Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I recently received a letter from the Association of American Law Schools regarding recent Congressional consideration for expanding non-discrimination policies. I ask unanimous consent to have the attached letter inserted into the Congressional Record on the Association's behalf.

Association of

American Law Schools,

Washington, DC, May 26, 2010.

Hon. Nancy Pelosi,

Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington,

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of LTC Melanie McClure, principal of Enterprise Elementary School in Dale City, Va.

Lieutenant Colonel McClure has served with distinction both in our local classrooms and our Nation's military. One year after graduating from James Madison University in 1984 with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, she joined the United States Army Reserves. In that same year, her first deployment took her to Germany as a platoon leader, operations officer and adjunct for the Battalion Commander. When she returned home, Lieutenant Colonel McClure began teaching in the Fairfax County Public Schools system. Her career as an educator was put on hold when she once again answered the call to serve on active duty after the devastating terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Lieutenant Colonel McClure served in Alexandria, Va., as a plans and operations officer for the Mortuary and Casualty Support Division until July 2003. She then returned to Kent Gardens Elementary School in Fairfax County as an assistant principal and principal. She took on her current role as principal of Enterprise Elementary School with Prince William County Schools in 2007.

Many of our Nation's reservists juggle leadership roles in both our military and our communities. Lieutenant Colonel McClure is no exception. Her most recent deployment required that she take a leave of absence from her position as the head administrator at Enterprise Elementary to serve on active duty in Iraq. Her students paid tribute to their principal with a send off in the spring of 2009 and on June 7, 2010, they welcomed her home with the reverence and adoration she deserves. Lieutenant Colonel McClure has used this experience to teach her students responsibility and the importance of honoring commitments. These are qualities our veterans come to understand intimately as they sacrifice their safety for the protection of our nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the service of LTC Melanie McClure. Her service stands as an example to her students of the bravery of our military's men and women and will instill in future generations an appreciation for the needs of our Nation's veterans.

I thank my colleague from Ohio for his leadership and my friend from Illinois for her kind words.

The Small Business Lending Fund Act will expand opportunities for small businesses to access critically needed capital today. Our amendment ensures that the program works as intended, that America's small businesses receive access to that capital and that taxpayers' loans are repaid.

The lending facility encourages small business loans to credit-worthy companies, with the repaid funds and interest payments all going to reduce the deficit that our friends on the other side say they're concerned about.

Small businesses will lead private sector job growth if they can obtain the necessary capital. The Office of Small Business Lending Fund Program Oversight established by our amendment will provide accountability and enhance the effectiveness of the lending fund, helping to spur a more robust small business sector.

The current Treasury IG has a reputation for safeguarding taxpayer funds, as my friend from Ohio said. A review of the Office of Thrift Supervision uncovered six cases where it improperly allowed private thrifts to backdate capital deposits, allowing institutions like failed IndyMac to appear more solvent than they were. This amendment will correct that problem moving forward in the future. I urge its adoption.

Mr. Speaker, in the United States right now we are experiencing an environmental catastrophe. We are experiencing with the BP oil rig the largest single oil spill in American history. It's a little hard to contemplate just how big this oil spill is; 21 million to 44 million gallons of oil--four times the oil spilled in the Exxon Valdez disaster--have so far spilled into the Gulf of Mexico. 12,000 to 25,000 barrels a day--that's a million gallons a day--are spilling, a rate 12 to 25 times higher than BP's original highest estimate of 4,600 gallons a day. The biggest oil spill in American history.

If we want to know just how big that is, this is the extent of the oil spill today in the Gulf of Mexico. It is the equivalent in terms of size of Delaware, Rhode Island, and Connecticut combined. Think of that geography. Hundreds of square miles. That's what this is.

Just recently it was announced that underwater plumes, not just the surface plume depicted here, have been detected 150 miles away in distance from the original site of the oil spill.

Locally what that means is essentially we have an oil spill, a surface oil spill that covers the territory that would be the equivalent of the distance between Washington, D.C., and New York City. That's as of today. In my 11th Congressional District of Virginia, that would mean starting in Dale City near Manassas in Prince William County and going as far as Wilmington, Delaware. That's the thick oil spill.

The broader oil spill, as I said, would go all the way to New York City. That's an extraordinary stretch in terms of this oil spill.

This oil spill could have been prevented.

In 1969, an oil well spilled 200,000 gallons of crude oil on the California coast. In response, like this and other environmental issues, like the burning of the Cuyahoga River, Congress passed the National Environmental Policy Act, known as NEPA, in 1969.

