Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the partnership of Rachel Carson Middle School and Dominion Power in efforts to support green energy.

Through their partnership, Carson Middle School was able to recently install on its roof an array of 11 photovoltaic solar panels, which have already generated over 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity--enough to power a house for more than a month.

Rachel Carson Middle School is a Fairfax County public school with over 1200 students. The solar project was initiated in the spring of 2009 and driven by a group of former eighth grade students, its teacher sponsor, Mr. Kirk Treakle, and its Going Green Club, formerly established as Carson FREE--which stands for Future Renewable Energy Effort. The group was established in hopes that solar electric would be used in addition to several other prospective forms of renewable energy at school. The Going Green Club is researching wind, geothermal, solar thermal, and algae oil as future possibilities. The solar project was funded by grants from Dominion Power, the Earth Day Network, Lowe's, and InterfaceFLOR as well as donations from InScope International, Katydid Inc., the Carson PTA, and other individuals with no taxpayer money used.

The photovoltaic panels are ``grid-tied'' so the electricity they produce helps power the

school and decreases the amount of electricity that must be generated by other means, reducing pollution. While serving as a clean energy resource, the photovoltaic system is also used as an accessible, educational resource with students participating in an energy workshop using the new photovoltaic installation and online data logger. The system's connections to the science curriculum in areas of energy, electricity, and the environment serve as great additions to the school.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the partnership of Rachel Carson Middle School and Dominion Power. Together, they have succeeded in taking a great step towards cleaner energy for the future. I extend my congratulations to the school and thank Rachel Carson Middle School and Dominion Power for their valuable efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Arianna McQuillen, of Fairfax Station, on her selection as a Buick and General Motors Foundation Scholarship Recipient. She has been identified as one of 100 outstanding students from across the United States to receive up to $25,000 in a renewable scholarship. She plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology and specialize in robotics.

Arianna is very involved in our community, working on projects such as cleaning the Occoquan watershed, planting trees, preparing care packages for soldiers abroad and tutoring young students.

Her academic record is proof that she is a high-achieving student. She studied at Lake Braddock Secondary School, where her interests varied from math and science to art and the environment. She has won many awards in areas ranging from debate to art. She is a National Merit Scholar, a 2010 Beat the Odds Scholarship Recipient, an Advanced Placement Scholar, and a National Achievement Semi-Finalist.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Arianna McQuillen's remarkable achievements and wishing her continued success as she pursues her degree at MIT.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today to recognize the finalists of the 2011 Asian American Success (AASuccess) YouthCon Scholarship program. Each year, AASuccess grants scholarships and recognition awards to 6 students in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.

Founded in April 2006 by Dave Nguyen, Irina Nguyen, David Montanari, Sumesh Kaushal and Malou Gemeniano, the missions of AASuccess are to promote academic excellence of young Asian American and other minority students, foster mentorship and partnership between career professionals and student members, and promote ``The Act of Giving Back'' in the Asian American community. AASuccess offers 4 different programs to achieve their goals; the AAS Life Skills Academy, Scholarship Program, Giving Back Program, and the Arc360 Web TV Program.

Scholarships are awarded in amounts ranging from $500.00 to $1000.00, and winners are selected based on academic performance, civic engagement, and completion of an essay. Using famous images from Saigon for inspiration, the theme for this year's essay asked applicants to consider their freedom, and the connection between protection of personal freedoms and civic duties. This thought provoking topic has encouraged students to reflect on and consider some of the most crucial questions we face today.

While there will be 6 scholarship winners, it is my great pleasure to recognize the following 12 finalists:

Ms. Sungmin Sohn; Mr. Vihanh Tham; Ms. Khanh-Ni Thi Nguyen; Ms. Mai Ly; Ms. Julie Hoang; Mr. Dylan Vu; Mr. Tristin Tran; Mr. Maxwell Tran; Mr. Minh Pham; Ms. Kirby Taylor; Ms. Julia Ngoc-Kim Nguyen; Ms. Krystal Sing.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding the efforts of these students, and in congratulating them on their academic and civic accomplishments. I also commend AASuccess for their efforts to ensure and encourage professional development and success of students in our community.

