Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in support of the American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act, a vital piece of legislation that I had the privilege of introducing with my fellow Congressional Battlefield Caucus co-chair Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. This bill builds upon the success of the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP), which has played a crucial role in preserving our Nation's hallowed battlegrounds associated with the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Since its inception in 2002, the ABPP has helped conserve over 35,000 acres of historic battlefield land across 42 States.

The American Battlefield Protection Program Enhancement Act proposes several important improvements to further enhance the effectiveness of

Mr. Chair, I rise today to oppose Perry amendment No. 25, which would zero out the federal government's annual dedicated funding contribution to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), or the DC Metro as it is known.

This amendment would eliminate a successful federal-state-local partnership which provides Metro with $150 million in federal funding for urgent capital projects.

This funding is matched 100 percent with $150 million from Metro Compact members Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

This annual capital funding program was created by Republican Representative Tom Davis.

It was reauthorized in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, through my legislation the Metro Accountability and Investment Act.

And the funding was included in both the House and Senate T-HUD bills for FY2023.

The funding enjoys such consistent and longstanding support in Congress because the federal government is both a stakeholder in the system and a chief beneficiary of this annual capital funding contribution.

The federal government receives two seats on the Metro Board of Directors. Despite making no contributions to Metro's operating budget, the federal government is entitled to make decisions about the service, safety, and budget of Metro.

Metro transports thousands of federal employees to work each day, and that number is increasing as Metro helps federal agencies increase in- person work.

Simply put, the federal government cannot function without Metro.

Please join me in opposing this self-defeating amendment.

Vote no on Perry Amendment No. 25.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax County History Commission on the occasion of the 19th Annual Fairfax County History Conference.

Since 1969, the Fairfax County History Commission has worked to identify, document, record and preserve the history of our region. There are few areas in the country that are as rich in history as our area is. The History Conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year while recognizing our neighbors who have made significant contributions to preserving and promoting our local history. Through the dedicated efforts of the History Commission and its many volunteers, we are assured that our history will not be lost and will be available for future generations.

This year, a number of dedicated individuals are being honored for their commitment to the preservation and education of history. I am proud to enter their names into the Congressional Record:

Mike Salmon and Ean Eschenburg received the Mayo Stuntz Award for their work to promote and preserve the history of Fairfax County through video historic documentary production with their film, ``Small Family Cemeteries: is There Room in Fairfax County?''

Josie Ballato received the Edith Moore Sprouse Prize for her interest in developing new data sources and maps to analyze influences on Fairfax County's growth from 1865 to 1965.

Carole Herrick received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the preservation of history in Fairfax County through her roles in organizations aimed at presenting and preserving the history of McLean.

Nadine Mironchuk received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her service as a Sister historian and long-time member of Fairfax County's Bull Run Civil War Roundtable. She has been a longtime champion and devotee of both Civil War history in Fairfax County.

Robert E. Beach received the Distinguished Achievement Award for his support of the Fairfax County History Commission over the past 22 years. His academic and practice backgrounds as an Architect specializing in historic restorations has been an extraordinary resource for the Commission.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating all the honorees and thanking the Fairfax County History Commission for the important work they do for the Northern Virginia community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize ArtsFairfax and the recipients of the

2023 Arts Awards. These awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of artists, arts organizations, individuals, and businesses in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church that support the arts in our community.

Founded in 1964, the formally named Arts Council of Fairfax County, Inc. is a non-profit organization designated as Fairfax County's local arts agency. Today, ArtsFairfax operates programs and Initiatives that include grant opportunities, arts advocacy, education, and professional development opportunities for more than 23 arts and culture organizations.

ArtsFairfax envisions a thriving arts and culture community accessible to all of Fairfax County. To support this vision, ArtsFairfax awards over $795,000 in County, public, and private funds through competitive grants and awards to more than 60 organizations annually.

The Arts Awards honors supporters of the arts in four categories: the Jinx Hazel Arts Award, the Impact Award, the Education Award, and the Arts Philanthropy Award.

It is my honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2023 Arts Awards Recipients:

The 2023 Jinx Hazel Arts Award, ArtsFairfax's premier award recognizing an individual or organization whose vision and commitment has helped shape the cultural life of Fairfax County, will be presented to the Workhouse Arts Center.