NEPA requires companies to plan to avoid environmental disasters like that 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill by conducting simple environmental impact statements. Ironically, the Minerals Management Service, known as the MMS, granted the Deepwater Horizon rig a categorical exclusion from this process so it did not have to conduct an environmental impact statement based on research in 2007 in which the MMS, the regulator, decided that a deepwater spill would not exceed 4,600 barrels and would never reach the shoreline. What a tragic, ironic twist of fate. None of that turned out to be true.

Congressional Republican majorities and the Bush administration even directed agencies to use categorical exclusions for oil development. Action by the Secretary of the Interior in managing the public lands, it said, or the Secretary of Agriculture in managing national forest systems lands with respect to any of the activities described in subsection B shall be subject to a rebuttable presumption that the use of categorical exclusion under the NEPA of 1969 would apply if the activity is conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act for the purpose of exploration or development of oil or gas. An explicit exemption made for oil drilling in America by the previous administration. Just following the NEPA process could have led to a review that would have resulted in better safety equipment. Might have even resulted in an inspection that might have caught early the flaws in this design.

The 2009 Government Accountability Office report said that during the previous administration categorical exclusions were issued far too frequently and it could lead to serious problems. Well, indeed, it did. I find this particularly ironical because, in my district, we have been fighting for a long time to get rail to Dulles, an extension of the rail system here in metropolitan Washington to Dulles International Airport. We finally got that process approved last year, but that process required a NEPA review. This is a public transit project, but it had to go through a 2-year environmental review that cost millions of dollars of taxpayer-funded money for a public project. But ironically, a private oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico was excluded from that process. It didn't have to do it.

I see on the floor my friend from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer). I yield to the gentleman.

I thank my colleague, and I think his point is a very cogent one, and it's even worse than we're discussing because not only did we consciously decide during the Bush administration and by previous Congresses, frankly controlled by our friends on the other side, consciously to exclude such oil drilling from the regular environmental review that could have detected problems, but it was worse than that.

Let me give an example in terms of what measures that at least could have mitigated the impact of this disaster. Canada, as my friend from Oregon knows, requires deepwater rigs to have contingency plans for offshore oil drilling, including the capability to drill relief wells soon after constructing primary wells. If this well, this Deepwater Horizon well, had predrilled such relief wells, it would have allowed the closing of the leak weeks ago, but they weren't required to do so.

Norway and Brazil require something called acoustic valves which are

backup devices for closing the pipe of a blowout preventer. In 2003, under the Bush administration, the Minerals Management Service concluded that the $550,000 acoustic system is not recommended because it tends to be very costly. I would say to my friend from Oregon, as he knows, as of June 7, the response to this oil spill cost $1.25 billion and climbing. That $550,000 investment in an acoustic valve could have saved billions of dollars and could have saved an ecosystem now at incredible jeopardy.

I yield again to my friend from Oregon.

Again, I agree with my friend from Oregon completely, and as he points out, this didn't happen by an act of God. This happened because of lax or no regulation, regulation we knew was necessary and we took a chance. We took a chance. And we took a chance, why? Because of the almighty dollar. We took a chance because of Big Oil money, making sure that it influenced the process and made sure that it was exempted from normal regulatory review. And you have to ask yourself in those kinds of circumstances, well, what could go wrong?

Let me enumerate a little bit what has gone wrong: 200,000 commercial fishing, processing, and retail jobs in the gulf for fishing and seafood on ice; $659 million in annual value on 1.27 billion pounds of seafood caught in the gulf, the largest source of seafood in America, not including the value of fish processing or retail or people's salaries, in jeopardy; $5.5 billion annual value of commercial fishing industry in the gulf coast, including the value of fish harvest processing and retail, in jeopardy; $12 billion of expenditures for 25.4 million recreational trips in the Gulf of Mexico at risk; $9 billion in wages for tourism-related industries in the Gulf of Mexico, employing 600,000 people.

That's what's at risk for a mindless, ``drill, Baby, drill'' approach, instead of a thoughtful, careful approach that balances this kind of sourcing of oil with the readily available alternative energy sources that we should have, could have been investing in as well.

Since this oil spill, over 27,000 claims have been filed by people and businesses whose livelihoods have been harmed or lost entirely. They've filed claims for damages with BP. Through June, BP will have paid $84 million in lost income claims to people whose jobs already have been lost in the gulf. Over 78,000 square miles of the gulf are closed to fishing today because of this spill because it's not safe. The University of Central Florida estimates that the oil spill could cut Florida tourism in half, the largest single source of revenue for the State of Florida, eliminating 195,000 tourism-related jobs and eliminating $10.9 billion of tourist-generated economic activity in Florida alone.