Mr. Speaker, the text of House Resolution 306 could lead to false conclusions about Turkey. Make no mistake: Turkey has taken concrete steps to improve religious freedom through a series of meaningful initiatives. Moreover, Turkey is a secular, modernized NATO ally that provides indispensible military and diplomatic support to the United States and our allies. Its efforts with respect to religious inclusion are welcome and worthy of recognition.

In September, for example, Secretary Clinton praised Turkey's continued progress in enhancing religious freedom, stating:

We have also seen Turkey take serious steps to improve the

climate for religious tolerance. The Turkish government

issued a decree in August that invited non-Muslims to reclaim

churches and synagogues that were confiscated 75 years ago. I

applaud Prime Minister Erdogan's very important commitment to

doing so.

Long before H. Res. 306 was introduced, the Turkish Government was enhancing religious freedom. For example:

In May 2010, the Prime Ministry issued a circular underlining that Turkey's non-Muslim citizens share with all other Turkish citizens the right to enjoy and maintain their own identities and cultures in parallel with the national identity and culture of Turkey.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul recently has been permitted to conduct masses at religiously significant venues that had been rendered museums due to disuse.

In November 2010, Turkish authorities returned a former orphanage to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate following a decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The attorney representing the Patriarchate declared, ``This marks a first in Europe. Turkey became the first country to implement a decision of the ECHR by returning the property. This should be an example for other countries.''

Since the original text of H. Res. 306 was introduced, Turkey amended its Law on Foundations to state that immovable properties, cemeteries, and fountains (of the non-Muslim community foundations registered in the name of Turkish public institutions) will be returned to the relevant non-Muslim community foundations, upon those non-Muslim foundations' request.

On a larger scale, Turkey has been an indispensible ally and friend of the United States since it joined NATO almost 60 years ago (in 1952). Given Turkey's strategic location and maintenance of the second largest military in NATO, this should come as no surprise. Currently, NATO is installing radar systems in Turkey and Romania as part of the regional anti-ballistic missile defense system. Moreover, when NATO passed Resolution 1973, which enforced a no-fly zone in Libya, Turkey helped lead a NATO-led coalition, after playing a major role in deliberations with the United States and other key allies. Turkey also had a key role in negotiating the release of four New York Times reporters who were captured during fighting in Libya.

With regard to U.S. operations in Afghanistan, Turkey:

Has made available its Konya Air Base and other airports for the deployment of aircraft and allies' cargo aircraft in support of ISAF operations.

Has deployed five Operational Mentoring and Liaison Teams (OMLT) and has also conducted in-place training of 8,000 Afghan National Army (ANA) members and training in Turkey for an additional 1,000 Afghan troops.

Turkey established two civilian-led Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Wardak and Jawzjan, and opened a branch of the Turkish International Cooperation Agency in Kabul, from which it runs a number of humanitarian assistance and economic development projects.

Turkey stations over 1,700 U.S. military personnel under the U.S.- Turkey Defense and Economic Cooperation Agreement. Incirlik Air Base, which houses about 1,500 U.S. military personnel, is a transit point for 68% of air logistical support for Iraq and Afghanistan. Each year, an average of 2,000 American C-17 aircraft and an average of 1,460 KC- 135 refueling tankers fly through the Turkish air base. Turkey's support is not limited to access of its air bases; its Mersin port on the Mediterranean is part of the U.S.'s supply network to Afghanistan.

In a time when several Muslim majority countries are undergoing upheaval, Turkey provides an ideal model to its neighbors. It is a secular, modern, Muslim majority state that is a significant NATO ally. In its domestic affairs, Turkey is again a model for its neighbors. According to the State Department's 13th Annual Report on Religious Freedom,

During the reporting period, the [Turkish] government took

steps to improve religious freedom. Notably the government

permitted religious services to be held annually in historic

Christian sites that had been turned into state museums after

decades of disuse.

As a friend of Turkey, the United States ought to continue to recognize Turkey's initiatives on religious freedom and encourage Turkey to continue its progress. This is what allies do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ben Ettleman, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Davis Industries and to congratulate him on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

Mr. Ettleman moved Davis Industries to the Lorton area in 1970, and, under his leadership, Davis Industries continues to be an involved and active community partner. When asked what advice he would give to a person entering business, he replied: ``You must establish good relationships with your employees, your vendors, suppliers and manufacturers--but you must never forget to develop a good relationship with your community. That's vital!'' Mr. Ettleman's life has been true to this philosophy; his robust support for area non-profits has been invaluable to the Lorton and greater Fairfax County communities.