The 2023 Impact Award will be presented to Inova Schar Cancer Institute in partnership with Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.

The 2023 Education Award will be presented to The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.

The 2023 Arts Philanthropy Award will be presented to Lola Reinsch.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2023 Arts Awards and recognizing the visionaries, leaders, and supporters who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes on November 2, 2023, due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: NAY on Roll Call No. 592; NAY on Roll Call No. 591; NAY on Roll Call No. 590; NAY on Roll Call No. 589; NAY on Roll Call No. 588; NAY on Roll Call No. 587; NAY on Roll Call No. 586; NAY on Roll Call No. 585; NAY on Roll Call No. 584; NAY on Roll Call No. 583; NAY on Roll Call No. 582; NAY on Roll Call No. 581; NAY on Roll Call No. 580; and NAY on Roll Call No. 579.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Penelope ``Penny'' Gross on her retirement after 27 years of serving as the Fairfax County Mason District Supervisor and 21 years of chairing the Potomac Watershed Roundtable.

Elected in 1995 to represent the Mason District, Penny has been an advocate for affordable housing, expanded public transportation, and violence prevention. Penny represents Fairfax County on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the INOVA Health System Board of Trustees, and the Potomac Watershed Roundtable (PWR).

Shortly after becoming the chair of PWR, she encouraged the VA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to help in developing strategies that will bring the state of Virginia up to the standard that Maryland had already set, regarding efforts that support the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program. With that, in July 2003, the Potomac River Tributary Strategy was developed by DCR.

In January 2004, Penny led the PWR in discussions for a 2004 vision, whose focal points influenced many water-related issues, such as Stormwater Management, Wastewater Treatment Plants, and Total Maximum Daily Load. In April later that year, Penny was appointed by then Governor Mark Warner to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Ribbon Funding Panel. A panel tasked with finding alternative sources for funding the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup. By October 2004, Chairman Gross announced some recommendations on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Blue Bay Ribbon Finance Panel.

On the state and national level, Penny is a past president of the Virginia Association of Counties, vice-chair of the National Association of Counties' Energy, Environment, and Land Use Committee, and past president of the National Association of Regional Councils. She was first appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) to the Chesapeake Executive Council, which she chaired from March 2006 until August 2008, and continues to serve.

I had the great pleasure of serving with Penny during my 14 years on the Board, first representing the Providence District and then as Chairman. The work that she has done for Fairfax County is outstanding, and we will continue to honor her legacy as a public servant. Penny Gross's commitment to our community and the mission of local government is unparalleled. She leaves behind a legacy that will enrich our community for generations to come. Her career in public service is truly commendable and deserving of our heartfelt gratitude. All through her tenure as Chair of the PWR, she proved to be an exemplary leader, and continues to attract very influential and dedicated environmentally minded individuals to the roundtable.

Mr. Speaker, Penny Gross's commitment to public service is seen through her tireless work on behalf of the people of Fairfax County. Though she may be retiring, I suspect that she will continue to remain active in the causes that are important to her. I commend her for her service and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Fairfax County, Virginia Tree Commission.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chartered the Tree Commission as a board of public members in August 1973, and in 1976 it was expanded and incorporated into the county code to advise the Board on implementing the newly enacted Tree Planting and Preservation Ordinance. The Tree Commission's has operated for 50 years in service to the health and well-being of the county's urban forest, which in turn affects the health and well-being of all county residents.

In 2005, as then Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I recognized that the county's population had grown exponentially and so had the stressors on our tree canopy. I appeared before the Tree Commission and asked it to develop a Tree Action Plan the county could use to manage and enhance the county's forests and trees. That Plan was adopted by the Board in 2006.

In 2008 the county successfully sought new Virginia state legislation to better protect trees, which led to the county enacting the Tree Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 122). It requires a minimum percentage of tree canopy to be preserved or replanted during the development process and established within 10 years.

The Tree Commission worked to update the Tree Action Plan, which the Board adopted in

2020. It includes a detailed description of the health and environmental benefits of trees, as well as a strategic management plan to protect, preserve and expand the county's urban forest. That plan continues to guide the Tree Commission's advice to the Board on policies and procedures affecting trees.

