Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Ambrose Catholic School for being named by the United States Department of Education as a recipient of a 2010 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award.

The Blue Ribbon School award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools that have helped close the achievement gap and whose students attain and maintain high academic goals. The program is part of a larger Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education has sought out schools where students attain and maintain high academic goals, including those that beat the odds. This year St. Ambrose is one of only 314 schools nationwide, public and private, to receive this award and is the only school in the 11th Congressional District of Virginia to be so honored this year.

Quality education is an important component to our community in Northern Virginia, and it gives me great pride to represent a school as committed and effective at attaining high achievement goals. St. Ambrose is committed to teaching faith and life skills to students from kindergarten through 8th grade. Through rigorous academic programs, robust activities, excellent staff, and a committed community, St. Ambrose exemplifies the strong fabric of our shared community here in Northern Virginia.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and congratulating Principal Barbara Dalmut, her staff, and the St. Ambrose Catholic school community for their efforts toward earning this prestigious award.

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from Massachusetts for his leadership, and particularly cite Congressman Sarbanes for his leadership, and my Republican colleague from Virginia, Frank Wolf, who laid out the merits of the case of the Telework Improvements Act.

I have spent the last 10 years here in the national capital region encouraging the public sector to follow the lead of the private sector in promoting telework.

In my district, for example, AT&T, a private employer, one-third of its workforce teleworks; not because it adds to corporate costs, but because in fact it detracts from corporate costs; not because it takes away efficiency, but in fact it improves productivity.

In the national capital region, there is almost no region in the country that lends itself better to telework because of the nature of the white-collar workforce than does this.

In the private sector, we are looking at close to 20 percent telework rates, improving productivity, improving retention and recruitment, improving the air quality of this region, and in fact contributing to the bottom line.

Unfortunately, in the public sector, we fall behind. We are only at 6 or 7 percent in the Federal workforce, and that is the largest single employer in the national capital region. And we are a nonattainment region in terms of air quality. We can and we must do better.

Telework is an important and cost-effective component of efforts to reduce congestion, greenhouse gas pollution, and smog. According to the Telework Exchange, if 20 percent of Americans teleworked, we could eliminate 67 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, and reduce Persian Gulf oil imports by 40 percent, something many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle I know are concerned about.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions would lead to a reduction in ground-level ozone in our region, which is critically important to protect the health of our region's seniors and those with respiratory ailments.

Today, as I said, 6 to 7 percent of eligible Federal employees telework on a regular basis, even though the largely white collar workforce in our region is so well suited for it.

When I was the chairman of Fairfax County, we started an aggressive program to get to 20 percent of our eligible workforce teleworking by 2005. We met the goal, we exceeded the goal, we have sustained that rate ever since. I am here to tell my colleagues that it improved our efficiency, it saved taxpayer money, it improved productivity, and it gave us a tool to recruit and retain the workforce of the future.

We must remember that with the baby boom generation ready to retire, 47 percent of the entire Federal workforce will be eligible to retire this decade. We've got to have flexible tools that help us to replace those skilled workers. Telework is a great way that costs us no money that can make a big difference.

The Telework Improvements Act is an extraordinarily important piece of legislation because it will help us meet critical policy goals: savings of taxpayer money, improved federal efficiency, reduction of dependence on foreign oil, and improvement in Continuity of Operations Plans. I thank Congressman Sarbanes, Congressman Wolf, Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry, and Subcommittee Chairman Stephen Lynch for their leadership.

This legislation will save taxpayer money, and is PAYGO compliant. My colleagues will recall that the federal government was shut down for a week this winter due to snow. Regardless of whether future federal closures are due to snow, other natural disasters, or a potential terrorist attack, telework is an essential part of our Continuity of Operations Plans that allow the federal government to stay open despite disruptions to our transportation infrastructure. This February, the federal government saved $30 million every day by achieving a 30 percent telework rate during the snow storm. Each additional percentage point of telework achievement would have represented another million dollars saved for taxpayers. Let us not forgo that savings for taxpayers in the future.

Telework is an essential part of federal personnel policy because it can help recruit and retain federal employees, maintain continuity of operations in the event of an emergency, and reduce congestion and related air pollution. With 48 percent of the federal workforce eligible for retirement within the next 5 to 10 years, we must provide benefits that attract highly qualified employees.

Telework is an important and cost-effective component of efforts to reduce congestion, greenhouse gas pollution, and smog. According to the Telework Exchange, if 20 percent of Americans teleworked, we could eliminate 67 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually and reduce Persian Gulf oil imports by 40 percent. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions would lead to a reduction in ground level ozone in our region, which is critically important to protect the health of our region's seniors and other residents suffering from respiratory ailments or asthma.

