Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Prince William County, Virginia on being named one of the nation's ``100 Best Communities for Young People'' by America's Promise Alliance and ING.

The annual ``100 Best Communities for Young People'' competition began in 2005 and was established to honor communities that work to improve young people's chances of earning a high school diploma, finding employment in a competitive 21st century workforce, and contributing to a robust American economy. America's Promise Alliance advocates for providing youth with the resources they require to graduate from high school prepared for college, work and life. The global financial institution, ING, sponsors the awards.

This is the first year the ``100 Best'' list includes Prince William County. The county received the distinction for its efforts to offer students leadership opportunities and reach out to at-risk youth. Students in Prince William County who participate in the student committee, Learning Essential Assets of Development (LEAD), organize service projects to gain experience in practical planning, communication and decision-making. The county also partnered with private businesses to fund the construction and staffing of a community center and daycare facility in an at-risk neighborhood. Prince William County boasts an on time graduation rate of 88 percent, almost 20 percent higher than the national average.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Prince William County on being recognized as one of the nation's ``100 Best Communities for Young People.'' This is a well-deserved recognition for a county dedicated to providing a high quality of life for its residents and a world class education for its children.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Geraldine and Alan Graham on the 10th anniversary of operations of the Morrow-Stevens Foundation, a non-profit organization they created to provide college scholarships to needy students. Recognizing the importance of education, and the significant challenge that financial hardships often pose to otherwise dedicated students, Geraldine and Alan incorporated the Foundation in 1999 and began awarding scholarships the following year. The Foundation's scholarships are all-encompassing, providing full tuition, room and board, and book stipends for four years of post-secondary education. Long-time residents of Virginia, Geraldine and Alan set up the Morrow-Stevens Foundation Scholarship to be available to deserving students in two of the lowest-income counties in the Commonwealth. To date, the Foundation has awarded eight scholarships and has had five graduates. Its ongoing operation will continue to enable additional deserving, but underprivileged students the opportunity for education and a greater ability to shape their futures.

Madam Speaker, ensuring a quality education for our children is one of our most important responsibilities, and I urge my colleagues to commend Geraldine and Alan Graham and the Morrow-Stevens Foundation for their selfless work in furtherance of that goal and wish them continued success in their noble efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Battlefield High School Bobcats from Gainesville, Virginia for winning the 2010 Virginia AAA Division 6 State Championship in football.

The Battlefield High School team completed the regular season with a record of 8 wins and 2 losses. To capture the title, Battlefield won four straight playoff games and defeated a team from Hermitage High School in Richmond, Virginia that had only lost once in their previous 47 games. Battlefield also won their second straight Northwest Region Championship this season. This is Battlefield High School's first State Championship in a team sport. The team is one of only 50 high school football teams out of more than 16,000 nationwide to be honored by the MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions with the National Guard National Ranking Trophy. In recognition of his outstanding leadership, the Washington Post named Head Coach Mark Cox the 2010 All-Met Coach of the Year.

It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the staff, coaches and players who helped Battlefield High School win the 2010 Virginia AAA Division 6 State Championship.

Principal: Amy Ethridge-Conti.

Athletic Director: Ben Stutler.

Head Coach: Mark Cox.

Assistance Coaches: Mark Johnson, Rob Mello, Vic Ceglie,

Paul Labazzetta, Jaime Labazzetta, Bobby Coleman, Greg

Williams, Kevin Kerns, Sam Newman, Don Fair, John White, Tim

Coughlin.

Players: Terrell Tapscott, Andrew Smith, Bobby Curry, Brian

Curry, Sidney Henry, Isiah Wright, Michael Jorgenson, Nathan

McGahan, Ishmail Gazawi, Caleb Pinilis, JT Brosnahan, Devon

Greene, Ryan Swingle, Devonne Haydon, Jeff Beathard, Cedric

Agyeman, Quantray Wilkerson, Nagee Jackson, Anthony Lopez,

Jason Hoepker, Jay Onwuka, Lucas Klugh, Chris Wendle, Jake

Conway, Grayson Matthews, River Piercy, Eric Michael, Drew

Elias, Austin Thibodeaux, Joe Walker, D'Anthonie Delgado,

Darius Johnson, Nick Newman, Ryan Newton, Mike Osei, Zavier

Stringfellow, Dane Howard, Eddie Cunha, Freddie Potter,

Harrison Hyre, Zac Everett, Blaine Varley, David Risoldi,

Eric Loehle, Jack Taylor, John Agnos, Ronald Ausberry,

Brandon Whaley, Garrett Fox, CJ Incrominias, Brandon Dukeman,

Larry Fields, Darion Duncan, William Soloman, Robert Garland,

Turner Meeks, Brian Wilson, Jon Hyre, Jacob Payne.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Battlefield High School Bobcats for winning the 2010 Virginia AAA Division 6 State Championship. This is a well-deserved title that could not have been won without an extraordinary team effort.

I thank the gentlelady from New York.

I am in a lonely place today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the tax cut compromise. Although our economy is in recovery, it remains fragile. If we don't pass an extension of the tax cuts now, every American will see smaller paychecks and higher taxes in January.

This compromise provides needed assistance to every American: an extension of the unemployment insurance that the CBO says will add 600,000 jobs; an extension of Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits for lower income families; an AMT patch for middle income families; a 2 percent cut in the payroll tax that provides up to $2,000 in tax relief for workers; a 2-year extension of the income tax rates for all Americans; and business tax cuts that will spur up to $50 billion in private sector investment in the economy, which is desperately needed.

According to economist Mark Zandi, this compromise will add a full percentage point to the gross domestic product next year. Although we are in recovery, it is not a robust recovery. We need all of the stimulus we can get. This isn't a perfect bill, but I support the bipartisan compromise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2965: The Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

The House of Representatives voted on May 28, 2010 to repeal this policy. I was proud to vote for the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.

Our nation's military leaders and many, if not a majority, of our servicemembers support repealing DADT. Both Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen--Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff--have testified in support of repeal as ``the right thing to do.'' Our servicemembers already serve side by side with our allies--many of whom allow openly gay and lesbian members. A servicemember is just that--a servicemember. To distinguish heterosexual from homosexual is unnecessary.

The United States needs all the dedicated servicemembers it can get, and one's sexuality does not determine one's effectiveness as a soldier. Don't Ask Don't Tell hurts military readiness and national security. Nearly 800 specialists with vital skills--Arabic linguists, for example--have been fired from the U.S. military under DADT. Since implementation of Don't Ask, Don't Tell in 1993, the military has discharged more than 13,000 servicemembers whose only ``fault'' was their sexual orientation.

It is estimated that American taxpayers have paid between $250 million and $1.2 billion to investigate, eliminate, and replace qualified,

patriotic servicemembers who want to serve their country but can't because expressing their sexual orientation violates DADT.

Mr. Speaker, the time to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell has long passed. I urge my colleagues to vote yes.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Adele Lichtenberger, of Springfield, Va., for receiving the American Meteorological Society and NASA Earth Science Graduate Fellowship. This fellowship program is designed to encourage careers in environmental science--specifically atmospheric, oceanic and hydrological fields--for the bright young scientists. It selects promising students in their first year of graduate study who are interested in a variety of concentrations including meteorology, physics, mathematics, hydrology, oceanography, marine science, computer science and engineering. Ms. Lichtenberger received one of only thirteen fellowships from the American Meteorological Society.

Ms. Lichtenberger recently received her bachelor's degree in meteorology and physics from North Carolina State University, where she was recognized as the Outstanding Senior in Meteorology in May 2010. She has also earned the American Meteorological Society's Richard and Helen Hagemeyer Scholarship for the 2009 school year as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2008 and 2009 school years. Ms. Lichtenberger's studies were focused on cloud and aerosol physics, and she will continue this focus in her graduate studies at Colorado State University.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Adele Lichtenberger as the recipient of the AMS/NASA Earth Science Graduate Fellowship and for her commitment to her study of meteorological science.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today to recognize FACETS, a Northern Virginia non-profit that is a leader in providing dynamic and responsive service to those suffering from poverty and homelessness. Tonight we are here for the ``Taste of Fall'' in support of this organization.