The Tree Commission has long sponsored the Fairfax County Friends of Tree Awards, which are designed to inspire individuals, agencies, organizations, and developers to protect, maintain and expand the county's tree canopy with exceptional and innovative tree actions and tree education programs. The Tree Commission created and continues to update and distribute a public education pamphlet, Tree Basics, explaining how to select the right tree, for the right location, at the right time, and how to plant and care for trees so they will survive. It is one of the county's most widely distributed and popular information brochures. Members of the Tree Commission participate in county outreach events, in the Tree Community of Practice as authorized by the Tree Action Plan, in the Tree Preservation and Planting Fund, and in other tree-related activities as needed.

The Tree Commission promotes the equity goals of the county's One Fairfax policy by supporting tree preservation and planning projects that will benefit historically underserved neighborhoods in Fairfax County. And the Tree Commission has supported programs such as the Communitywide Energy and Climate Action Plan, which seeks to expand the overall county tree canopy to 60 percent, with a minimum of 40 percent canopy coverage in every census block by 2030. Everyone deserves to benefit from living near trees.

I am pleased to join the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, which has recognized 2023 as the Tree Commission's 50th Anniversary year, a time to honor and celebrate all its members over the years who faithfully served to preserve, protect, and expand our urban forest for the benefit all county residents, both now and in the future. To honor the Tree Commission's stellar service, the Board has planted 50 trees next to the Fairfax County Government Center, where they will grow and flourish for the next 50 years and beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.

This event honors the remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety officers. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. This year's ceremony will present awards to recognize extraordinary actions above and beyond the call of duty in a variety of categories including the Gold Citizen Award, Meritorious Award, the Certificate of Valor, Unit Citation, and Unit Citation: Silver Award of Valor.

It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following Valor Award Recipients:

Silver Award of Valor: PFC Maurice Anderson, OFC Patrick Talbott, PFC Olivia Baratto, PFC Larry Luna.

Bronze Award of Valor: Lt. Ben Smith, MPO Joe Pittman, PFC Ryan Foster, PFC Sam Dee, PFC Marissa Fettig, PFC Noelle Becker, OFC Mathias MacFarlane, Dispatch Supervisor Cynthia Tetterton.

Certificate of Valor: Captain Steven Burmeister.

Gold Citizen Award: Mr. Ahmed Alsraai.

Meritorious Award: Sgt. James Lewis, MPO Charles Mills.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2023 Fairfax's Finest Valor Awards Recipients, and thank all of the men and women who keep our community safe. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of our community, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to commemorate Gabe Segal for the humanitarian work he's done as an educator to end school meal debt for all grade school students. Gabe has been an active teacher in the Fairfax County Public School district and is committed to helping students by raising funds and tackling an issue of school meal debt that has been impacting the lives of many families.

Gabe was 9 months old and living in an orphanage in Moscow, Russia, when two Fairfax County Public School teachers, David Segal and Saranne Segal, adopted him and brought him to Virginia. Both of Gabe's parents were teachers at Herndon High School in 1993, and Gabe is now a fellow teacher at the same high school. As a child, his mother would bring Gabe into the high school. While literally growing up in the high school, he learned valuable lessons and had first-hand knowledge of the hardships students were facing in and out of the classroom at an early age.

Today as an educator, Gabe keeps his classroom door open every day after school to let his students have a safe place to meditate. His number one core value in the field of education is relationships. To many students he is a father figure, role model, and even more importantly, a trusted and caring adult. There are many students who don't have a warm, welcoming home, so he does everything he can to create that environment in his classroom.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gabe paid-off the lunch debt at Sleepy Hollow Elementary in Fairfax County. During the course of the 2022-2023 school year and summer. Gabe organized fundraisers and pulled in donations to raise over $32,000 to pay all outstanding school meal debt at his previous school, Herndon Middle School. In total, $50,000 has been raised for school meal debt in Fairfax County. Gabe has been actively meeting with local leaders throughout the commonwealth in hopes of one day having free, universal school meals for all students. The cost for a student to have adequate nutrition during their school day with a meal provided by their educational institution is alarmingly over five dollars a day. Many families can't afford to pay that cost. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, the impact of school meal debt has a lasting impact on low-income families both in and out of the classroom.

