Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2010 Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scout Pack 1364 and the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Boy Scouts were founded in the United States on February 8, 1910, by William D. Boyce. The following year, the Boy Scouts of America adopted the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. After 100 years of scouting, these founding principles have guided more than 100 million youth to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Each year, Cub Scout packs commemorate scouting and its enduring principles with a Blue and Gold Banquet. They celebrate scouts, pack leaders and other adults who have contributed to the pack's health and vibrancy. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the following Cub Scouts in Pack 1364 who will be recognized at the 2010 Blue and Gold Banquet for advancing to the next level of scouting.

Den 2 Tigers: Michael Chargualaf, Beau Donner, Michael Mottern, Samuel Neher, Kage Policello, Tony Simmons, Terrell Warner, Ki Williams;

Den 3 Tigers: Brian Andres, Leo Blaes, Tyler Lipscomb, Andrew Martin, Justin Santaw, Luke Smallwood;

Den 6 Wolves: Nick Bradford, Erik Caballero, Jacob Chesonis, Benjamin Clark, Liam Dunlap, Joshua Forrest, Jason Green, Colin Meeley, Ahmed Mohammed, Isaac Morlu, Joseph Peters, Kieran Weldon;

Den 5 Bears: Adam Frank, Andrew Hartshorn, Benjamin Hodges, Brian Kim, Logan MacDonald, Justin Martis, Henry Moore, Brett Segal, Daniel Smith, Michael Teister, Nathan Villanueva, Malik Williams, Sean Zylich;

Den 1 Webelos I: Archie Blaes, Jacob Chartier, Matthew Kaiser, Jordan Rice, Zack Scites, Michael Storm, Sebastian Villanueva;

Den 7 Webelos I: DeTrell Bailey, Will Salmon, Derek Siegrist, Alex Stone, Sean Teister, Norman Warner;

Den 4, Webelos II: Grayden Brock, Ryan Crow, Joseph Friend, Caven Kennedy, Jimmy Kettl, Christian Majchrowitz, Andrew Perkins-McDuffie, Michael Stroup.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the Boy Scouts of America on its 100th anniversary and recognizing Cub Scout Pack 1364. The Boy Scouts of America sets a high standard for integrity and strength of character. I admire all scouts who seek to uphold its core principles, and I extend my best wishes to the Cub Scouts of Pack 1364 as they strive to realize their scouting potential.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ``Healthy Living/Healthy Lifestyle Conference'' sponsored by First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Va., and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

The health fair focuses on HIV/AIDS and hosts workshops on hypertension-diabetes, cholesterol, obesity in children and adults, prostate cancer, breast cancer, domestic violence and mental health. Community partners have made it possible to provide free health screenings and HIV/AIDS testing to fair attendees. I would like to extend my personal appreciation to the fair's community partners for their charity and good stewardship of a healthy Prince William community.

Prince William County Health Department

NOVAM AIDS Ministry

National Institutes of Health---

Prince William County Area Churches

Ezra Nehemiah Solomon Foundation (ENS)--

Women In Community Action (WICA)

K I Services----

Affairs Remembered, LLC

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending First Mount Zion Baptist Church and the Northern Virginia Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. for extending this educational service to the Prince William community. With so many citizens medically underserved and uninformed on healthy lifestyle practices, a free health fair is an opportunity to face these challenges head on and address the threat they pose to our nation's health.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2010 Prince William American Red Cross Awards. These individuals and their work with the Red Cross stand as an example of dedication and service for the benefit and safety of the community.

The Elizabeth Smith Davies award is presented to a volunteer in recognition of 25 years of service. This year's recipient, Ruth Stroaker, began volunteering for the Red Cross in the 1980s while her husband was serving in the military in the Pacific. She has done everything from data entry, typing, filing, volunteering in the base medical and dental clinic, to leading volunteer orientation classes, and handling disaster services case work. In 1989 she became a military and international services case worker. During her tenure, she has reconnected families separated by war and other calamities, helped arrange compassionate leave for the military, and provided special support to those who have suffered devastating disasters and other emergencies. Ruth is a beloved member of the Prince William team, always handling her casework with compassion and kindness. Her clients become her family, and she is tenacious in helping them get the help they need.