Countless local and national programs and charities have benefited from Mr. Ettleman's leadership and direction. He allows his metal crushing site to be used in training the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in the ``Jaws of Life'' program. He also helped found the ``Police Unity Tour'' to honor fallen officers. In response to the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, Mr. Ettleman donated $25,000 to help provide care for children who were burned as a result of the tragedy. He has provided critical leadership and financial support to local high school all-night graduation parties, renovations of public parks, food drives, holiday celebrations at local shelters, educational scholarships, little league teams, art programs, and even spay-and-neuter programs. The Lorton Community Action Center, Boys & Girls Club, Jewish National Fund, Georgetown University Parkinson's Research Center, Fairfax County Police and Fire and Rescue Departments, United Community Ministries, South County Little League, and the Lorton Arts Foundation are just a few of the many organizations that have been able to provide assistance, education, and public safety services to thousands of residents thanks to the leadership and generosity of Ben Ettleman.

Mr. Ettleman recently celebrated his 90th birthday on August 11, 2011, and in recognition of his many contributions and accomplishments, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has proclaimed the day as Ben Ettleman/Davis Industries Day in Fairfax County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in congratulating Mr. Ettleman on this prestigious recognition and wishing him a very happy birthday. I also want to thank him for his selfless contributions, which have benefited so many in our community. I hope that his record of leadership will serve as a model of community service to future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize George Pakidis for his years of service in the fight against drunk driving.

Each year thousands of people are injured or killed by drunk drivers. The numbers of accidents and fatalities skyrocket during holiday seasons, especially Independence Day and New Year's Eve. To help prevent these senseless tragedies, local business leaders worked with law enforcement and government agencies to develop programs that would keep intoxicated drivers off of our roads. George Pakidis is one of the leaders in this effort.

For 14 years, George has served on the Board of Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP). Founded in 1982, WRAP is an award winning public-private coalition that seeks to prevent drunk driving, drugged driving, and underage drinking in the Washington metropolitan area through innovative education programs and advocacy. As Vice President of Red Top Cab, a regional taxi service based in Northern Virginia, George recognized an opportunity to decrease the number of instances of drunk driving by spearheading a free cab ride service known as SoberRide, which functions as part of the WRAP program. In the 12 years that George has been its Chairman, SoberRide has grown to include nine participating taxi companies and has kept more than 52,000 drunk drivers off of our roads. His innovative approach to this problem has prevented countless accidents and saved thousands of lives.

George will soon be retiring from Red Top Cab as well as from his positions with WRAP and SoberRide. His leadership and foresight will be greatly missed. During his tenure the number of accidents has declined significantly, and the regional alcohol-related traffic death rate is consistently lower than the national average.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking George Pakidis for his immeasurable service to our community and for his efforts to eradicate drunk driving. Let us wish George continued success in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Kings Park Community, and the 4th Annual Potluck Dinner. The quality of life enjoyed by the residents of Kings Park is a testament to the strong community spirit that has existed for half a century.

King's Park is a community of 1100 homes located in central Fairfax County, in the heart of the 11th Congressional District of Virginia. Although this is a very large community, it maintains the feel of a true neighborhood or small town. Within the Kings Park boundaries, there are two elementary schools, a large public park, and a community swimming pool. The residents are well served by the local civic association; King's Park Civic Association (KPCA). KPCA publishes The Gazette news letter, helps to ensure the safety of the residents through its Neighborhood Watch and Block Captain programs, and sponsors community events such as the Annual Yard Sale, 4th of July Parade and Picnic, Children's Holiday Party, Senior's Lunch, and Community Potluck Dinner. In addition, KPCA oversees several citizen committees which address residents' concerns, provide assistance, and facilitate communication with the county on local governmental issues.

Fifty years ago, in 1960, the total population of Fairfax County was 261,417; in 2010 the population had more than quadrupled to 1,081,726. Despite this phenomenal growth, King's Park has retained its unique identity thanks to the efforts of the volunteers and community activists. The success of the King's Park Civic Association can be attributable to its ability to provide tangible benefits to its residents, and to promote a spirit of collaboration and inclusion.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 50th anniversary of King's Park, and the 4th Annual potluck dinner organized by the King's Park Civic Association. I also thank the residents and members of the Kings Park Civic Association for their efforts to ensure that Kings Park remains a wonderful place to call home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate Arbor Day 2011 and to recognize the Lafayette Village Community's annual neighborhood cleanup and tree planting.