I see our colleague from Colorado (Mr. Polis) is on the floor, and I now yield to him.

I thank my colleague from Colorado.

I yield again to our friend from Oregon (Mr. Blumenauer).

I, again, am in complete concurrence. This didn't happen somehow by happenstance. This happened by virtue of a conscious decision, by Congress' control, by our friends on the other side, and by the Bush administration to find all kinds of waivers and exemptions from normal regulatory review and from simple commonsense protections in the event something did go wrong, all at the altar of oil exploration and fossil fuel energy dependence, quite frankly. It could have been prevented and it could have been mitigated.

There was another one of our colleagues who, during the campaign of 2008, accused the Democratic Congress that came into power after the elections of 2006 of being the drill-nothing Congress, and she called on Mr. McCain to open up ANWR and both the east and west coast to unrestrained oil drilling for the sake of energy independence, a worthy goal. But that's not the only answer, and we have to weigh the costs and the benefits when we open up unrestricted oil drilling on pristine coasts.

Let me talk, if I may, just about my own home State of Virginia, what could go wrong in Virginia. I am a member of the Virginia delegation who has opposed unrestricted opening up of our shores to oil drilling because of the feared consequences if something went wrong.

What's at stake? Tourism in Virginia Beach alone in Virginia generates $1.4 billion annually in economic activity. Tourism in Virginia Beach alone supports 15,000 jobs. Virginia has the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier islands on the east coast, irreplaceable habitat for birds in the east coast flyaway.

All of these resources would be lost to an oil spill off Virginia's coast if it were comparable to the oil spill that has hit the gulf coast. In fact, closer to home, the entire Chesapeake Bay would be covered by a film of oil today if that oil spill had occurred here instead of occurring in the gulf coast.

In addition, unrestricted oil drilling threatens the presence of the United States Navy in Virginia, terribly important in terms of military investment in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Deputy Secretary of Defense for Readiness issued a report in May that stated explicitly that offshore oil development would impair Navy operations in 78 percent of the area, in a recently proposed lease sale, to 20.

The Department of Defense said that all development could preclude live ordnance testing, aircraft carrier movement, shipping trials, and other surface and subsurface training. Offshore oil development could result in the Navy moving an aircraft carrier out of Norfolk, reducing job opportunities and contractors in Virginia.

We have a lot at stake economically in my State. There's the environmental consequences, but there is also the presence of the Navy that could be jeopardized if we moved to the ``drill, baby, drill'' philosophy of offshore oil drilling.

Yes, we need to clean up the mess we inherited from previous Congresses and, frankly, from the previous administration. Today, for example, the House passed S. 3473, which increases advanced cleanup funding paid for by BP so that the Coast Guard can use those funds for oil cleanup.

I have introduced a bill just tonight that would prevent the evasion of the NEPA process; moving forward, no more categorical exclusions for deepwater oil drilling. They have to pass the NEPA review process, just like my transit system and rail to Dulles did in a public project.

H.R. 5214, the Big Oil Bailout Prevention Act, introduced by our colleague, Mr. Holt from New Jersey, would raise the oil liability cap from $75 million to $10 billion so the taxpayers aren't left holding the bag because of an accident caused by the negligence of an oil company such as BP.

Our colleague from the State of Washington (Mr. Inslee) is introducing legislation to require oil wells to use the best available safety technology, which might borrow from technology that's already available and being used by countries like Canada, Brazil, and Norway. Of course, you, Mr. Blumenauer, have or will soon introduce legislation to repeal the oil and gas tax loopholes and direct funds to clean energy.

The ultimate solution is to get off fossil fuel dependence and look to, in a meaningful way, those alternative sources of energy that could really help lessen our dependence, if not wean us entirely off, the dependence on foreign oil.

In my own home State of Virginia, the potential offshore wind power is enormous, dwarfing the potential for offshore oil.

For all of the sturm und drang in my State about whether we should drill, baby, drill off the shores of Virginia, the entire estimate of reserves, maximum, off the shore of Virginia, with the largest coastline, barrier island coastline on the east coast, is the equivalent of no more than 6 days of oil supply.

Do we really want to risk the tourism industry, our environment, perhaps permanently, and the presence of the Navy in a State that has always been home to the United States Navy for 6 days' worth of supply? I think not.

So the Democrats in this House have, in fact, introduced legislation that will address and remedy this situation and make sure that never again are American citizens put at risk by the negligent behavior and the unregulated behavior of Big Oil offshore oil drilling.