Tony Boone is the recipient of the 2010 Dr. Gail Kettlewell Award. Tony is a long-standing member of the Prince William Red Cross Board of Directors and is always willing to do whatever needs to be done to support the chapter. He has been the chair of the Finance Committee for the past three years. During his time on the Building Committee, he donated many hours of his time to negotiating and developing a letter of agreement for land donated by Lockheed Martin. This included helping the chapter sort through many pages of county regulations and eventually applying for various city permits. He is the chapter's goodwill ambassador and you can always find him at various events telling his Red Cross story.

Chuck Mudd has volunteered with the Prince William Chapter for a little more than a year, but he has quickly become a treasured member of the team. In the last 12 months, Chuck has been involved with numerous local fire responses, worked daily on the renovation of the new chapter facility, cleaned out the attic and garage of the old chapter house, attended a winter field day exercise to learn tent operations and managed a shelter during one of the big snowstorms. He also uses his expertise and leadership skills in representing the chapter on the disaster services committee and various regional working groups. In addition, Chuck is a major financial donor to the chapter. His attitude, great personality, and willingness to work in rain, sleet, and lots of snow, make him invaluable to the chapter.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the staff and volunteers of the Prince William American Red Cross. When a community is hit by disaster, the Red Cross is often the first on the scene to provide comfort and assistance. The efforts of individual members are responsible for the organization's outstanding reputation, and I am honored to recognize Ruth Stroaker, Tony Boone, and Chuck Mudd for contributing to this tradition of excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sea Scout Ship 7916, ``Blue Heron,'' of Occoquan, VA.

Sea Scout Ship 7916 is a young but very active unit in the Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area Council (NCAC). The Ship hosts regular sailing ventures, service projects, training courses, fundraisers and social activities.

Ship 7916 has excelled in obtaining a significant number of awards in a short period, including the NCAC's ``Wardroom Award'' for achievement only four months after being formed. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the Sea Scouts who have received awards in the past calendar year.

NCAC Commodore's Award--Shay Seaborne, Skipper--For devotion and enthusiasm given to Sea Scouting and assistance in the furtherance of the Sea Scout program as the initiator and driving force of the Save der PeLiKan Campaign, which aims to raise $20,000 needed to repair the regional training vessel; NCAC Boatswain of the Year Award--Rebecca Siegal, Boatswain--For outstanding participation in Sea Scouting activities, for conducting training, for enthusiasm, loyalty, team spirit, and leadership given, for a positive attitude, ability to live up to responsibilities, and promoting Sea Scouting in the community; Venturing Advisor Award of Merit--Shay Seaborne, Skipper--For tenure, training, and providing a quality program; NCAC Outstanding Contribution--Karl and Stella Kent--For their generous financial contribution to the Save der PeLiKan fund. NCAC Outstanding Contribution--Skipper's Mate Dr. Rosemary Enright and Don Coulter--For their generous financial contribution to the Save der PeLiKan fund. Catherine A. Mullikan Sea Scout Volunteer of the Year--Rebecca Siegal, Boatswain--For significant service to the community, both inside and outside of Sea Scouting. Sea Scout of the Year Award--Rebecca Siegal, Boatswain--For excellence in advancement, citizenship, leadership and seamanship skills.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Sea Scout Ship 7916 and congratulating its highly decorated membership. They are responsible community partners and uphold the well-respected traditions and principles of scouting.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jin Lee, a resident of Woodbridge, who is representing Virginia at the National Youth Art Month event, ``School Flags Across the U.S. . . . Flying High.''

Jin is a talented 10th grade student from Forest Park High School in Prince William County. He is being recognized along with participants from every other state in the Youth Art Month flag design program. Jin and the rest of the winners will be honored at the Library of Congress on March 25, 2010. Jin will be attending the ceremony with his family and his teacher.

The Council for Art Education sponsors National Youth Art Month, an advocacy program held each March to emphasize the value of art and art education for all children. Students from all over the country participate in the Youth Art Month flag design program with each state selecting the flag that best represents their state and the creative spirit of Youth Art Month.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jin Lee and all the winners of the Youth Art Month flag design program. I also want to recognize every participant for symbolizing the creative spirit of our youth. Their efforts in promoting the importance of art education in this country deserve our highest praise.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the School of Public Policy at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, which has received special recognition from the Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress. The Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center in George Mason's School of Public Policy and the Academy for Education Development have demonstrated exceptional support to the Open World Program and the Congress by acting as national grantees.

