than a decade, Elena Jordon has volunteered with the South County Athletic Booster Club, raising over $40,000 annually and helping organize major community events such as the Lorton Holiday Extravaganza and the Spring Fling. As co-founder of The Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation named in honor of her daughter, Elena has raised over $140,000 in support of pediatric oncology research and families at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Her legacy of service is driven not only by experience, as a veteran of the Army Nurse Corps, but also by her compassion.

Ron Kowalski, founding member of the Chamber and leader of the Ron K Real Estate Group, has also played a pivotal role in the community. For the past ten years, he has served on the Board of the Lorton Community Action Center and organized the popular Monopoly Tournament fundraiser, now in its 16th year. His dedication to civic life exemplifies the spirit of leadership that strengthens our community.

The Chamber also supports the next generation of business leaders through its Student Pro-Growth Business Scholarships, which recognize outstanding high school seniors who have demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and academic achievement. I am proud to congratulate and include in the Record the 2025 scholarship recipients:

Gavin Flynn, South County High School

Christine Le, Mount Vernon High School

Ella Ridgway, Lake Braddock Secondary School

Zachary Allen, South County High School

Aidan Barker, West Springfield High School

These students represent the best of South Fairfax's future, and their achievements give us great hope for the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2025 honorees and thanking the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce for its ongoing work to support local businesses and recognize community champions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1912, the Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act, and to underscore the urgent need for this bipartisan and bicameral legislation.

As a Nation, we have a solemn obligation to ensure that the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces and their families receive the benefits they have rightfully earned through their sacrifice and unwavering dedication. Unfortunately, an unintended consequence of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 has hindered this mission. That law introduced a requirement for an internal negligence determination by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) before defrauded veterans in the Veterans Affairs (VA) fiduciary program could be reimbursed. While well- intentioned as a mechanism for improving oversight, this procedural step has caused unacceptable delays, at times exceeding a year, in making victims of fraud financially whole.

A July 21, 2021, report from the VA Office of Inspector General, titled ``VBA's Fiduciary Program Needs to Improve the Timeliness of Determinations and Reimbursement of Misused Funds,'' brought national attention to this problem. It found that defrauded veterans were forced to endure long wait times before receiving reimbursements, with some tragically passing away before they could be made financially whole. This is especially troubling since approximately 50 percent of veterans in the fiduciary program are pensioners and part of a financially vulnerable population.

H.R. 1912, the Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act, removes the negligence determination requirement as a prerequisite for reimbursement. Instead, it authorizes VBA to conduct a statisticallv valid analysis of fiduciary misuse cases to determine the rate and nature of negligence after reimbursement has occurred. This shift transforms a bureaucratic barrier into a quality assurance mechanism, enhancing oversight while prioritizing timely relief for veterans. This legislation was developed in close collaboration with the VBA and received strong bipartisan support during the 118th Congress, when it passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, 413-0. I thank Representative Ciscomani for partnering with me in introducing this important measure, and I am grateful to Subcommittee Chairman Lutrell, Ranking Member McGarvey, Full Committee Chairman Bost, and Ranking Member Takano for their commitment to advancing it.

I am proud to represent a district home to nearly 50,000 veterans, including those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, to Vietnam veterans, and even a few remaining World War II heroes. We owe them more than gratitude; we owe them action. H.R. 1912 will ensure Veterans receive their reimbursement on a timely basis. It ensures that we do not let oversight mechanisms cause harm to those they are intended to protect.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and reaffirming our commitment to the dignity and well-being of our veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act, to stand up for Taiwan's participation in international organizations against the backdrop of an emboldened and increasingly aggressive People's Republic of China (PRC). I thank Congresswoman Kim for her support for this bill. Our legislation responds to Beijing's persistent aggression by strengthening the TAIPEI Act of 2019, to clarify that United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 does not preclude the United States from using its voice, vote, and influence to resist the PRC's reckless campaign against Taiwan's rightful place on the world stage.

The bipartisan Taiwan International Solidarity Act amends the TAIPEI Act of 2019, which passed by unanimous bipartisan support in a vote of 415-0. The Taiwan International Solidarity Act instructs the United States to use its voice, vote, and influence to resist Beijing's efforts to distort the decisions, language, policies, or procedures of international organizations regarding Taiwan. It encourages the United States to work with allies and partners to oppose the PRC's efforts to undermine Taiwan's diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally. It expands reporting requirements to include information relating to any prior or ongoing attempts by the PRC to undermine Taiwan's participation in international organizations as well as its critical ties and relationships with other countries.

Over the past decade, the PRC has successfully weaponized a distorted interpretation of UNGA Resolution 2758 which recognizes the PRC as China's representative to that body in 1971.

It is no secret that the PRC has leveraged its growing influence in the United Nations and international organizations to prevent Taiwan's meaningful participation in international forums and silence Taiwan's technical and scientific expertise. Delegates from Taiwan attended the World Health Assembly as non-voting observers from 2009 to 2016, but in 2016 the PRC successfully bullied enough member states to rescind that invitation. The denial of Taiwan's participation at the International Civil Aviation

Organization poses a direct threat to aviation safety. Without member status at Interpol, Taiwan is denied access to crucial information that can be used to fight international criminal activity.