Founded by J. Sterling Morton, the first Arbor Day was held in Nebraska April 10, 1872. Arbor Day has since grown to be celebrated in more than 30 countries around the world. Arbor Day recognizes and celebrates the value and beauty of trees in our communities, and it is observed by planting a new tree.

Lafayette Village is a community of 313 homes in Fairfax County, Virginia. This is its fourth annual Arbor/Earth Day ceremony, and tree planting is a longstanding tradition for Lafayette Village. In conjunction with the annual tree planting, Lafayette Village conducts a community cleanup as well. Children are encouraged to participate, which helps to instill the values of community service and teamwork.

Environmental stewardship leads to beautiful communities such as Lafayette Village. Hundreds of trees have been planted over the years as an affirmation of their commitment to this stewardship.

Mr. Speaker, I express my gratitude to the residents of Lafayette Village. Their efforts prove that beautifying a neighborhood requires only a generous amount of time and community spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the winners of the 2011 LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Awards. LifeCircle Alliances, a non-profit organization based in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a leader in promoting and enabling independent living for older and adults with developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities, including our Wounded Warriors.

LifeCircle Alliances has created innovative public-private partnerships with its 45 members including businesses, individuals, educational facilities, philanthropic organizations and government agencies to showcase and raise money for creative and cost-effective long-term care solutions. The funds raised and the efforts of the LifeCircle partners help to create innovative long-term care initiatives, enhance existing programs, and address workforce, mobility and transportation issues. The goal of these efforts is independence for life; ensuring that our older adults and adults with disabilities are able to live independently and with dignity in their communities of choice.

The LifeCircle Alliances Kudos for Community Caregivers Award celebration recognizes the efforts of five outstanding caregivers, who provide dedicated care, day in and day out. The recipients of the 2011 Kudos Awards are:

Inas Eldarwish--For years, Inas and her husband Ayman provided care to their two disabled sons, Ahmed and Hazem. Sadly, Ahmed passed away several years ago. The grace with which Inas handled this tragic loss was remarkable. Through her mourning, she has remained a dedicated and selfless mom to Hazem supporting his interests and helping him reach his full potential.

The Belvoir Woods Healthcare Center Family Council at The Fairfax (BWHCC)--This council is comprised entirely of volunteer family caregivers of current or former BWHCC residents. Through their efforts, residents at Belvoir Woods enjoy guest speaker programs and quality of life resources such as dog therapy visits, loaner scooters, and wheelchairs. They also are able to keep in touch with out-of-area family and friends through the use of free Wi-Fi.

Linda Walthall and Family--Through considerable adversity Linda and Frank Walthall have provided exceptional care for the last 7 years to her elderly mother, who requires 24 hour supervision. It is this selfless devotion to family that warrants her recognition as an exceptional caregiver.

Colonel Christine Ingle (Rtd)--Col. Ingle has served as a volunteer mentor and caregiver to our Wounded Warriors at Fort Belvoir. She recently has started a program for Veterans who are interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare field after their discharge from the Warrior Transition Unit.

Deborah Dodge--Despite personal obstacles, Deborah has gone above and beyond in single-handedly providing care to her adult son for the last 12 years. Deborah's son is severely ill, and requires 24/7 care. She has served on the Northern Virginia Mental Health Board, and is an exceptional caretaker and maintains her positive and cheerful attitude despite the hardships that she faces.

I congratulate today's winners and recognize each of them for their devotion and personal sacrifices. These individuals are examples of the many thousands of caregivers who put the needs of their families, friends and colleagues above their own. I also would like to applaud the efforts of LifeCircle Alliances. As a strong advocate for public- private partnerships, I commend LifeCircle Alliances for its creative approach to addressing these very important challenges within our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to today's awardees and in thanking the volunteers, staff, and partners of LifeCircle Alliance for their efforts in providing assistance to not only those in need of care, but to those who provide the care here in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of Anthony Griffin and commend him for receiving the International City/County Management Association's Award for Career Excellence in honor of Mark E. Keane. After a career as City Manager for Falls Church, Virginia, Tony came to Fairfax County in 1989.