The Open World program aims to increase U.S.-Eurasian understanding and partnerships. Since its inception in 1999, the program has introduced more than 15,000 current and future decision makers from Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union to American political and civic life. In addition to Russia, the program includes the former Soviet states of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

On March 8, 2010, the Open World Leadership Center presented the 2010 Open World National Grantee of Merit Award to the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center and the Open World Award for Service to Congress to the Academy for Education Development.

Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing George Mason's School of Public Policy for its exceptional service to Congress and the Open World Program. The school's actions have a profound impact on increasing political and civic discourse between the United States and former Soviet states.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a program which in the last several years has helped more than 40,000 Americans who are blind or who have significant disabilities gain skills and training that ultimately led to gainful employment: The AbilityOne Program.

The AbilityOne Program harnesses the purchasing power of the Federal Government to buy products and services from participating community- based nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to training and employing individuals with disabilities. This program affords Americans with disabilities the opportunity to acquire job skills and training, receive good wages and benefits and gain greater independence and quality of life.

This comes within a segment of the population that has suffered from significant, chronic and unacceptable unemployment. However, opportunities realized through the AbilityOne Program have done much in helping to bring people who are blind or have significant disabilities into a working society. I am proud to recognize Didlake, Inc., located in Virginia's 11th district, as one shining example of a nonprofit agency working through the AbilityOne Program to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

For more than 40 years, Didlake has provided a wide-range of resources to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Didlake offers training and support services to people with significant disabilities leading to employment on federal, state and local contracts such as facility management, mailroom operations, administrative services, fleet management, product packaging and more.

The mission of Didlake stands as a true example of why community nonprofit agencies and programs like AbilityOne are a winning proposition for all parties involved. For an individual with a significant disability who has never had the opportunity to hold a job, be independent, participate in the community, or play an important role in society; the training and support that organizations like Didlake offer, and the employment opportunities afforded through partnership with the AbilityOne Program are truly invaluable.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I extend my support to the AbilityOne Program. I also want to commend the dedication and commitment of Didlake President and CEO Rex Parr and his staff for helping individuals who have significant disabilities find employment. Their work helps people live fuller lives and become more active members of society. I also commend each AbilityOne employee who works every day to improve their lives and support our federal government's mission.

Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rise today to recognize Dr. Judith Falkenrath for her distinguished service to the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) and her years of dedicated service to the well-being and educational development of children in Northern Virginia.

During the last 24 years, Dr. Falkenrath has had immeasurable impacts on the lives of countless children and their families. Beginning in 1986 and continuing for 12 years, Dr. Falkenrath worked with the Fairfax County Office for Children. There she served as Early Childhood Specialist for Community Education as well as Education Coordinator for Fairfax County Head Start.

In 1998, Dr. Falkenrath joined ACCA. Founded in 1967, ACCA was created to address the needs of the working poor in our community. Since that time, ACCA has grown and diversified the services that they offer. Currently ACCA is an alliance of 26 churches in the Annandale area and together they provide assistance in areas such as Child Development Center, Family Emergency Services, Housing Repair, Furniture, Meals on Wheels, Scholarships, Shelter Assistance, and Transportation.

Believing that all children deserve quality care and education, Dr. Falkenrath, as Director of the Child Development Center, has provided leadership and dedication in providing quality preschool education and in furthering the goals of ACCA in reaching out to the poor and disadvantaged in our community. All children are accepted regardless of their circumstances or background.

Although Dr. Falkenrath is retiring from ACCA, where I know she will be sorely missed, I am pleased to note she is continuing to serve the children of Fairfax County as a member of the Child Care Advisory Council.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Judith Falkenrath for her years of service and also in congratulating her on the occasion of her retirement. Her efforts and leadership have been a great benefit to the children of our community, and truly merit our highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady.

We have reached a historic crossroads in our Nation's history. We can choose to set our Nation on the path to improving the access to quality health insurance for millions of Americans and finally containing the cost of that care, or we can continue on the road of the status quo, threatening to leave more families without basic care and bankrupting the engine of our economy.

This bill in front of us today, this historic bill meets the four tests my constituents set for it:

Will it bring down premium costs for families and small businesses? Yes, it will.

Will it reduce the deficit? Yes, it will. Now and in the future.

Will it protect their choice of plan and doctor? Yes, it will.

Will it improve access to care? Yes, it will.