Today, less than 10 percent of eligible federal employees telework on a regular basis, even though the largely white collar workforce in our region is well suited for telework. By contrast, Fairfax County, the largest suburb of the National Capital Region, has 20 percent of eligible employees teleworking at least 1 day per week, and other jurisdictions from this region are approaching that regional target. The Telework Improvements Act provides a vehicle to increase telework participation by designating a Telework Managing Officer from within current staff for each agency and by integrating Continuity of Operations Planning performance metrics. According to a recently completed survey from the Office of Personnel Management, at least 64 percent of federal employees are eligible to telework, yet most are not allowed to do so by their managers. The Telework Improvements Act will help

change management culture to support telework.

I urge my colleagues to support the Telework Improvements Act, which will improve the efficiency of the federal government, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and improve our national security.

Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 110th Anniversary of the Cranford Memorial Chapel. Today's celebration reflects the strength and continuity of this Congregation, and it also highlights the historical significance of this location in Fairfax County.

The site of today's Cranford United Methodist Church was first home to one of the earliest religious institutions in the area, Pohick Church, which was built in 1730. Founding fathers George Washington and George Mason both counted themselves as members of this congregation. Although Pohick Church was moved, a Methodist church was constructed on this site in 1830, continuing the historical significance of this location as a place of worship. In response to the passage of time and the growing community, the church was expanded, incorporating the old church with a new building. Today we are celebrating the 110th Anniversary of the ``newest'' building, which dates to 1900.

Although Fairfax County is a dynamic area which has seen many changes over the years, it is equally important to remember the rich history which has helped to define our nation. Cranford Memorial Chapel is a touchstone of Fairfax's historical significance, and it is a living reminder of the humble roots of a community which has grown and prospered since this church was founded.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 110th Anniversary of the Cranford Memorial Chapel and in celebrating the rich history of our vibrant community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 160th Anniversary of Bethel United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, Virginia.

In 1850, the community came together to erect Bethel United Methodist Church on property donated by Burr and Emsey Glasscock. Mr. Burr was one of the members of the first Board of County Supervisors of Prince William County, and he later served as a lay preacher at Bethel. Neighbors donated materials and labor to complete the structure that still stands today. The building has served as a Civil War hospital, community meeting place and sanctuary for Bethel United Methodist Church.

The church family has grown and contracted over the years, but it has always maintained its mission of fellowship, service and outreach. Bethel members support or participate in a number of community organizations: Action in Community Through Service, Alcoholics Anonymous, Boy Scout Troop 1363, Cloverdale School, Cooperative Council of Ministries, Cub Scout Pack 1936, Greater Prince William Mentoring Ministry, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers Program, Marriage Encounter, Project Mend-a-House, Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Service, Turning Points and Volunteer Emergency Foster Care. This is a congregation that cares deeply about its surrounding community and takes an active role in strengthening its civic bonds.

Revered Frederick L. Parish currently serves as the Senior Pastor at Bethel United Methodist Church. He has been with the Bethel family since 1974 and is a pillar of the Prince William faith community. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Didlake Foundation, an organization that helps individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities enrich their lives with education and employment opportunities. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Project Mend-a-House, where he helps the non-profit provide home rehabilitation or home access modifications to seniors and people with disabilities. Reverend Parish serves as a volunteer Chaplain at Potomac Hospital, is a member of the eastern Prince William Ministerial Association, and plays an active and valued role in a number of other community organizations.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 160th Anniversary of Bethel United Methodist Church. Bethel has a vibrant congregation dedicated to continuing the church's long tradition of service and worship. I wish Reverend Parish and his congregation the best as they celebrate their heritage and plan for a successful future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Luke Torian's 15th Pastoral Anniversary with First Mount Zion Baptist Church of Prince William County. As Pastor, Dr. Torian has served not only the congregation of First Mt. Zion but also the community. For three years he served on the Action in Community Through Service of Prince William County Board of Directors, and he is currently a member of the Prince William County Ministerial Association. Additionally, in 2004 Governor Mark Warner appointed Dr. Torian to the Virginia Board of Counseling.

Since 1995, Dr. Torian has helped First Mt. Zion expand from 650 members to a congregation of almost 3,500 members. This growth has led to the development of a new public facility and sanctuary, from which nearly 70 different ministries and community service programs operate. In addition, Dr. Torian has worked with the Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement, VOICE, an organization that seeks to energize local communities to fight for important social change such as expanding affordable housing.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Pastor Luke Torian and the First Mount Zion Baptist Church congregation as they celebrate this important milestone and plan for a successful future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 10th Anniversary of the Prince William County Bar Foundation.