As a teacher, Gabe sees firsthand how school meal debt impacts students' performance in school and he's continued to lead the awareness. Gabe's work has been published in the Washington Post, WJLA- TV as well as other news organizations. He remains devoted to helping struggling students and families deal with their debt as this issue continues to impact student achievement and burden families.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the tremendous humanitarian efforts of Gabe Segal for tackling the crisis of school meal debt impacting the lives of many.

Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to congratulate Penelope ``Penny'' Gross on her retirement after 27 years of serving as the Fairfax County Mason District Supervisor and 21 years of chairing the Potomac Watershed Roundtable.

Elected in 1995 to represent the Mason District, Penny has been an advocate for affordable housing, expanded public transportation, and violence prevention. Penny represents Fairfax County on the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, the INOVA Health System Board of Trustees, and the Potomac Watershed Roundtable (PWR).

Shortly after becoming the chair of PWR, she encouraged the VA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to help in developing strategies that will bring the state of Virginia up to the standard that Maryland had already set, regarding efforts that support the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Program. With that, in July 2003, the Potomac River Tributary Strategy was developed by DCR.

In January 2004, Penny led the PWR in discussions for a 2004 vision, whose focal points influenced many water-related issues, such as Stormwater Management, Wastewater Treatment Plants, and Total Maximum Daily Load. In April later that year Penny was appointed by then Governor Mark Warner to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Ribbon Funding Panel. A panel tasked with finding alternative sources for funding the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup. By October 2004, Chairman Gross announced some recommendations on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Blue Bay Ribbon Finance Panel.

On the state and national level, Penny is a past president of the Virginia Association of Counties, vice-chair of the National Association of Counties' Energy, Environment, and Land Use Committee, and past president of the National Association of Regional Councils. She was first appointed by Governor Mark Warner to the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC) to the Chesapeake Executive Council, which she chaired from March 2006 until August 2008, and continues to serve.

I had the great pleasure of serving with Penny during my 14 years on the Board, first representing the Providence District and then as Chairman. The work that she has done for Fairfax County is outstanding and we will continue to honor her legacy as a public servant. Penny Gross's commitment to our community and the mission of local government is unparalleled. She leaves behind a legacy that will enrich our community for generations to come. Her career in public service is truly commendable and deserving of our heartfelt gratitude. All through her tenure as Chair of the PWR, she proved to be an exemplary leader, and continues to attract very influential and dedicated environmentally minded individuals to the roundtable

Mr. Speaker, Pro Tempore Penny Gross's commitment to public service is through her work in Fairfax County. Though she may be retiring, I suspect that she will continue to remain active in the causes that are important to her. I commend her for her service and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating her on her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated group of men and women in Northern Virginia, the Lords and Ladies of Fairfax.

Every year, each member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors selects two people from his or her district who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service, heroism, or other exceptional commitments and contributions to our community. Since the program's inception in 1984, approximately 759 individuals have earned the honor of being named a Lord or Lady Fairfax by his or her representative on the Board of Supervisors.

This year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will recognize those individuals who have made tremendous impacts through their support of our public schools, parks, youth sports leagues, arts community, public safety, and human service programs. It is nearly impossible to fully describe the diversity of accomplishments of the honorees. Their efforts contribute greatly to the quality of life for the residents of Fairfax County and are worthy of our praise and sincere appreciation.

It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the 2023 Lords and Ladies of Fairfax:

At-Large: Lady Lucy Capaldi and Lord Dr. Eric Goplerud

Braddock District: Lady Shari Zamarra and Lord John Rephlo

Dranesville District: Lady Delegate Kathleen Murphy and Lord Patrick Smaldore

Hunter Mill District: Lady Roberta Gosling and Lord Andy Sigle

Franconia District: Lady Sharron Dreyer and Lord Dr. Bryon L. Garner

Mason District: Lady Alis Wang and Lord Lassine Doumbia

Mount Vernon District: Lady Shirley Short and Lord Ron Fitzsimmons

Providence District: Lady Nada Bashir and Lord Tom Biesiadny

Springfield District: Lady Cathy Turner and Lord Rob Hahne

Sully District: Lady Cathy Martins Muha and Lord Prince D. Howard

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending and expressing our gratitude to these men and women who volunteer their time and energy on behalf of our community. Their efforts, which are deserving of our highest praise, provide immeasurable benefits to their fellow residents and serve as a reminder of why Fairfax County remains such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment regarding the Department of Defense workforce, which is particularly important as we face a shutdown.