I thank you for your courtesy and graciousness, but I would say that clearly my colleague from Oregon is a model for all of us, especially those of us new here to the Congress, for his environmental leadership and for his legislative legerdemain.

I thank you so much.

I think our colleague from Oregon has done such an incredible job in this body on so many environmental fronts, not least of which, of course, the livable community initiative that he made reference to.

Thank you so much for joining us tonight.

I see our friend from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) is here, and I now yield to Mr. Holt.

I thank our friend from New Jersey and thank him for his leadership as well.

Let me close by pointing out that there is a danger to bumper-sticker public policy making. Those who lived by ``drill, baby, drill'' now have to examine not only their consciences but the consequences of the actions that flowed from that strident call. ``Drill, baby, drill'' has now become ``spill, baby, spill.''

The Governor of Louisiana today, Bobby Jindal, when he was in this body in 2005 said the following: ``We have a choice. Many of my colleagues do not want us drilling for oil off the coast of Florida and do not want us to drill for oil off the coast of California. I would ask those colleagues to join with me in

providing incentives so that we can drill for oil in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The people of Louisiana,'' he said, ``welcome this production. We know it is good for our State, our country, and our economy.''

I wonder if the Governor of Louisiana might pause today in calling for the government's assistance to clean up the worst oil spill, and arguably one of the worst environmental disasters ever to descend on our country, to consider whether that public policy statement made sense then and whether it makes sense now.

The consequences of that philosophy of unrestricted oil drilling, irrespective of the environmental concerns, irrespective of the need for reasonable and prudent regulatory oversight to protect the public from precisely this kind of unmitigated disaster, have now actually happened because a whole bunch of people in a position to know better put oil ahead of everything else, including the public interests.

I yield to my friend from New Jersey.

I thank my colleague from New Jersey. Again, I thank him so much for his participation tonight and for his leadership, especially in leading us in a legislative remedy.

I want to end with this: on June 10, 2008, one of our colleagues actually said the following:

There are 3,200 oil rigs off the coast of Louisiana. During Katrina, not a single drop was spilled. Actually, 600,000 gallons were spilled, but more than 7 billion barrels have been pumped from these wells over the past quarter century. Yet only 1-1/1000th of 1 percent was spilled. We would suggest that John McCain revisit his reservations about ANWR and run against the ``drill nothing'' Congress. Energy development and the environment are not mutually exclusive. In fact, this Republican colleague said, we would suggest that the first joint town hall meeting with Barack Obama, proposed by McCain, be held on one of those offshore Louisiana rigs.

Surely, I hope our colleague did not mean this rig, the one that blew up, caught on fire, cost a number of lives, and led to the largest environmental disaster in American history.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 5 o'clock and 46 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until Monday, June 14, 2010, at 12:30 p.m., for morning-hour debate.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shelter House, Inc., and particularly the contributions that its volunteers make in service to our community. Shelter House and its outstanding volunteers serve Northern Virginia by coming to the aid of some of those most in need of support and assistance. Volunteers are critical in helping Shelter House achieve its mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness by providing crisis intervention, temporary housing, training, counseling, and programs to promote self sufficiency.

Shelter House is a community-based, non-profit organization. It was formed in 1981 when several ecumenical groups came together to better serve low-income individuals and families. Shelter House operates three shelters, the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter and the Patrick Henry Family Shelter, which provide temporary housing for families in our community who find themselves homeless, and also Artemis House, Fairfax County's Domestic Violence Shelter. This year, Shelter House was named to the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, as ``One of the Best'' area non profits.

In addition, Shelter House offers transitional housing services throughout Fairfax County. As part of the effort to stop the cycle of homelessness, the services provided by Shelter House continue even after individuals enter permanent housing.

Individuals, organizations, and businesses dedicate their time, money, and wherewithal to help Shelter House succeed in its efforts to end homelessness in Fairfax County. These relationships are critical assets to Shelter House and a leading cause for its successes. Shelter House has recognized the specific contributions from its partners and volunteers and named the following recipients of its 2010 Volunteer Awards:

Ending Homelessness Award: Great Falls Women's Club

Friend of Shelter House Kids Award at the Patrick Henry Family Shelter: Kate Seikaly

Friend of Shelter House Kids Award at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter: Clifton -Community Women's Club

Friend of Shelter House Kids Award at Artemis House: Rhonda Gary

Community Partner Award at the Patrick Henry Family Shelter: Northern Virginia Urban League

Community Partner Award at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter: National Charity League, -Inc., Cherry Blossom Chapter

Community Partner Award at Artemis House: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.--Fairfax County -Alumnae Chapter