In 2000 the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, of which I was a member, appointed Tony as County Executive. As County Executive, Tony Griffin managed the day-to-day operations of a jurisdiction with more than 1 million residents and more than 11,000 employees. Tony provided over Fairfax County during some of its more challenging times including 9/11, the 2001 anthrax attacks, the Beltway Sniper, Hurricane Isabel, the flooding of Cameron Run in 2006, the 2007 recession, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee. Throughout it all, he has continued to provide outstanding leadership to Fairfax. During his tenure, Governing Magazine named Fairfax County its Best Managed County in the Country. Fairfax has won numerous e-government awards including the Digital Counties Survey and the Best of the Web. Time Magazine referred to Fairfax as, ``the economic success story of our time.''

I was pleased to work with Tony Griffin during my 13 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and I know the value he brought. I urge my colleagues and the residents of Fairfax County, Virginia to join me in commending Anthony Griffin for receiving this Award for Career Excellence, and thank him for his years of dedication to making Fairfax a safe and vibrant community to live and work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Mantua Elementary School. For half a century, Mantua Elementary has provided its students with a superior education and a solid foundation for lifelong learning and becoming productive and responsible citizens.

The school and community have a shared vision for elementary education based on Ernest Boyer's ``Basic School'' philosophy paired with tenets from DuFour's Professional Learning Communities. As part of the Basic School Network, Mantua focuses on proven elementary best practices; the school as a community, a curriculum with coherence, a climate for learning, and a commitment to character. Teachers and specialists at each grade level work in professional learning teams to assess their students' needs and design integrated curricula using the Basic School's eight commonalities: life cycle, use of symbols, group membership, time and space, the aesthetic, nature, producing and consuming, and living with purpose.

In addition, Mantua Elementary School offers programs in English for Speakers of Other Languages, Special Education for students who need additional assistance, Advanced Academics for exceptionally gifted and talented students, and Total Communication for students who are deaf or hearing impaired. These specialized programs when combined with the school's core educational philosophy ensure that every student is given access to a quality education. The result has been an award winning school and a vibrant, academically charged atmosphere that has enabled the children of our community to excel.

Mantua Elementary School has greatly benefitted under the leadership of its principal, Ms. Jan-Marie Fernandez, who has held this position since 2000. Ms. Fernandez is credited with applying brain-based research to instruction methods in order to improve literacy development for students with learning disabilities, and focus and attention issues. This innovative approach was one factor in Ms. Fernandez being named the 2010 Distinguished Principal by the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals. As the parent of a child who attended Mantua Elementary School, I have personally witnessed her effectiveness as an administrator and an educator. She has led this large, very diverse school to great success and I thank her for her dedication and commitment to the students and to the community as a whole.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Mantua Elementary School on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and in congratulating the students, educators, administrators, and parents on working together as a team for the benefit of all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Sandi Qualley, Executive Director of the Hemophilia Association of the Capital Area (HACA), on the occasion of her retirement following 21 years of dedicated service to those individuals who suffer from bleeding disorders and their families.

HACA is a nonprofit organization that provides many needed services to people with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and von Willebrand disease and their families. HACA serves more than 250 families in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, and it is a chapter of both Hemophilia Federation of America and the National Hemophilia Foundation, the two leading national hemophilia patient organizations. HACA's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from bleeding disorders and their families through education, advocacy, and member services in order to promote research and to raise the resources needed to achieve these goals.

Sandi has been instrumental in ensuring that HACA continues to deliver on its mission. It sends children with bleeding disorders to camps that are equipped to address their specific medical needs. HACA offers educational programming to members of the bleeding disorders community at all stages of life: Families with newly diagnosed infants, school-age children, adolescents, adults, and those now confronting the additional complications that advancing age can pose for an individual with a bleeding disorder. HACA also helps provide financial assistance to needy families and resources to other nonprofit organizations that work with the hemophilia community in an expanding global network.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Sandi Qualley for her years of service and in congratulating her on the occasion of her retirement. Her distinguished service has greatly contributed to the advancement and improvement of care and treatment available to individuals suffering from bleeding-related afflictions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2011 Elly Doyle Park Service Awards. These awards, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board in cooperation with the Fairfax County Park Foundation Board, recognize individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to our environment and public park system.