However, first, I need to address two of the biggest workforce challenges facing the military, both wholly manufactured by my friends on the other side of the aisle.

First and foremost, to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, do not shut down the Federal Government. Step up to the plate and govern on a bipartisan basis. I know it is hard, but the country needs you to set aside impeachment inquiries, ideological crusades, and infighting to do your job.

Second, Senator Tommy Tuberville's holds on more than 300 military promotions are a direct threat to our national security and undermine the leadership of our military.

For the first time in the history of the Department of Defense, three of the five military services were operating without Senate-confirmed leaders. General and flag officers are being required to perform double duty in acting roles. Military families are having their lives put on hold.

How are we going to retain talented officers if their careers face a graveyard in the U.S. Senate, buried under the desk of one Senator who cannot name the three branches of government?

Senator Tuberville's holds, which would require more than 700 hours of floor time in the Senate to overcome individually, are an outrageous assault on our Nation's military at the altar of a far-right culture war.

I call on my colleagues to join me in condemning this reckless behavior. But I digress.

My amendment would prevent Congressional Republicans from further compounding their attacks on the Department's workforce. The amendment would prevent any cuts to the Department of Defense civilian workforce that undermine our military and national security.

Please follow along closely.

Defense appropriations bills routinely include language that says: None of the funds appropriated by this act may be used to reduce the civilian workforce programmed full-time equivalent levels absent the appropriate analysis of the impacts of those reductions.

This language has received broad bipartisan support. It was included in the 2023 omnibus. It is in the current FY24 Department of Defense Appropriations bill in the Senate, and it was adopted as part of other past fiscal year Department of Defense appropriations bills in this body and in the other.

This language is derived from section 129(a) of Title 10, General Policy For Total Force Management, which states, ``The Secretary may not reduce the civilian workforce programmed full-time equivalent levels unless the Secretary conducts an appropriate analysis of the impacts of such reductions on workload, military force structure, lethality, readiness, operational effectiveness, stress on the military force, and fully burdened costs.''

My amendment would restore that important language and legacy by prohibiting dangerous civilian workforce cuts that do not prioritize those enumerated priorities. It is helpful to understand the broader context to appreciate why this is essential.

The underlying bill cuts the civilian workforce by $1.1 billion. The Committee Report for the bill refers vaguely to robotic process automation and artificial intelligence as ways to reduce the civilian workforce. That is a low bar for due diligence.

Forgive me, but I prefer the previous standard Congress reiterated and endorsed, which was to remind the Department that any such reduction in the civilian workforce must first prioritize the lethality, readiness, and operational effectiveness of the military.

My amendment would restore that consideration and that language.

Mr. Chair, I include in the Record a letter from the American Federation of Government Employees in support of my amendment.

American Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO,

Washington, DC, September 21, 2023.

Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of the American

Federation of Government Employees, AFL-CIO (AFGE), which

represents over 750,000 federal and District of Columbia

employees, including 250,000 Defense Department civilian

employees, I write to provide AFGE's views on several

amendments that were made in order by the House Rules

Committee with respect to H.R. 4365, the Department of

Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, that the House is expected

to consider today.

Specifically, AFGE strongly urges you to oppose amendment

168 that will be offered by

Rep. Hageman (R-AZ), amendment 167 that will be offered by

Rep. Greene (R-GA), amendments 155 and 156 that will be

offered by Rep. Boebert (R-CO), amendment 161: that will be

offered by Rep. Fallon (R-TX), amendment 178 that will be

offered by Rep. Roy (R-TX), amendment 172 that will be

offered by Rep. Norman (R-SC), and amendments 176 and 184

that will be offered by Rep. Rosendale (R-MT) during floor

consideration of H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense

Appropriations Act, 2024.