Youth Volunteer Award: Lexi Hamilton

Unsung Hero Award: Anika Armstrong

Special Event Volunteer Award: Tanika Siler

Community Champion Award: Balfour Beatty Construction

We also must acknowledge the impact of all Shelter House volunteers who work to provide secure, structured environments and connect families with the supportive services they require. These volunteers help make Shelter House one of the most effective organizations in the battle to end homelessness by empowering families to reach their full potential.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude for the efforts of these volunteers and their colleagues at Shelter House. The selfless commitment of these individuals provides enumerable benefits to the Northern Virginia community as well as life- changing services to individuals in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a dedicated group of men and women in Northern Virginia. For the past twenty-six years, each member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has selected two people from their district who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to our community. Since the program's inception in 1984, nearly 500 individuals have been recognized as a Lord or Lady Fairfax by their representative on the Board of Supervisors.

Individuals recognized as Lords and Ladies of Fairfax have made significant contributions in their communities. This year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized outstanding individuals who have made tremendous impacts through their support of our public schools, parks, youth sports leagues, arts community, public safety providers, and human service programs. It is nearly impossible to fully describe the diversity of accomplishments by the honorees. Their efforts contribute greatly to the quality of life for the residents of Fairfax County and should be commended.

The following individuals were recognized as Lord and Lady Fairfax honorees for 2010. Each of these individuals was selected as a result of his or her outstanding volunteer service, heroism, or other special achievements. These individuals have earned our praise and appreciation.

At Large: Lady Luella F. Brown and Lord Verdia L. Haywood

Braddock District: Lady Shirley DiBartolo and Lord Sam DiBartolo

Dranesville District: Lady Tanveer A. Mirza and Lord Cantor Michael A. Schochet

Hunter Mill District: Lady Carol Ann Bradley and Lord Patrick Kane

Lee District: Lady Suzette Kern and Lord Harry H. Zimmerman

Mason District: Lady Cindy Waters and Lord Mike Magill

Mt. Vernon District: Lady Glenda Booth and Lord Linwood Gorham

Providence District: Lady Sarah M. Lahr and Lord Ken A. Quincy

Springfield District: Lady Lynne M. Garvey-Hodge and Lord Tom Peterson

Sully District: Lady Deborah J. Robison and Lord Steven T. Ratliff

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our gratitude to these men and women who volunteer their time and energy on behalf of our community. The selfless commitment of these individuals provides enumerable benefits to Northern Virginia and serves to strengthen and enrich our communities.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of outstanding young girls for achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. This year's honorees from Virginia's 11th Congressional District are Michelle Bedker, Randi Beil, Michelle Biwer, Lindsey Brock, Lauren Falkenstein, Kathryn Forestello, Nicole Gray, Brynna Heflin, Carolyn Iwicki, Cassady Keller, Jessica McEvoy, Allison Moats and Ashley Pettway.

The Gold Award is a prestigious award that is earned by a select group of Girl Scouts who have demonstrated a higher commitment not only to community service, but to advocating for lasting change. Each girl carefully evaluated her community's needs and determined the nature and scope of her project and then submitted project proposals to the Gold Award Panel. Additionally, while working on the project, each girl dedicated a minimum of 65 hours. This year's projects ranged from teaching young people to read or play an instrument to protecting the environment and helping the homeless.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these girls on their achievements and for their contributions to their community. I wish them well in all of their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize three Fairfax County Public School Principals for receiving the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's 2009 Environmental Educators of the Year Award.

The honorees for this award were Ms. Debra Lane, principal at Rolling Valley Elementary School, Mr. Sal Rivera, principal at Flint Hill Elementary School, and Mr. Dwayne Young, principal at Centreville Elementary School.

These educators have actively infused environmental education in the curricula of their schools and worked to include more outdoor experiences for their teachers and students. Furthermore, these principals were instrumental in establishing a teacher professional development program called ``Chesapeake Classrooms,'' which focuses on the Chesapeake Bay for county principals and teachers.

Madam Speaker, Ms. Lane, Mr. Rivera, and Mr. Young's hard work have shown their commitment to the community and the importance of educating our young people on the values of environmental stewardship. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on this wonderful accomplishment and wish them well in all of their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Principal Eric Brent, the winner of the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award for Prince William County Schools.

Principal Brent has more than 23 years of educational experience and is currently the principal of Forest Park High School. He has served as a secondary classroom teacher, coach, sponsor, guidance counselor, director of student services, assistant principal, and principal during his career. He is a student body favorite and is known as a devoted mentor who takes a sincere interest in the lives of his students. Teachers and parents cite his administrative style as polite and collaborative. His diverse experience and enthusiasm for education have given him the skills and talent to be a first-class principal.