We have heard a lot of fear, we have heard a lot of disinformation. But I quote today on the Sabbath 2 Timothy 1:7, ``For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Catherine Menninger who is celebrating her 80th birthday this week. Ms. Menninger has selflessly committed her life to public service, making a positive impact to the lives of hundreds of children through the organization she helped establish, CEP Youth Leadership Inc. in La Grange, Illinois.

Ms. Menninger was born on March 16, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York. The daughter of Italian immigrants, she grew up in the Belmont Community of the Bronx, where she was one of the first lay people allowed to teach religious education at the Holy Rosary in the Bronx. In the 1960s she moved to Chicago.

In 1978, Ms. Menninger helped found CEP Youth Leadership Inc., which develops child enrichment programs and peer counseling programs for a diverse group of youth. Ms. Menninger served as the executive director of CEP from October 1980 until September of 1991. After her tenure, Ms. Menninger continued to work at CEP as the tutoring and mentoring coordinator. In addition to her extraordinary work with CEP, Ms. Menninger has opened her home to more than 100 foster teens.

Her tremendous contributions have been recognized through the United Way Voluntary Action Award for Outstanding Achievement, the Western Springs Citizen of the Year Award and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year Award in 1999. Also, in 1995 CEP established the Catherine Menninger Scholarship.

Today Ms. Menninger works as a life coach. She is blessed with five children Chris, Cathy, Carl, Carolyn and Lisa and six grandchildren Katie, Megan, Tyler, Alex, Sarah and TJ.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Catherine Menninger for her years of service and congratulating her on the occasion of her 80th birthday. Her efforts and leadership have been a great benefit to the children of her community and truly merit our highest praise.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, joined by my colleagues Representative Frank Wolf and Representative James Moran, to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. Nearly 80 individuals are receiving awards at the 2010 ceremony in a variety of categories: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal of Valor.

Four members of the Herndon Police Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that we submit their names into the Congressional Record:

Recipients of the 2010 Lifesaving Award are: Corporal Robert Galpin, Senior Police Officer Justin Dyer and Officer Jeffrey Lange.

Recipients of the 2010 Certificate of Valor are: Corporal Robert Galpin, Senior Police Officer Mark Fraser.

Madam Speaker, we would like to thank all of the men and women who serve in the Herndon Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in commending this group of remarkable citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, joined by my colleagues Representative Frank Wolf and Representative James Moran, to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. Nearly 80 individuals are receiving awards at the 2010 ceremony in a variety of categories: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal of Valor.

Five members of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that we submit their names into the Congressional Record:

Recipient of the 2010 Certificate of Valor is: Second Lieutenant William A. Cooper

Recipient of the 2010 Silver Medal of Valor is: Sergeant Shannon T. Willey

Recipients of the 2010 Bronze Medal of Valor are: Second Lieutenant Charles E. Formeck, Private First Class Frederick H. Cameron and Private First Class Jesse Hernandez.

Madam Speaker, we would like to thank all of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in commending this group of remarkable citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, joined by my colleagues Representative Frank Wolf and Representative James Moran, to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. Nearly 80 individuals are receiving awards at the 2010 ceremony in a variety of categories: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal of Valor.

Sixty-two members of the Fairfax County Police Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that we submit their names into the Congressional Record:

Recipients of the 2010 Life Saving Award are: Police Officer First Class Scott J. Abram, Officer Eric Acevedo, Officer Robert J. Gogan, Officer Chad T. Cosgrove, Police Officer First Class Ronald J. Grecco, Police Officer First Class Michael G. Green, Police Officer First Class Marisa D. Kuhar, Police Officer First Class Justin E. Lascola, Police Officer First Class Brendan D. Miller, Police Officer First Class Sean P. Regan, Police Officer First Class John Spata III, Officer Andrew P. Courter, Police Officer First Class Nicholas A. Gruber, Detective Andrew L. Smuck, Police Officer First Class Luis E. Martinez, Police Officer First Class Larry W. St. Clair, Officer Brian J. McClelland, Officer Terence M. Stokes Jr., Police Officer First Class Christopher S. Newton, Police Officer First Class Ali Sepehri, Police Officer First Class Joshua D. Shoemaker, Auxiliary Police Officer Jorge A. Canovas, Master Police Officer Paul Pickett Jr., Master Police Officer Marshall E. Thielen, Private First Class Brian Byerson, Police Officer First Class Daniel W. Pang.