Founded in 1988 by Ms. Linda D. Wimpey and three Episcopalian churches, FACETS works to address the needs of those living on the brink of homelessness. To successfully work towards this goal, FACETS has grown its partnerships in the community, drawing in faith organizations, businesses, individuals, and local government. In the past year, nightly meals and Sunday morning breakfasts were served by a core group of 35 faith partners and 1000 volunteers who cooked and delivered more than 42,000 meals to men, women, children who are homeless in Fairfax. With the help of an additional 400 volunteers, FACETS also provides social work services, housing, and supportive programs for individuals and families that are homeless or living in government-subsidized housing sites in Fairfax County.

FACETS approach to its quality service is in its guiding values of dignity, commitment, and integrity.

The homeless suffer from the stigmas and biases, making it difficult to navigate the challenges they face. Recognizing this shortcoming, FACETS has committed itself to treating clients with dignity and respect. Understanding without judging is important to promoting the self esteem necessary to self improvement.

Through a strong commitment to its volunteers, staff, partners, donors and clients, FACETS works to foster an atmosphere of camaraderie and teamwork in achieving their goal of ending homelessness and poverty. The caliber of work FACETS performs is a testament to the people involved in this mission.

Integrity of operations and transparency in management is critical to FACETS' ability to maintain high quality services. FACETS holds the communities trust in its stewardship of resources, and its discipline in providing the best quality service possible.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking FACETS for its work to end homelessness and poverty in Fairfax County. It is the collaboration of volunteers, donors, government, and businesses that enable FACETS to carry out its mission. You have the appreciation of the Northern Virginia community, and my personal thanks for your important service.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Serena Suthers for receiving the runner-up award in the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's (PCRM) Golden Carrot Awards celebrating innovation in school foodservice. PCRM established The Golden Carrot Awards in 2004 to recognize exceptional efforts to improve the nutritional value of school lunches. It identifies school programs that have encouraged students to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, while also offering students plenty of healthful options.

Ms. Suthers serves as the Director of School Food and Nutrition Services for the Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS). As part of an initiative to make healthy eating habits and nutrition education fun and engaging for students, PWCS offers various events and programs to promote a healthy diet. The school system offers daily vegetarian and vegan meal options and other healthy choices such as whole grains, soymilk, brown rice, and granola bars. It also hosts tasting parties featuring a fruit or vegetable of the month and has developed a partnership with a local vendor to provide lettuce for PWCS' salads.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Serena Suthers for receiving the PCRM's Golden Carrot runner-up prize for her dedication to child nutrition and innovation in school foodservice. I would like to congratulate her for her achievement in creating a more healthy community for the students of Prince William County Public Schools.

Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the 25th Anniversary of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 227. Founded in 1978, Vietnam Veterans of America, VVA, is the only national veterans organization exclusively dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their families. Currently, there are 46 state councils and 630 local chapters with more than 50,000 individual members. VVA's goals are to promote and support issues that are important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.

One local chapter, VVA Chapter 227, serves the needs of Vietnam veterans who live in Northern Virginia, and I commend them for their dedication and commitment to our veterans. Chapter 227 was founded in 1985 with 15 people meeting at the NCO club at Fort Myer. Since then, the chapter has grown and continues to be an engaged and active asset in the community.

Chapter services include providing support to homeless veterans, assisting in maintaining the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC, awarding the Vince Kaspar Prizes

for Excellence in the Arts to area high school students, and educating its membership and the public about addressing the needs of veterans. It is an inspiration that so many continue to answer the call to serve after the battle is done; there is no better advocate for veterans in need than those who understand the challenges they face.

The founding principal of Vietnam Veterans of America is: ``Never again, will one generation of Veterans abandon another''. But in many cases, Vietnam veterans were abandoned by entire segments of the country. The government often failed to provide necessary services, and, tragically, some of the American public wrongly turned their opposition to the war into disrespect for our brave men and women who served in uniform. Instead of receiving the honor due all American service members, many received scorn. VVA works tirelessly to right these wrongs.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking VVA Chapter 227 and all VVA chapters for their service to their community and our nation. Their service is a living reminder of the sacrifices our service men and women make from generation to generation. I also ask my colleagues to join me in expressing the gratitude and respect of our nation to those Vietnam-era veterans who served so bravely. I pledge that I will continue working to protect and improve the services and benefits so richly deserved by American servicemembers of all generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the rededication of Vienna Elementary School. Founded in 1872, Vienna Elementary is the oldest continually operational school in Fairfax County. Today, we are celebrating the completion of upgrades that will improve the classroom experience for educators and children in our community.