We face unprecedented health and security threats here in the United States and abroad and Taiwan's distinct capabilities, public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology underscore the need for this essential legislation.

The PRC has made its malign intentions crystal clear; they have made ludicrous claims over the entire South China Sea. They have engaged in or threatened kinetic activity on the Indian border, Vietnamese border, and of course the Taiwan Strait. They have also recently increased their large-scale drills in the waters and airspace around Taiwan threatening peace and stability in Taiwan and in the surrounding region.

Any decision by the PRC to intimidate, bully, and exclude Taiwan will not be condoned or tolerated by the United States or the United States Congress. The United States, in spirit of the Taiwan Relations Act, must continue to reject any unilateral aggression against Taiwan, including within international organizations and bodies. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing April as National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM).

During the month of April, the Arab American Foundation formally recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Arab Americans, embraced by cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations nationwide.

Since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants.

The Arab American Institute estimates there are roughly 3.7 million Arab Americans living in the United States, contributing to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, and culture.

The first known Arab immigrants arrived in 1527, before the founding of United States, and have helped shape and strengthen modern America to be the great nation it is today.

Their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed add strength to our great democracy and enrich our society.

The celebration of Arab American ancestry and cultural heritage educates our fellow Americans, counters misconceptions and harmful stereotyping, promotes diversity and equality in our society, and acknowledges the valuable contributions and heritage of Arab Americans in this country.

In 2023 and 2024, President Biden made official proclamations recognizing the month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month. Illinois, Virginia, California, and Indiana's Senate have passed permanent legislation designating the month as well.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the contributions of Arab Americans and hereby declare April 2025 to be recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month by Virginia's 11th Congressional District. We encourage our citizens to join us in this special observance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tom Temin on the occasion of his retirement after nearly 48 years in journalism.

Tom has had a storied career in journalism that began with a bachelor's degree in photojournalism from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He also completed the Stanford Professional Publishing Program. While he ended up spending the majority of his career in Washington, he spent 17 years with Cahners Publishing Company, editing magazines in the industrial supply, electronics, and systems integration industries. He also worked in weekly and daily newspapers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Once in D.C., Tom immersed himself in the federal government market. He has held numerous leadership roles in this space, including editor- in-chief of Government Computer News (GCN) for 15 years, then the most- read and highest revenue business-to-business publication in the market. The publication won several Jesse H. Neal awards from the American Business Media (ABM) editorial program. After the Washington Post Company acquired GCN, Tom became executive vice president, editorial, at the newly formed PostNewsweek Tech Media Group. There he oversaw the content of GCN, Washington Technology--also a Jesse H. Neal award winner--and several other properties.

For the past 16 years Tom has hosted Federal Drive with Tom Temin, weekday mornings on Federal News Network (FNN) 1500 AM. The show covers a range of topics, such as legislation, federal IT, oversight, and the federal workforce, His guests are often federal executives, members of Congress, think tank experts, and attorneys with subject matter expertise on a myriad of federal issues. Podcasts of Federal Drive broadcast interviews garner some 50,000 downloads per month, and Tom has conducted approximately 10,000 interviews over the course of hosting the show.

In addition to his show, Tom organizes and stages a Motorcycle Ride for Charity each year with FNN's support. The event makes contributions to the Federal Employees Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), Friends of Patients at the NIH, and the U.S. War Dogs Association.

Throughout his career, Tom has been a speaker and moderator at events staged by groups such as AFCEA, the Association for Federal IRM (AFFIRM), and ACTIAC.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tom Temin on his retirement. I wish him the best in all of his future endeavors and hope he enjoys retirement with his wife, children, grandchildren, and his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate a dedicated professional with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the occasion of her retirement. Ms. Mary Ann Flynn is an exemplary public servant who has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism serving our Nation's veterans.

Ms. Flynn began her distinguished legal career in the United States Navy, where she served on both active duty and in the Navy reserves as an attorney. As a Captain, she served as a military judge on the United States Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. Following her time on active duty, Ms. Flynn joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in its Office of General Counsel (OGC), where, with the exception of a short period when she served as the Deputy Director for Policy and Procedures for the Veteran's Benefits Administration's Compensation Service, she spent the bulk of her more than 32 years of service.

In OGC, Ms. Flynn progressed from a staff attorney to Deputy Assistant General Counsel, then Principal Deputy Assistant General Counsel, and finally Chief Counsel of OGC's Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group, an appellate litigation office of over 125 attorneys representing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Her career in public service is a testament to the importance of selfless service to others.

For the vast majority of her legal career, Ms. Flynn provided guidance and legal counsel to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in cases before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. She has been involved in a remarkable breadth of important legal matters related to veterans' benefits, striving to ensure that veterans, their families, and caregivers get the benefits to which they are entitled. Her contributions to developing and evolving the practice of veterans' law will have a lasting legacy and merit special recognition.