Recipients of the 2010 Certificate of Valor are: Police Officer First Class Brian J. Ames, Police Officer First Class Justin M. Urbaniak, Police Officer First Class Donald W. Amos Jr., Police Officer First Class Katherine S. Wright, Police Officer First Class John T. Asper, Officer Patrick C. Briant, Police Officer First Class Kenneth M. Bridgeman, Police Officer First Class James L. Thur, Police Officer First Class John P. Brusch, Police Officer First Class David Kroll, Master Police Officer Alice E. Eggers, Master Police Officer Robert M. Evans, Police Officer First Class John R. DeBonis Jr., Police Officer First Class Christopher J. Elliott, Police Officer First Class Julia M. Elliott, Police Officer First Class Craig A. Thibault, Helicopter Pilot Jason Post, Officer Eric R. Glueckert, Police Officer First Class Nicholas A. Gruber, Police Officer First Class David W. Kennedy, Police Officer First Class Peter L. Micker, Police Officer First Class Steven C. Nance, Police Officer First Class Michelle P. Letellier, Officer Kevin J. Rusin, Officer Alyson R. White

Recipient of the 2010 Silver Medal of Valor is: Police Officer First Class Matthew J. Allen

Recipients of the 2010 Bronze Medal of Valor is: Police Officer First Class Bruce E. Blackwell, Police Officer First Class Thomas R. Divers, Police Officer First Class Jose R. Morillo, Officer Christopher L. Ganci, Police Officer First Class Brooks R. Gillingham, Officer Beth L. Gardner, Police Officer First Class David J. Montgomery, Detective Steven A. Wahrhaftig, Detective Patrick S. O'Hara.

Recipient of the 2010 Meritorious Service Award: Canine Molly

Madam Speaker, we would like to thank all of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Police Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in commending this group of remarkable citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, joined by my colleagues Representative Frank Wolf and Representative James Moran, to recognize an outstanding group of men and women in Northern Virginia. These individuals have demonstrated superior dedication to public safety and have been awarded the prestigious Valor Award by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

The Valor Awards recognize remarkable heroism and bravery in the line of duty exemplified by our public safety agencies and their commitment to the community. Our public safety and law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line everyday to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. Nearly 80 individuals are receiving awards at the 2010 ceremony in a variety of categories: The Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal of Valor.

Eight members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department are being honored this year for their exceptional service. It is with great pride that we submit their names into the Congressional Record:

Recipients of the 2010 Certificate of Valor are: Firefighter Jessica T. Pickett, Volunteer Firefighter Bryan Zissel, Battalion Chief Richard Roatch, Firefighter Brian Snyder and Firefighter Claude R. Johnson.

Recipients of the 2010 Silver Medal of Valor are: Fire Technician Eric S. Craven and Master Technician Steven Schellhammer.

Recipient of the 2010 Bronze Medal of Valor is: Firefighter Nathaniel R. Moore.

Madam Speaker, we would like to thank all of the men and women who serve in the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Fairfax County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. We ask our colleagues to join us in commending this group of remarkable citizens.

Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from California, and I rise in full support of H.R. 3644, the Ocean, Coastal and Watershed Training Act. I was proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill which creates the Bay Watershed Education and Training program.

Dozens of my constituents have written in support of the Bay Watershed Education and Training program which will strengthen local environmental education in Northern Virginia and in other parts of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

When John Smith arrived in 1607, the bay estuary, the largest in the country, had an unbelievable profusion of fish, oysters and mussels. Smith's men fished from their boats just by dipping a frying pan in the water, and Smith wrote that the oysters ``lay thick as stones'' on the bay floor. Not true today.

A central part of restoring America's largest estuary is teaching the next generation about how to be good bay stewards. Northern Virginia educators do an outstanding job teaching students about the environment, including issues ranging from global warming to acid rain, to the health of the bay itself.

Every year, thousands of students will visit Occoquan Bay Wildlife Refuge, Mason Neck State Park and Pohick Bay Regional Park to learn about the Potomac River tidal ecosystems.

Unfortunately, constraints on local resources have prevented most northern Virginia students from participating lately in these programs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will work with local school systems and nonprofits in the Bay Watershed Education and Training program and will provide competitive grants to help more students participate.

In our area, the National Capital Region, this means more students will be able to participate in bird-banding programs, surveys of benthic macroinvertebrates and exploration of coastal wetlands.

I want to thank Congresswoman Capps for her leadership in introducing this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill.