Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 363, a resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.

Before leaving their homes, our public safety officers put on their uniforms and say goodbye to their family every day, as they knowingly put their lives on the line to serve their communities and make our country a better place.

In 1962, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy signed into law a proclamation that made May 15 of every year ``Peace Officers Memorial Day'' in honor of the Federal, State, and local officers who have been killed, disabled, or otherwise injured in the line of duty.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow that I rise to recognize the life of John Joseph Donohue, a Sergeant in the Fairfax County Police Department who gave his life to serving his community.

Sergeant Donohue served the people of Virginia's 11th District for 18 and a half years, assigned to the Fair Oaks District, answering the call time and time again from constituents in need.

Before his long service to Fairfax County, Sergeant Donohue previously served as an auxiliary police officer with the Dumon Police Department in New Jersey.

I join the entirety of Virginia's 11th District in sending our deepest condolences to his wife, family, and fellow officers at the Fair Oaks District Station and with Fairfax County Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2021 and 2022 Fairfax Federation of Citizens' Associations Citizen of the Year Awards.

The Federation is a coalition of civic and homeowners' associations who work together to promote and support initiatives that will benefit all. Each year, the Federation honors individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our community. It is my honor to include in the Record the following individuals.

Marco Johnson has been an expert in emergency preparedness for Fairfax County. Marco has worked with County government leaders and citizens across the county leading county teams, multi-county teams and integrated state teams for the Emergency Management Volunteer Corps, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the American Red Cross in developing and implementing disaster preparedness programs. Mr. Johnson has represented the county public health department, the Fairfax County Citizen Corp Council, and public health leaders at all levels in designing and implementing County emergency awareness programs and projects to respond to emergency vulnerabilities.

John Litzenberger sets an outstanding example of civic participation. John served on the Fairfax County Planning Commission from 2007 to 2015 as the Sully District commissioner, and a member of its Housing Committee and Capital Improvement Committee. He previously served on the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority for four years. John has been active in local land use committees and task forces for over 40 years, going back to the Centreville Core Study in 1982.

Commissioner Peter F. ``Pete'' Murphy has been an active member of the community for many decades. In 1982, Pete was appointed to the Planning Commission by the Board of Supervisors, serving as its Chairman since 1989. During this time, he played a critical role in transforming the County from a sleepy bedroom community to the economic powerhouse it is today. He has been a leader in land use policy in Fairfax County as we know it from Springfield District cases like Fairfax Corner and Fair Lakes to countywide cases like the Tysons Plan.

Michele Menapace has been serving Fairfax communities for over a dozen years. She has served on the Human Services Council advising the Board of Supervisors on budgetary matters. As well, she helps ensure that federal Community Service Block Grants are efficiently spent on the needs of people living in poverty via her appointment to the Community Action Advisory Board. Over the years, Michele has served on numerous other county boards.

Linda Moore has dedicated years of time to the service of the elderly, emotionally and socially challenged adults, domestic and sexual violence. She has been very involved with the Medical Reserve Corps & Fairfax County Department of transportation events as a volunteer. She also has worked for four years with another group within the Department of Family Services, DSVS, helping them bring attention and awareness to the issues of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. Linda Moore exemplifies courage in volunteering and serves as a role model for others.

Paula Lettice has been a dedicated volunteer and board member of several organizations here in Fairfax County for over two decades and is a role model for her community. Since 2020, Paula has served as the President of the Board of Directors for Mount Vernon at Home, a local organization that serves residents aged 55 and over who are choosing to remain in their homes in Mount Vernon as they age and is a part of a national movement of senior Villages. During the pandemic, Ms. Lettice has been a true leader for the organization, helping shift their fundraising efforts to virtual events, while still utilizing local businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking these incredible individuals and in congratulating them on being honored by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens' Associations. Civic engagement is the foundation of a healthy community, and Fairfax County residents enjoy an exceptional quality of life due in part to the efforts of these individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and to congratulate the recipients of its Annual Awards of Excellence. Founded in 1989, the mission of GOPIO is battling human rights violations committed against persons of Indian origin. Today, while that mission continues, GOPIO has also broadened its mission to include bringing together persons of Indian origin for the benefit of not only themselves and their Indian homeland, but also the communities in which they currently reside.

Indian-Americans have made countless contributions to the United States in the fields of business, education, medicine, science, technology, and public service while preserving and sharing their culture in a manner that promotes tolerance and mutual understanding.

Many of our awardees tonight have been at the forefront of those efforts. It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the following individuals:

Education--Dr. Michael Rao, President of Virginia Commonwealth University.

Medicine--Dr. Siva Subramaniam, Emeritus Professor George Washington University and Hospital.

Philanthropy & Community Service--Mayur Shah.

Journalism--Dr. Rajeev Bhambri, Chief Executive Officer of New India Abroad Newspaper Journalism.

Public Service--Dr. Rahul Gupta, Director of National Drug Control Policy and leader of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

Arts & Culture--Vatsala Mehra, Vocal artist.

Arts & Culture--Navin K KC, Choreographer.

Social Services--Mayur Mody.

Science & Technology--Sant Gupta.

Northern Virginia, which I am proud to represent in Congress, is blessed by its diversity. We are home to more than 40,000 people of Indian descent as well as many Indian-American owned small businesses. This diversity enriches our entire community and contributes to our region being considered one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, raise a family, and start a business.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the GOPIO Awards of Excellence on their accomplishments. I commend them for their service to their communities and to our Nation, and I wish them success in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Volunteer Fairfax and express my sincere appreciation to recipients of the 2023 Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.

Established more than 45 years ago, Volunteer Fairfax matches the skills and interests of thousands of volunteers with the needs of local non-profit organizations. The success of this model and its impact on delivery of needed services is beyond question; Volunteer Fairfax has been rated as one of the most effective community service organizations in the Nation.

Last year alone, over 9,500 individuals contributed more than 20,865 volunteer hours totaling $642,642 in value-added service to the greater community. These staggering numbers are a testament to the strong ethos of public service and of volunteerism that exists in Fairfax County and is one of the many reasons why this community is such a wonderful place to live.

Each year, Volunteer Fairfax selects a few exceptional individuals, groups, or organizations to receive special recognition. It is my great pleasure to include in the Record the following names of the 2023 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards honorees:

Ellicia Seard-McCormick--VF Amplify Award

Tanja Majca--Chairman's Champion

Mark E. Tonkovic--Mason District Champion

Charlotte Hannagan--Braddock District Champion

Elaine Tholen--Dranesville Community Champion

Carl Sell--Franconia District Champion

William G. Bouie--Hunter Mill District Champion

Machand Family--Mount Vernon District Champion

Cathy Jaquette--Providence District Champion

Sal Speziale--Springfield District Champion

Ellanor C Lawrence Park Friends--Sully District Champion

Wayne Vick--Fairfax County Champion, Individual

Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)--Fairfax County Champion, Group

In addition, Benchmark Honors will be awarded in four different categories to commend those who have contributed 100, 250, 500, or 1,000 hours of volunteer time to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Volunteer Fairfax for its decades of outstanding community service. I congratulate the recipients of the 2023 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards and thank them and the thousands of other local volunteers for their incredible contributions to our community. Their selfless dedication is worthy of our highest praise and is one of the main reasons that our community is often ranked as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jeffrey ``Jeff'' W. Donahue, a resident of Virginia's 11th Congressional District, as he celebrates his 100th birthday on May 14th of this year.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Donahue in 2019 at a Memorial Day Ceremony in the town of Vienna, Virginia. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Donahue was a naval aviator flying an F4F in combat missions in the Pacific Theater while serving aboard the USS Salamaua. His remarks at the ceremony focused on his service to his country and the sacrifices made by many members of his generation who lost their lives in the war. He was 96 at the time, yet he spoke with clarity as though he were talking about events he had just experienced. Following World War II, he continued his military service in the reserves, when he was called once more to serve as a flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida during the Korean war.

Like so many military veterans, Mr. Donahue took advantage of the G.I. Bill to earn a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut. He then pursued a career in the insurance industry with Fireman's Fund Insurance, which took him and his growing family on a journey to many cities on the east coast until their final move to Fairfax County in 1970.

Service to his country and community defines Mr. Donahue's life. For years, he has been an active member of his church and volunteered as a tutor for elementary school children into his mid-90s.