Vienna Elementary School is one of the finest public schools in the country. Its mission is to challenge and support individual excellence by setting high academic standards and empowering students to become successful citizens. As a sign of its success, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and the State Board of Education awarded Vienna Elementary the Board of Education Excellence Award. The award recognizes a school's ability to successfully meet benchmark standards in academic performance, and it also recognizes progressive improvement over time.

Vienna Elementary School is strengthened by its superb staff and also by an engaged and active public. The strong support of parents and area organizations teamed with the dedication of the school educators and administration provides an atmosphere that enables children to have new opportunities and access to robust academic support.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the rededication of Vienna Elementary School. I extend my congratulations and appreciation to the teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community partners who understand that quality education is the key to a bright future for our children.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor NOVACO and to recognize the recipients of the 2010 Volunteer of the Year Awards.

NOVACO is committed to helping homeless victims of domestic violence become healthy, secure, and self-sufficient. Victims of domestic violence often feel that they have no safe place to turn. Fear, financial uncertainty, and the feeling of isolation often imprison these victims in abusive environments. When a victim breaks free, he or she can too easily end up homeless and alone.

Domestic violence affects every racial, ethnic, and socio-economic group. Many of us know a friend, neighbor, or family member who has been victimized. More than 15 million children in the United States live in families in which partner violence occurred at least once in the past year. Each day, 3 women die as a result of domestic violence. More than 1 in 4 women will be the victim of domestic abuse in her lifetime; more than 3 of 4 Americans know someone who has been victimized.

For more than a decade NOVACO has provided critical services to homeless families who have escaped domestic abuse and who are seeking to rebuild their lives and become self-sufficient. Assistance is provided in many areas including transitional and permanent housing, counseling, childcare, education, job training, and life skills classes. Through the robust support of area businesses and churches, NOVACO has grown into a leader in breaking the cycle of domestic violence.

NOVACO has initiated a number of innovative programs that have resulted in significant advancements for those in need. Their ``Good Neighbor'' program connects client families with sponsors to assist them in transitioning to self sufficiency. Through the financial management courses, women have learned how to manage their financial affairs, addressing one of the most daunting aspects of escaping domestic abuse.

NOVACO is strengthened by the dedication of its volunteers. I am honored to recognize the following 2010 Volunteers of the Year:

Volunteer of the Year: Joen Schultz

Volunteer Group of the Year: Gracing Spaces

Volunteer Business of the Year: Brookfield Homes

Outstanding Community Support Award: King of Kings Lutheran Church

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing NOVACO, its volunteers and other supporters for their tireless work on behalf of so many who feel stranded and powerless. NOVACO is making a difference in our community, and I pledge to continue working with NOVACO and similar organizations to put an end to domestic abuse.

Madam Speaker, as a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus

on Turkey and Turkish Americans, I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to the people of Turkey, as they recently observed the 87th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic on October 29.

Under the visionary leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and his successors, Turkey transformed itself into a modern, secular state allied with the democracies of Europe and the Americas. This alliance is enshrined in Turkey's NATO membership, as evidenced in the logistical and reconstruction efforts Turkey has undertaken in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In light of changing geopolitical developments, there have been questions about Turkey's commitment to its friends in recent years. While there may be bumps in the road in any friendship, differences that may exist between Turkey and the United States on certain issues are evidence of mature and healthy democracies having differences of opinion. The bilateral relationship is still undergirded by the same long-term goals of peace, security and prosperity.

I am confident that the relationship between our two peoples will stand the tests of time, given our shared ideals. Moreover, our ties are cemented by the presence and contributions of over 150,000 Turkish Americans, whose ranks are growing every year. Through diverse fields ranging from music to science--and increasingly through politics-- Turkish Americans contribute to the vibrancy, health, and advancement of our society. We are fortunate to have them as our fellow citizens.

In closing, my congratulations again to all Turks everywhere on the commemoration of the 87th Turkish Republic Day.