As Ms. Flynn embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that she will recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions she has made to the United States Navy, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and veterans of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Mary Ann Flynn for her years of service to our armed forces and our Nation. I congratulate Ms. Flynn on her retirement. May her life be filled with health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Homestretch, an extraordinary organization based in Northern Virginia that has transformed the lives of thousands of families facing homelessness and poverty.

Founded in 1990, Homestretch has served more than 2,500 families, providing not just shelter, but the comprehensive tools and support needed to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Their mission is deeply rooted in the belief that with the right resources, even the most vulnerable families can overcome the devastating cycles of homelessness and poverty.

We are in the midst of an unprecedented affordable housing crisis, both nationally and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since 2020, homelessness in Virginia has increased by 10 percent, with family homelessness alone rising a staggering 17 percent between 2021 and 2022. The work of organizations like Homestretch has never been more vital.

Homestretch serves families in the most challenging of circumstances. 90 percent of the adults in their program are single mothers. A majority are survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities or no work history, and many face high debt, damaged credit, and language barriers. Roughly 60 percent of those served are people of color, and one-third are refugees or seeking asylum.

Despite these challenges, Homestretch helps families not only secure housing, but also access education, develop a career path, find childcare, secure reliable transportation, and improve their physical and financial health.

Their model is comprehensive and long-term. Participants work toward degrees and certifications, learn financial literacy, improve their credit, save for the future, and gain the tools to provide for themselves and their children. Homestretch measures success not simply by whether a family finds shelter, but by whether they emerge with the ability to maintain stable housing, meet their basic needs, and chart a course toward economic mobility.

For someone experiencing homelessness, knowing you are part of a community that cares and will give you the assistance necessary to get back on your feet can help ease the burden of your plight. In a county as economically prosperous as Fairfax County, it can be easy to forget there are still citizens who go without the most basic necessities. Organizations like Homestretch are helping to make sure that we bring everyone to the table and providing all with a path towards economic success and independence.

This incredible work is made possible by the dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who have supported Homestretch for 35 years. It is a shining example of what can be achieved when we invest in people, meet them where they are, and give them the tools they need to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Homestretch on its 35th Anniversary. Northern Virginia is stronger, healthier, and more compassionate because of the work of Homestretch.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) on the momentous occasion of its 50th Anniversary and to honor its extraordinary service to the residents of southeastern Fairfax County.

Founded in 1975 as the Lorton Community Information Center, LCAC began as a grassroots effort to connect neighbors in need with basic essentials such as food, clothing, and human services. What began at Gunston Elementary has since evolved into a lifeline for thousands across Lorton, Fort Belvoir, Newington, and beyond.

Under the visionary leadership of founder Christine Herbstreith, LCAC was built on the idea of a ``supermarket of human services,'' a dream that became reality in 2022 with the opening of the co-located Lorton Community Center and Lorton Library. From this vibrant hub, LCAC continues to expand its reach and impact.

In just the past three years, LCAC has witnessed a steady rise in demand. From serving 1,700 individuals in FY 2023 to nearly 1,800 in just the first half of FY 2025, LCAC has never wavered in its commitment to serving our community. Food pantry visits alone are expected to top 11,000 this year, a testament to both growing need and the Center's enduring role in meeting it.

As Executive Director Rob Rutland-Brown has noted, this work continues through trusted partnerships, dedicated volunteers, and the incredible generosity of donors. Even amid economic uncertainties and the potential impacts of federal policy changes, LCAC remains steadfast, adaptive, and deeply rooted in service.

In 2025, LCAC is not only marking its golden anniversary with a gala celebration and a tribute to its founder, but also with strategic initiatives to deepen its impact. These include strengthening its food pantry and case management programs and investing in education and workforce development.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating LCAC on 50 years of transformative service. I extend my deepest appreciation to the board of directors, staff, and countless volunteers past and present who have made this work possible. Through their compassion and commitment, they have built not just a service organization, but a pillar of hope and dignity for all in our community. Here's to the next 50 years of progress, partnership, and purpose.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon.

April 30, 2025, marks 50 years since the pivotal moment that signaled both the end of the Vietnam War and the beginning of a new chapter for millions of Vietnamese refugees--many of whom have made extraordinary contributions to communities across the United States, particularly in Northern Virginia.

On April 30, 1975, the world watched as the city of Saigon fell. For many, it marked a day of loss, of country, of family, and of home. Yet it also marked the beginning of a remarkable story of resilience, strength, and hope.

In the years that followed, hundreds of thousands fled Vietnam in search of liberty and opportunity, many finding a new beginning here in the United States.

Northern Virginia is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Vietnamese American communities in the country.

Places like the Eden Center stand as a testament of the rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.

The businesses, traditions, and values the Vietnamese American community upholds continue to enrich our region and make invaluable contributions.

The Vietnamese American community's story is one of perseverance, courage, and hope. Their contributions have made our communities stronger and better.

Their journey embodies the ideals we hold dear: perseverance through hardship, strength in adversity, and an enduring hope for a better future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this history, paying tribute to the lives lost and forever changed, and reaffirming our commitment to the universal values of freedom, democracy, and human dignity.