Hageman amendment 168 would arbitrarily and without

justification prohibit regular telework and remote work for

Defense Department civilian employees and contractors.

Longstanding policy has, with considerable success, directed

DoD agency managers and personnel to collaboratively develop

and implement telework policies that address the specific

needs of agencies and further their missions. Importantly,

the workplace flexibility that telework enables has improved

DoD's capacity to maintain continuous operations in the event

of a natural or national security crisis. It has also helped

DoD agencies recruit and retain talent, be more productive,

and reduce traffic congestion and emissions. Not

insignificantly, remote work and telework are particularly

important for military spouses who are frequently deployed to

remote places with few job opportunities but can otherwise

contribute to the federal civilian workforce.

Greene amendment 167, Boebert amendments 155 and 156,

Fallon amendment 161, and Roy amendment 178 would invoke the

so-called Holman Rule to either reduce to $1.00 the annual

salaries of various DoD officials. These cynical amendments,

if enacted, would do great damage to the Department's ability

to maintain readiness and recruit and retain personnel who

reflect the diversity of America.

Rosendale amendments 176 and 184 would strip the Defense

Department of its authority to set policy as it pertains to

the prevention of COVID-19. These amendments are singularly

irresponsible and reckless. Enactment would risk the health

of tens of thousands of DoD military personnel and civilian

employees in the event of a future COVID-19 outbreak--all to

make a cynical political point. Senior Defense Department

officers and medical personnel are in a much better position

than Congress to determine appropriate measures to protect

the health of military personnel and civilian employees.

Norman amendment 172 would, if enacted, reverse important

strides the Defense Department--one of the least diverse

agencies in the federal government--has made in recent years

to recruit and retain the best and the brightest personnel

from all corners of America.

AFGE recommends that you support amendment 159 that will be

offered by Rep. Connolly (D-VA). This amendment would restore

important language included in previous Defense

Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from

reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate

analysis of the effects of these reductions on workload,

military force structure, lethality, readiness, operational

effectiveness, stress on the military force, and fully

burdened costs. By omitting the provision that Rep.

Connolly's amendment proposes to restore, H.R. 4365, if

enacted, could lead to reckless cuts in the civilian

workforce that the armed services depend on to protect and

defend our nation.

Please vote against these amendments should recorded votes

be requested. For questions or more information please

contact Julie Tippens or Keith Abouchar.

Sincerely,

Julie N. Tippens,

Director, Legislative Department.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining.

Mr. Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the distinguished gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) on the occasion of its Alloy Project, a fundraising initiative that offers both art and art experiences for audiences of all ages. The event brings together artists, collectors, art enthusiasts, and professional leaders from not only the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area, but from many unique parts of the country.

This non-profit endeavor was founded in Reston, Virginia as the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) in 1974 to showcase the phenomenal talent of Northern Virginia. Tephra ICA works with artists, galleries, institutions, thought leaders, and collectors around the globe to promote creativity and the generation of ideas and growth that the arts can facilitate. They are committed to promoting innovative contemporary art and innovative thinking to accompany it. By building intimate connections between artists and audiences, including insights into the creative processes by which this art comes to be, Tephra ICA is able to extend their impact beyond the museum itself and instill these values into the Northern Virginia community at large.

The event will include many unique aspects for a diverse audience that includes works for purchase, an opportunity to listen to artist dialogues, live music, and more, promising attendees a jubilant and interactive night of fun.

Tephra's ``Choosing to Portage'' is an exemplary collection that emphasizes diversity. The raw authenticity of this project is palpable as it delves into topics such as the absurdities of white masculinity, the erasure of indigenous cultures, police killings of Black men, the visibility of Iraqi culture in the U.S., the ravages of war, and the loneliness of grieving. This dedication to creation around such vital and urgent topics that simultaneously are difficult for many demonstrates the necessity of contemporary art.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art on its Alloy Project and in recognizing the visionaries and leaders who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centreville Immigration Forum on the occasion of its 6th Annual Dinner. The theme of this year's gala is ``Celebrating a Community United for Justice'' and will recognize the rich diversity of cultures in Northern Virginia. The Centreville Immigration Forum has done tremendous work in Northern Virginia to support our immigrant community by implementing sustainable programs that provide immigrants in need with the means to improve their lives and become more integrated into the community.