The Prince William County Bar Foundation was created in 2000 by members of the PWC Bar Association for the purpose of funding community service projects that promote access to justice and law related services for the people of Prince William County. The Foundation is an all volunteer, non-profit organization that operates solely on the basis of donated time, funds and resources provided by local attorneys, law firms and community groups.

In its first year, the Foundation adopted the Beat the Odds' program to recognize at-risk youth involved in the juvenile justice system and foster care programs who have overcome the odds against their success. The Foundation provides them with attorney mentors, scholarships towards college and vocational education. Since its first year participating in the Beat the Odds program, the Foundation has supported more than 100 young men and women in the community and has provided close to $200,000 in scholarships, vocational funds and educational awards to encourage each Beat the Odds award recipient to continue to seek a positive path into adulthood.

The Foundation has grown to include a number of other programs that match needs in the community with resources available through Bar Association members. The Foundation provides for the printing of court informational pamphlets to assist the public in understanding the legal process, awards for the County's middle-school ``Character Counts'' annual essay contest, supports the Prince William County National Adoption Day in which foster care children move into permanent homes, and partners with the Gang Response Intervention Team to assist with its gang tattoo removal program. The Foundation recently undertook the project ``Books for Troubled Teens'' in order to provide a steady supply of books to children who spend time waiting in the hallways of juvenile court or reside at the Juvenile Detention Center or juvenile shelter care facility.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Prince William County Bar Foundation. The Foundation's educational outreach, crime prevention and rehabilitation programs are effective tools for providing positive encounters with the justice system to at-risk children. I would like to extend my personal appreciation to the members of the Foundation for their efforts to instill respect for the law and justice in our community's young people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Veterans Green Jobs, VGJ, for its efforts to create green jobs for military veterans while also helping to improve environmental efficiency through the Military Housing Energy Efficiency Project,

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize several young people from my community for being selected as recipients of Fulbright awards to study, lecture, teach or conduct research abroad during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Program's purpose is to build mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the international community. Since its establishment in 1946, the Fulbright Program sponsored exchanges for more than a quarter of a million people in more than 155 countries. Recipients are selected based on academic and professional achievement in addition to demonstrated leadership potential in their respective fields. The following residents of the 11th District of Virginia were selected as Fulbright recipients:

Ms. Sarah Argodale, College of William and Mary, English Teaching Assistant, Russia

Ms. Grace Erdmann, Georgetown University, English Teaching Assistant, Egypt

Mr. Kurt Gron, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Archeology, Denmark

Ms. Lauren-Claire Kelley, George Mason University, English Teaching Assistant, Italy

Mr. David Ramsay, Case Western Reserve University, Engineering, Ireland

Ms. Farrah Tek, University of Mary Washington, Law, Cambodia

The Fulbright scholarship is synonymous with excellence in educational exchange. It is one example of the importance of personal interaction at the individual level. The Fulbright Scholars from the 11th District will continue the tradition of citizen diplomacy that runs deeply through our community.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing these outstanding young people for this level of achievement in their respective fields.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Captain I David P. Conrad, who has been awarded the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department 2010 Career Firefighter of the Year. This is the department's highest award, established in 1985 to provide special recognition for outstanding service and dedication in keeping with the highest traditions of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Captain Conrad is the 25th recipient of this award.

Capt. Conrad has served the residents of Fairfax County for 28 years. During his exceptional career, he has consistently demonstrated his abilities as a teacher, firefighter, leader and member of the community. As a career firefighter, Capt. Conrad has taken on many roles and positions, serving as a member of the Technical Rescue Operations Team, the Virginia Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue Team, the America's Support Team, United Nations Disaster Support Team, the TROT Trench Committee, the Rescue Squad Committee, the Lieutenant's Test Committee, and the Captain's Test Committee. As a member of the elite VATF-1, Capt. Conrad has participated in multiple search and rescue operations around the world. Most recently, Capt. Conrad served as a team manager during the Haiti Earthquake rescue effort. Through his leadership, his team detected, located and rescued nine people who had been trapped.