His work at Forest Park High has produced a long list of results and accolades. In 2008, Newsweek magazine ranked Forest Park High School on its annual list of ``America's Top Public High Schools.'' During his tenure, student scores on the SAT improved from 1511 to 1528 and the number of graduates attending four-year higher education programs increased from 50 percent to 60 percent. In 2009, Principal Brent was recognized for these accomplishments when he was named Principal of the Year in Prince William County.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Principal Eric Brent for receiving the Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award for Prince William County Schools. He is an asset to our local school system, and his work is helping countless children and setting them on the right path for a positive future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nascent Solutions, Incorporated on its fifth anniversary. Nascent Solutions is a humanitarian and development organization headquartered in the Commonwealth of Virginia which benefits several impoverished African countries.

Founded in 2004 by Dr. Beatrice Wamey in Fairfax Station, VA, Nascent Solutions has grown over the past 5 years with the help of donations and partnerships with other international and faith-based organizations. Now registered as a Public Volunteer Organization with the United States Agency for International Development, this organization is devoted to building the capacity for the poor in rural Africa to achieve self-sufficiency and assume total responsibility for their well-being.

Among the organization's primary objectives are care for orphans and vulnerable children, literacy and skills development, basic health and child care, agricultural development and food security, and protection of the rights of women and children. This organization empowers young people and women in underprivileged African environments by providing resources and skills development programs that would have otherwise been absent from their lives. Through these efforts, Nascent Solutions effectively responds to the immediate needs of the people and encourages them to recognize and strive to work towards their potential.

Over the past 5 years, Nascent Solutions has been able to respond to natural disasters with relief efforts, provide food and clothing to underprivileged children, improve the health of the African people through agricultural development, promote and expand civil rights, and improve the education system. This organization models the selflessness and concern for humanity for which we all strive.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the vision and dedication of those individuals who have worked to create an organization so committed to international development. I wish Nascent Solutions continued success in its work to provide help and hope to those who so desperately need it.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of 2010 Volunteer Prince William, Volunteer Appreciation Awards.

Every year since 1981, Volunteer Prince William and the Volunteer Coordinators Network host a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. The organizations gather and celebrate the accomplishments of hundreds of Prince William volunteers. These citizens of all ages and abilities work in agencies throughout the community to help citizens in need; feeding the hungry, building houses, keeping seniors safe in their homes, tutoring children, protecting our resources, sharing our history, responding to disasters or simply being a good neighbor.

It is my pleasure to enter into the Congressional Record the recipients of the 2010 Volunteer Prince William, Volunteer Appreciation Awards.

31st District Court Service Unit: Pamela Millett, Charles Trepel, Sharon Stefl, Lindsey Washington, Christopher Taylor, Kalisha Spence, and Kiara Ayenson.

Action in Community Through Service: Dave Forcier, Elsa Lewis, William Parker, Mocha Moms, Lee McCormack, Latonya Thomas, Alexis Thompson, Shakira McEachren, Jalishka McEachern, Martha Hendley, Beth Madden, Jason Burgess, and Mary Manning.

Citizen Corps Council: Howard Horner, Matt Dixon, Jacob Koch, Jonathan Leonhard, Debra Bobbitt, Pastor Heath Butler, Tom Wheeler, Katherine Wheeler, Camille Apicella, Miquela Apicella, Joe Hall, Shane Hall, Lori Hall, Griffiin Peters, Beth Peters, Vivian Rivero, Kayla Hernandez, Karina Hernandez, Jamie Shalvey, Danielle Johnson, Dorothy Hill, Peggy Ho, Christian Reotuter, Melissa Murden, Brian Shaw, Tyler Bezek, Zachary Bezek, James Harbour, John Harbour, George Killian, Paul Neiderer, Sam Neiderer, Conor Sanderson, Gregory Stoffa, Caleb Voelker, Forest Voelker, Spencer Voelker, Bill Bezek, Mark Harbour, David Neiderer, Albert Stoffa, Danielle Voelker, Jordan Tibbs, Jonathan Tibbs, Devante Thomas, Joan Beaner, Dan Bergin, Silvana Ellis, Dave Ellis, and Alexis Thomas.