Fairfax County is regarded as one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, and raise a family, and our nationally- recognized park system has played a key role in that distinction. Our community has a strong commitment to promoting and preserving our environment, including our public parks and outdoor spaces. Each year thousands of volunteers donate their talents and time to protect our natural and cultural resources and enhance public educational and recreational services.

The Elly Doyle Service Awards were established in 1988 in honor of former board member Ellamae Doyle's many years of outstanding service. In addition, recipients have also been named for the 2011 Eakin Philanthropy Award, named in honor of the Eakin family who donated the first parcels of parkland to the Park Authority over 50 years ago, and the 2011 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award, named after the late Sally Ormsby who was a champion of environmental stewardship. I congratulate each of the 2011 recipients of these prestigious awards.

2011 Eakin Philanthropy Award Recipients:

Craig and Belinda Stevens for their generous financial support of numerous Park Foundation projects; and

Cox Communications, for their ongoing funding of the Summer Entertainment Series.

2011 Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient:

Stella Koch, in recognition of the central role she has played in many environmental issues including development of policies and preservation of our natural resources.

2011 Elly Doyle Service Award Recipients:

Friends of the Hidden Oaks Nature Center--For their exceptional efforts in supporting programs, activities, and facilities at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale.

Charles and Jacque Olin--For the establishment of the Analemma Society in 1998 and their efforts in creating Observatory Park at Turner Farm.

Chris Robichaux--For creating the Mason District Dog Opportunity Group in 2000 which worked with Park Authority staff to identify suitable parkland for an off-leash dog area.

2011 Elly Doyle Special Recognition Awards Recipients: Jim Franks, Lynne Glasser, John Hopkins, James Jamison, and Judy Kirby, and student honoree, Morgan Volpe.

I also commend the 18 individuals who comprise the Class of 2011 Outstanding Volunteers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking these honorees for their demonstrated commitment to our open spaces and public parks. Fairfax County is able to enjoy a high quality of life because of the efforts of these individuals and they are deserving of our praise and appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Reverend Dr.

Kenny Smith and to celebrate his 25 years of service to the First Baptist Church of Vienna.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Pastor Smith earned his Bachelor's Degree in 1977, his Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University in 1987, and his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Virginia Union University School of Theology in 1992.

In December 1986, Pastor Smith arrived in Vienna, Virginia, with his wife, the Reverend Dr. Mary Smith, and he assumed leadership of the First Baptist Church. A relatively small church at the time, the membership of First Baptist was fewer than 200. Under his guidance and stewardship, First Baptist has witnessed significant growth and now has more than 30 active ministries, which provide spiritual guidance for its members and the entire community. I have had the pleasure of worshipping at First Baptist Church of Vienna on many occasions, and I always have been moved by Pastor Smith's words of inspiration and faith.

Like so many men of faith, Pastor Smith does not confine his dedication to within the walls of the sanctuary. He has ministered to the poor and disadvantaged in Nigeria, Ghana, Haiti, Coahoma, Maryland, South Carolina and Biloxi, Mississippi. First Baptist Church of Vienna contributed more than $53,000 to aid the victims of the Haitian earthquake and donated 1,000 bottles of multiple vitamins to aid the medical effort. Partnering with a sister church, Pastor Smith and the First Baptist Church family assisted with the finance of two Habitat for Humanity homes, contributing in excess of $42,000 for each home. He has established a Federal Credit Union with assets of more than $1 million, which provides members with safe and fair financial services.

Pastor Smith has long been recognized as a leader in faith and community service. He serves or has formerly served as president of the Baptist General Convention, president of the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP, moderator of the NOVA Baptist Association, adjunct professor at Howard Divinity School and Wesley Theological Seminary, board member of the First Baptist Church of Vienna Federal Credit Union, board member of the Vienna Church Coalition for Housing, board member of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia, and as a trustee of Virginia Union University.