Providing the tools for other firefighters to succeed is a passion of Capt. Conrad, especially in the area of education. Capt. Conrad serves or has served as a recruit school adjunct instructor for nine years. He has taught three trench classes, set up and facilitated seven joint training evolutions with the military, taught Rapid Intervention Team operations, assisted with writing swift water rescue protocols, served as an adjunct instructor for several Rescue and Truck company schools, taught two Technical Search classes in Canada and two in the United States, and facilitated several VATF-1 Field Exercises. Currently, Capt. Conrad is an instructor for rope, trench, structural collapse and confined space operations, a lead instructor for FEMA in Technical Search and an adjunct instructor for FEMA in Structural Collapse. Capt. Conrad's level of expertise and willingness to share his knowledge is a key reason that the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is one of the best in the world.

Capt. Conrad has worked tirelessly to improve one of the finest fire departments in the country and help save lives. In just one example, he assisted with the development a new Rapid Intervention Team, RIT, kit for the department. These kits are essential for saving lives in emergency situations, and any improvement made to them will directly result in the preservation of life. It took more than five years, but when it was done, a new RIT air pack program was implemented. A great deal of credit belongs to Capt. Conrad for his work on this project, which has produced one of the most innovative firefighter survival tools ever used by the department. Capt. Conrad also accepted a multi- year challenge to develop and implement new travel bags and backpacks for the Urban Search and Rescue Team. His design is now being used by many teams across the country.

The saying ``Character Matters 24-7'' could have been written to describe Capt. Conrad. He exemplifies how a firefighter and officer should live his or her life. In addition to the professional and educational contributions that he has made, Capt. Conrad is a compassionate and tenacious advocate for others in the community. Whether it is helping paint the home of a fellow firefighter who was ill, serving on many Christmas in April and Habitat for Humanity projects, helping a local church with an extreme makeover for a D.C. resident who was in significant need, constructing an orphanage in Nicaragua, or just being available to help no matter what the project or who was in need, Capt. Conrad has always answered the call.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Captain I David P. Conrad for his years of service and in congratulating him on being named the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department 2010 Firefighter of the year. Firefighters and all first responders are true heroes for our country. They risk their lives every day to ensure the well being and safety of our communities. These heroes often go unrecognized for their dedication and sacrifices. On behalf of the residents of Northern Virginia, I am honored to thank these brave men and women for their contributions to our communities, and I say to each of them, Stay Safe.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Second Baptist Church of Falls Church for its 140th anniversary, themed ``celebrating 140 years of service to God through prayer, worship and praise.''

Founded shortly after the Civil War, the Second Baptist Church has grown from a small two-room cabin to a two-story church on ``Baptist Hill.'' Not only has the Church served as a symbol and source of faith for the congregation, but it has also acted as a community center, opening its doors to various groups such as Girl and Boy Scout troops, nursery school classes, and other community organizations. The Second Baptist Church also has served the Falls Church community by founding the Food Bank and the S.H.A.R.E. Food Network.

This past week the Church hosted a series of worship services and community events to honor this momentous occasion. It will host a celebratory dinner on October 3 with a concert to conclude the week's events.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 140th Anniversary of the Second Baptist Church of Falls Church. For 140 years the Second Baptist Church has served the community through prayer, worship and praise. I would like to extend my congratulations and thank the Church for its commitment to faith and to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department for winning the 2010 Green Business Region Award from the Washington Business Journal. The fire department joined the effort toward building a more sustainable environment with the opening of its new green station.

The new station includes environmentally sustainable amenities such as energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, motion-sensor lights, two balconies featuring green roofs, and a new fitness room with a scenic view providing an area for the firefighters to exercise and relax. The new station also includes an 11,000-gallon tank under the front yard, which collects rainwater that is used for irrigation. In addition, the new station's design helps to protect more than an acre of land that will be preserved as a natural habitat.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Dale City Volunteer Fire Department for its contributions to the community. As protectors of the community, the firefighters of Dale City also serve as leaders in the growing initiative to protect and preserve the environment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 7th Annual Kit's Miracle Mile 10k Run/Walk and Brain Injury Awareness Fair. This event serves to raise money and awareness to better treat and understand those suffering from traumatic brain injury.

Brain Injury Services, Inc., BIS, works to assist those living with the consequences of a traumatic brain injury. Since 1989, BIS has offered services to residents throughout the northern Virginia area. Individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries often require help learning to navigate the world with reduced cognitive functions. BIS addresses the needs of these individuals with professional experience and compassion in connecting people with the information and resources they need to be successful in their daily lives. With roughly 500 cases at any given time, BIS provides independent living skills training, respite care, specialized clubhouse programs and social skills training, often at no cost to individuals or families.