Habitat for Humanity: Mark Luiggi, Lynn Ashe, Steve Fedos, Betty Reichert, Jasmin McDonald, George Braun, Frank Jacquette, David Dallas, Marci Swanson, Irene DuBois, Marlena Kauer, Al Harris, Sheila Lueking, Lynn Eklund, Mayumi Ferrin, Christina Arllen, Jessica Baker, Jody Miller, Bob Gainer, Sarah Awwad, Shawn Byers, Joseph Bolos, Donita Ruehs, Jarvis Jones, Patricia McKenzie, Kelli Akremi, David McKissick, Josue Garcia, Iain Shaw, and Kelly Atkinson.

Manassas Park Police Department: Tricia Sutherland and Heather Gustin.

Prince William County Historic Preservation Division Volunteers: Morgan Breeden, Mary Kay Breeden, Daniel Breeden, Vanessa Bulk, Gladys Eanes, David Eanes, Charles Elder, Kenneth Garlem, Kyle Lee, Howard Margolies, Pat Margolies, Tony Meadows, Georgia Meadows, Suzanne Obetz, Roger Pelletier, Angela Pelletier, Pamela Sackett, Bill Scott, Barbara Ziman, Kareen Attreed, Brenda Caricofe, Nerine Clemenzi, Sandra Dawson, Kathryn Fullerton, Leslie Harris, Kelly Hunsaker, Chris LeGrand, Sandy Melson, Gay Misso, Janice Overman, John Overman, Joanne Porreco, Patsy Smith, Winnie Tierney, Linda Weeks, Pat Wink, Mary Anne Burgess, Maria Burgess, Rose Ann Carlsen, Sharon Dougherty, Florence Gish, Linda Lasko, Michaeleen McGettigan, Nellie Elaine Armstrong, Elizabeth Cardinal, Norma Newbold, Nikki Ott, Lucille Selfridge, Wanda Simpson, Linda Stauffer, Carolyn Werle, Jill Wiest, Don Wiest, Diana Turner, Patrice Malley, Avery Born, Dave Born, Sue Born, James Craft, Joanne Craft, Gisela Glodeck, Phyllis Ingram, Phil Maddox, Kyle Maddox, Matt Maddox, and Bonnie Swank.

Juvenile Detention Center: Substance Abuse Prevention, Virginia Hills Youth Ministries, Ebenezer Baptist Youth Ministries, First Mt. Zion Youth Services, Friends of Juvenile Detention Center Youth Ministries, Girls Circle, Greenhouse Gardening with Youth Master Gardner, Heritage Fellowship Youth Ministries, Life Skills Instructor, Reconciliation Community Church, St. Francis Youth Ministries, Youth Ministries from St. Francis Middle School, St. Paul's Youth Ministries, Success Oriented Students-Court Smart, Star of Bethlehem Youth Ministries, Tri- County Ministries, Youth Outreach Services-Youth Services, and St. Mark's Lutheran Friendship House.

Prince William County Police Department: Bill Graham, Barbara Merer- Brice, Rick Mensch, Lee Ann Smith, Vicky Smith, Karen Wilkens, Chaplain J. Douglas Duty, Jr., Ed Roman, Dave Whitman, and Patricia Whitman.

Prince William County Sheriff's Office: Mike Fradette, Paula Adams, Nikki Adams, Ritchie Dennison, Tom Muddiman, Bryan Kelly, Jim Lippold, Jack Fulmore, E. Phillips Grier, Burnadeane Day, Betty Ann Blanton, Sharon Livingston, Sandy Sindlinger, Debbie Stryker, and Jamie Esquerra.

Project Mend-A-House: Dean Quick, Scott Sells, Linda Pulley, Jeff Hintosh, Howard Horner, Raymond Stuckey, Laurie Zeiszler, Brian Henkel, Robin Bales, Joe Swetnam, Walt Koscinski, Marti Hale, and Myrna Andres.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Program: Penny Spatzer, Ellen Newdorf, Linda Pulley, Dave Forcier, Bob Finch, Ed Roman, Mitzi Roman, Kim Roman, Janelle Bryant, Ronda Davis, Jayne Frelin, Anna Griffin, Leticia Click, Pete Click, JoAnn Barron, Cindy Zelinski, and Cara Sundholm.

SERVE--A Program of Northern Virginia Family Services: Mickey Heyward, Ginny Heyward, Amy Sue Huheey, Rob Huheey, Justine Huheey, John Durkin, Maggie Hart, Anna Hooker, Esther Caesar, Marilyn Ruland, Leigh Anderson, Sue Johnston, Rana Chehreh, Tom Bohacek, Steve Fritter, Ralph Lickey, Jane Lickey, Pat Margolies, Howard Margolies, Don Shaw, Mona Shaw, Paul Perdue, and Rachel Hall.