His many accolades from the community include the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (Omicron Kappa Kappa) 2006 Citizen of the year award; the James F. Jenkins Pillars of Faith Award (2005); Outstanding Service Award, Fairfax County Branch, NAACP (2004); the Dean's Pastor's Award, Howard University School of Theology (1999); the Outstanding Achievement in Religion Award, Howard University Alumni Club of Northern Virginia (1999); the Religious Affairs Award, Fairfax County Branch, NAACP (1998); the Outstanding Leadership Award, Northern Virginia Baptist Association (1998); Community Service Award, Horizon Community Outreach Group (1996); the Golden Eagle Award, Fairfax County School System (1994); the Award of Merit presented by the Old Dominion Bar Association (1994); the 1992 Human Rights Award presented by the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission (1993); the D. B. Barton Award in Pastoral Theology (1987); and the Joseph H. Jackson Award (1986) for Academic Excellence. He also was selected for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities (1986/1987).

Pastor Smith does not only preach his faith; he lives his faith. He and his wife, Reverend Dr. Mary Smith, lead by example in their dedication to God, the community, and mankind, and I am proud to call them my friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Rev. Dr. Kenny Smith on the occasion of his Silver Anniversary as Pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna and in wishing him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, once again we are presented with a false choice today. In the Alice in Wonderland world of the House, Republicans oppose payroll tax cuts unless they can be used as a vehicle to cut unemployment benefits. According

to the majority, it isn't worth passing a simple payroll tax cut without eviscerating Americans' health care. In this warped, parallel universe, payroll tax cut extensions must be accompanied by gratuitous measures to punish Federal employees and civil servants like Border Security agents and FBI agents. And, of course, the majority seems singularly incapable of writing any bill, especially at this time of year, Christmas, that doesn't contain several special provisions to benefit the Koch Brothers and Big Oil giveaways.

Sadly, this bill is consistent with the Republican pattern of extortion on behalf of an extreme special interest agenda. After almost shutting down the government, furloughing FAA employees, and blocking the appointment of a director to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other agencies, now, believe it or not, they are holding tax cuts hostage.

President Obama sent a simple legislative package to Congress: Extend the payroll tax cuts, saving the average American family $1,500 a year. Extend unemployment insurance benefits to create 1 million jobs and add 1 full percentage of growth to the economy. This very proposal received a majority vote in the Senate but, of course, was blocked by a Republican filibuster. It did what the Republicans say they want to do--cut taxes and grow the economy. Too bad their actions don't match their words.

Based on their rhetoric, one would think that Republicans would support a simple tax cut. That is, after all, their solution to every economic challenge: Cut taxes, especially for millionaires and large corporations. Yet when presented with a simple tax cut bill targeted to help the middle class in America, Republicans rebel and reject it in favor of a piece of special-interest sausage so laden with lobbyist giveaways and ideological poison pills that it would make the author of ``The Jungle,'' Upton Sinclair's, nose turn blue.

The bill before us today slashes unemployment benefits for Virginians in my home State by 38 percent, and it increases Federal employee pension contributions by 63 percent while reducing total pension payments. Federal employees, in other words, will pay more and get less retirement security after a lifetime of public service. For good measure, it extends public servants' pay freeze for a full 5 years. It contain a costly special interest policy rider that will increase oil exports to China and raise American gas prices. It repeals part of the Clean Air Act, allowing polluters to spew forth mercury, arsenic, and other toxic pollutants from industrial boilers. In fact, repeal of this Clean Air Act public health standard will burden the American economy with $20 billion to $52 billion in additional health care costs every year.

We must remember what a perilous state the economy is in. Thanks to the successful Recovery Act and expansionary monetary policy, unemployment has fallen now to 8.6 percent. It would be 8.25 percent except for the fact that Republican policies have led to the loss of over a half-million public sector jobs throughout the United States. The number of underemployed and long-term unemployed Americans has fallen as people have found steady, full-time jobs, and private-sector job growth has been growing every month for 21 consecutive months. We're not out of the woods, but we are making progress.

The Congressional Budget Office, McCain campaign adviser Mark Zandi, and Barclays Bank all estimate that extending unemployment benefits will increase the economy by a full 1 percent and add 1 million jobs. That's because unemployment benefits have a multiplier effect--they are spent as soon as they are gotten. The payroll tax cut, in addition, will provide Americans with an average of $1,500 per worker, creating some $250 billion in economic activity and adding 1 full percentage point to the GDP.

The Speaker controls which bills come to the floor of the House. Let's junk this bill and come up with a clean payroll tax extension and unemployment benefits for all Americans, creating jobs and growing this economy.