Northern Virginia is blessed by its diversity. In Fairfax County, nearly 1 in 4 residents are foreign born. More than 200 languages are spoken in our schools, and we are home to more minority-owned technology firms than anywhere else in the Nation. Our variety of cultures and heritages do not divide us; they make us stronger.

Three exceptional individuals will be honored during this gala who have gone above and beyond in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their country of origin, has full access to the benefits and opportunities this community and our nation provide. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of the following 2023 Annual Dinner honorees.

Ms. Annabel Park

Annabel Park is a Korean American documentary filmmaker, political activist and community volunteer. She shined light on the struggles of immigrants in America through her documentary 9500 Liberty which was an interactive project, allowing viewers to comment and give direction to the production. It highlighted the struggles in Manassas and Prince William County in 2008 through 2009, when some leaders passed laws to make life difficult for immigrants. The story of building community in the face of bigotry inspired Centreville to organize in the years following. Ms. Park went on to co-produce the Story of America documentary series about voting rights across the country.

Mr. Hassan Ahmad

Hassan Ahmad is the principal and founder of HMA Law Firm. He is fluent or proficient in eight languages in addition to English, and this gives his clients comfort when telling their stories. His perspective on immigration as a means to prosperity is borne from his belief in unity in diversity, advising nationals of 117 countries around the world for nearly 20 years. He is a strong voice for justice and writes and speaks fearlessly against laws and policies that limit the lives of immigrants. He is an expert on the roots of anti- immigration organizations. About one-third of his practice is devoted to asylum cases.

Monica Sarmiento

Monica Sarmiento is the Executive Director for the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights (VACIR), an organization dedicated to the defense of dignity, power, and quality of life for all immigrant and refugee communities. She is from the DC metropolitan area and is Salvadoran- American. She was the founding Executive Director of VACIR and built it into a coalition of immigrant rights groups with a respected voice in the Virginia General Assembly. She organized lobby days, press conferences. and campaigns that led to Driver Privilege Cards, increased language access to public information, and in-state tuition for all high school graduates.

Mr. Speaker, the efforts of these individuals are noteworthy not only because they are rooted in an appreciation for our region's cultural and ethnic diversity, but also because they help to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation in our community. I congratulate them on their awards and ask my colleagues to join me in commending them for their service to the Northern Virginia region.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing October as National Spine Health Awareness Month.

In the U.S. 100 million people suffer from neck or back conditions every year according to the CDC. Back pain is the number one cause of missed workdays, the leading cause of job-related disability and pain in the U.S., and the most common non-cancer related reason for an opioid prescription in the U.S. In addition, those with back and neck pain are four times more likely to become clinically depressed.

The National Spine Health Foundation located in my district in Reston, Virginia, is the only national patient-centered non-profit dedicated to helping patients overcome debilitating spinal conditions and take back their lives. During the past 5 years, the Foundation has renewed its commitment to and has developed award winning patient education, advocacy, and research work to give patients the tools they need to make informed decisions about their spine health and navigate their own treatment journeys with confidence.

I would like to congratulate the National Spine Health Foundation on its award-winning year in patient education and clinical research. NSHF received a 2023 Digital Health Award for its patient education videos, the E Healthcare Leadership Award for best healthcare podcast, and the Global Spine Congress award for best research paper for work on examining augmented reality for improving spine surgery. In addition, NSHF received the best paper award from the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery for their work on the nation's only prospective, multi-center spine robotic surgery study.

The Foundation is strongly committed to spine health research. Patient reported outcomes have been part of the fabric of NSHF since its inception. As they are deeply invested in supporting evidence-based health care decision making, it is important to be part of the process of creating the evidence. Their cloud-based research tool called `Spine-online' enables them to conduct multi-center studies and partner with research teams both in the U.S. and internationally. Active studies are currently occurring on robotic surgery, enhanced surgical recovery, augmented reality, genetic basis for personalized spine treatments, stem cell therapy, and more.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the importance of good spinal health, supporting individuals who suffer from spinal issues, and thanking the NSHF and the health care providers who help not just in October, but all year long.