Volunteer Prince William: Connie Beck.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the recipients of the 2010 Volunteer Prince William, Volunteer Appreciation Awards. A vibrant and robust culture of volunteerism is the backbone of a healthy community. I extend my appreciation to the dedicated individuals who selflessly contribute their time to alleviating the plight of others.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the National Museum of Americans in Wartime (the American Wartime Museum), which will break ground later this year in Prince William County, Va. This museum is being built to honor all Americans who have served or presently serve our country in any branch of the United States military from World War I forward.

It will tell the stories and recognize the contributions and sacrifices of the brave men and women who dedicated themselves to defending and preserving our Nation's freedoms through their service in the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, the Reserves and the National Guard.

The museum will offer a unique interactive history of major conflicts from the 20th and 21st centuries and focus on educating young Americans about wartime experiences and the sacrifices made by those Americans who ``answered the call'' in service of our nation.

The American Wartime Museum is the culmination of a partnership between private and government entities. The Museum will be built on a 70 acre site that has been generously donated by the Hylton family of Prince William County. It will feature a large collection of vintage and modern operational military vehicles, some of which will be used for demonstrations and reenactments. There will be large outdoors ``Landscapes of War'' with authentic replicas of battle scenes. Visitors will be able to hear, touch and experience military vehicles, aircraft and naval vessels. The planned National Veterans Visitor Center will offer special services and activities for veterans including opportunities for military reunions and the ability to record oral histories for future generations of Americans. Visiting the Museum will be truly interactive and will not only educate but actually provide a very realistic sense of the experiences of those who have served in uniform.

This project enjoys broad, bipartisan support from the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States Congress. George Mason University is a key partner in this endeavor, which will provide new academic and research opportunities for students, historians and the public. The leadership team of the museum includes Craig Stewart, President and CEO; Allan Cors, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; former Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Chuck Robb; a Medal of Honor recipient

and other distinguished veterans; military historians, authors and journalists; and prominent business leaders.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues join me in recognizing the vision and dedication of those individuals and organizations that have worked together to create The American Wartime Museum. This museum will educate, inspire, and most importantly, honor all who have served our great nation in uniform.

And as we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, I also ask my colleagues to join me in expressing our sincerest appreciation to every man and woman who has answered the highest call of duty by serving our country in the United States military. Their sacrifice, honor, and selfless dedication to the defense and protection of our country is deserving of the utmost respect and gratitude of every American.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 10th Anniversary of the Mantua Kids Care Club Raccoon Run. Each year, hundreds of participants and spectators come together for this race to promote charitable action and to celebrate the spirit that makes Mantua the vibrant community that it is today.

The Raccoon Run began in 2000 as a community endeavor to raise funds for Mantua school families in need. Conceptualized by Joyce Montgomery, the initial name was the ``Rocket Run'' but was changed to Raccoon Run in honor of the Mantua Elementary School mascot. The Mantua Kids Care Club embraced the idea, and became an early supporter of the race.

When 5th grade teacher Roberta Romano was diagnosed with cancer, the race was restructured to benefit a single cause: Life with Cancer. Life with Cancer is a program administered by the INOVA Health System that provides critical support to caregivers and those afflicted with cancer.

Every year on Mother's Day weekend, we come together to honor the memory of Roberta Romano and to support a worthy cause. In the ten years since the race's inception, the Raccoon Run has raised nearly $100,000.00 and has benefited countless Northern Virginians. As a resident of Mantua, the former president of the Mantua Civic Association, and most importantly, the father of a Mantua Elementary School graduate, I am grateful for the strong sense of community exemplified by this annual event.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the efforts of the Mantua community and in thanking all those who have supported this worthwhile cause. Events like the Raccoon Run are the fabric of a true community and of our society at large.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nyasha Sprow from Prince William County, Va., for being a state honoree in the 2010 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program. Nyasha is a volunteer with the Prince William Chapter of the American Red Cross and a seventh-grader at Virginia Virtual Academy. Additionally, she has become a passionate advocate for organ and tissue donation.

Nyasha has become a spokesperson for the National Kidney foundation and she works to

stress both the importance of protecting one's organs and the need for more organ donors. She makes presentations at elementary schools, distributes literature at health fairs and community events and does interviews with the local news media. Furthermore, Nyasha participates in fund-raising events sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation and the Regional Transplant Community and has further spread the word about organ donation as a contestant in the National American Miss pageant.

Madam Speaker, Nyasha Sprow represents the best of our nation's youth, and her work with organ and tissue donation demonstrates her dedication to helping those around her. I congratulate her on this award and wish her well in all of her future endeavors.