Kit's Miracle Mile is named after Kit Callahan, whose life was touched by the work of Brain Injury Services, Inc. A graduate of Virginia Tech, Kit was athletic and motivated to begin a career in finance. He pursued this endeavor by taking a job as a runner at the Chicago Commodities Exchange. Shortly after his move to Chicago, Kit suffered a traumatic brain injury, which would change his life forever. Although Kit narrowly survived, he suffered traumatic brain damage which would require him to relearn many of the day-to-day activities that most of us take for granted. He was fortunate in that he had strong community partners like Brain Injury Services, Inc. to help him navigate the challenges he faced. Kit also possessed a determination to return to a productive life and pursue the goals he had set before his injury. Through case management and training, his family became able to assist Kit in restoring his ability to be independent and maintain employment. Although to this day Kit requires the care and assistance of his family, his miraculous recovery from near death is an inspiration to everyone suffering from a traumatic brain injury.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Brain Injury Services Inc. and the important work they perform in the community and in honoring Kit Callahan for his courage and determination to recover and return to productive life. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the many volunteers and staff who contribute their time and energy to make this organization and the annual run/walk possible.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Beth Jewell, the recipient of the 2010 National Marine Education Association Outstanding Teacher Award. This award is given annually to a teacher who demonstrates a dedication to the teaching of marine education and a dynamic and effective teaching style. The National Marine Education Association presented this award to Ms. Jewell at its annual conference, held this year in Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Ms. Jewell is currently a biology and oceanography teacher at West Springfield High School, where she has taught since 1986. Throughout her time as an educator, she has participated in various career development programs such as the Maury Project, a national teacher enhancement program administered by the American Meteorological Society; the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Program, providing fully- funded academic tours of Japan for administrators and teachers; and the ARMADA Project, providing peer mentoring and environmental science research opportunities for kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers associated with the National Science Foundation. Additionally, Ms. Jewell has participated in the Teacher at Seas program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as well as served as an Einstein Fellow, allowing her to affect public policy as well as the sciences. She has used each of these experiences to enrich the classroom experience for her students. She even shared her experience with her students in real time through the Internet. Ms. Jewell also serves as the Secretary for the National Marine Education Association and has been the President of the Mid-Atlantic Marine Education Association.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Beth Jewell for being recognized as the 2010 National Marine Education Association Outstanding Teacher for her innovation in the classroom and for providing such a tremendous learning experience for the students at West Springfield High School.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize FBI Intelligence Analyst Jamie Konstas for receiving a Service to America Medal for Justice and Law Enforcement.

As a leader of the national initiative to combat the exploitation of children through prostitution, Ms. Konstas works with the Innocence

Lost National Initiative, combining resources from the Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She is responsible for the development and implementation of a new database that is assisting authorities in identifying victims of prostitution, particularly children, while also collecting and tracking intelligence information in order to build investigations on suspected sex offenders.

A resident of Fairfax, Va., Ms. Konstas considers her work a calling rather than a job. Her commitment has lead to the rescue of more than 1,000 children and the conviction of more than 500 predators, numbers that would not be possible if it were not for her innovative database.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing FBI Intelligence Analyst Jamie Konstas for her commitment to protecting our communities and our at risk young people. She is just one example of the tremendous caliber of our federal workforce, and I congratulate her for receiving the Service to America Medal for Justice and Law Enforcement.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Corporal Evan S. Rinkenberg, recipient of the Purple Heart award.

On June 6th, Cpl. Rinkenberg and his infantry company came under attack from the Taliban after performing security checkpoints in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. While providing cover fire for his company as they fled to safety, Cpl. Rinkenberg was shot by enemy fire in his right hand. Despite his injury, Cpl. Rinkenberg continued to provide cover fire for his fellow soldiers until he looked down; only then did he become aware of his injury.

Now back in the United States, Cpl. Rinkenberg, a native of Woodbridge, VA, has undergone four surgeries to repair the bones and ligaments in his hand in an effort to improve mobility. His lack of dexterity has made even simple tasks, such as maneuvering his infant daughter's pacifier, difficult for him. Cpl. Rinkenberg's future as a Marine remains uncertain as his hand continues to heal. He is faced with a worst case scenario of obtaining a medical release from the Marines, which would provide him with disability pay, something the Corporal identified as the ``only certainty in his now cloudy future.'' Despite his slow recovery, Cpl. Rinkenberg hopes to return to Woodbridge by 2012 where he plans to continue to serve his country as a rifle range instructor at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Corporal Evan Rinkenberg for his service to his fellow soldiers and our nation. It is important to recognize the sacrifices that Cpl. Rinkenberg and all of our nation's service members make on a daily basis in order to preserve our freedoms.