There is an adage that age is just a number, which certainly holds true for Mr. Donahue and his wife, Barbara. Over their 72 years together they have raised 6 children, 5 of whom graduated from James Madison High School. As their family tree grows, they now have 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren who affectionately call them Pop and Gram.

Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate Jeff's 100th birthday, I want to extend my best wishes for a joyful gathering of family and friends. I also extend my appreciation for his service to our country. Happy 100th birthday, Jeff.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Michael O'Reilly as the Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston's Citizen of the Year. Mr. O'Reilly is the 54th recipient of this highest honor, presented annually by the club.

Mike was selected for his many years of tireless service to the town. A former Herndon Mayor and Town Council member, he was committed to using his position as an elected official to better the lives of the people of Herndon. During his term he was able to maintain a high level of service while also accomplishing such things as opening a new Police Station, opening a well-regulated day labor site, and opening a new Senior Center.

After he left elected office, Mr. O'Reilly continued his service to the community. He served five years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). At the time he joined the MWAA Board, Dulles was undergoing major renovations and upgrades, spending roughly two million dollars a day, building a new runway, building an underground rail system, expanding the main terminal, and reconfiguring the entrance and approach roadways to accommodate expected growth.

During his time with MWAA, he was involved in the negotiations for the design, financing, and construction of Phase 1 of the Silver Line Metrorail Project and the procurement and contract award for Phase 2 of that project. The opening of the Herndon Station and the Innovation Station would not have been possible without his tenacity and commitment to his vision of extending rail to Dulles.

In his professional life, Mike is the owner of the O'Reilly Law Firm in Herndon and serves on the Board of Directors of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a leader in the Chamber, he chairs the Herndon Committee, which engages and supports Herndon businesses.

Among his many contributions to the greater community, Mike has worked to prevent and end homelessness in his position as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Fairfax Falls Church Partnership. Under his leadership, Fairfax County was able to reduce the homeless population by 46 percent through collaboration between faith-based groups, service providers, and community volunteers.

Mr. O'Reilly now serves as the Chairman of the Board for Arts Herndon. In this role, he is working to bring a new Art Center to downtown Herndon, aided by a 1.2-million-dollar Fairfax County construction grant that he, in conjunction with the Mayor and Town representatives, worked to obtain.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Michael O'Reilly on this award and thanking him for his committed and selfless service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May 16th as Hereditary Angioedema Awareness Day and to call attention to challenges and opportunities faced by this patient community. Angioedema (HAE) is a rare, severe, and potentially life-threatening genetic condition in about 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 50,000 people. HAE symptoms include painful and disabling episodes of edema, or swelling, in all body parts including the abdomen. Throat swelling can close the airway and cause death by asphyxiation. While minor trauma or stress may trigger an attack, swelling often occurs without a known trigger. Symptoms of hereditary angioedema typically begin in childhood and worsen during puberty. Untreated individuals may have an attack every 1 to 2 weeks with most episodes lasting 3 to 4 days.

HAE used to be associated with an incredibly high mortality rate, but recent breakthroughs in medical science have taken the condition from a death sentence to a manageable chronic illness. With the advent of innovative therapies, HAE patients no longer experience disability and dependency, but rather live full, productive, and largely suffering- free lives. HAE affected individuals require near constant access to life-saving care and medication and additional research advancements are needed to sustain progress toward an elusive cure.

Loss of productivity at work and school is one of the many side effects of those suffering from HAE, particularly when it is not managed correctly and comprehensively. In an earlier survey conducted by the U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association, 57 percent of patients reported as not having equal advancement in career pathways and 48 percent stated they did not achieve the educational level that they wanted.

With significant improvements in care and outcomes, HAE patients now sometimes face arbitrary barriers to accessing care and therapies. Some of these barriers are related to a lack of information and awareness about rare disease experiences in general. Other barriers are related to problematic coverage policies, such as fail first protocols, access to copayment and charitable assistance, and prior authorization requirements. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to improve coverage and access and lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients with rare and chronic illnesses.

I call on my colleagues to continue to support efforts to advance medical research, improve coverage and access, enhance patient care, and join me in recognizing May 16th as Hereditary Angioedema Awareness Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and work of Kim Hosen. Kim was a dedicated environmentalist who made significant contributions to the protection and preservation of the natural habitats in Prince William County, Virginia.

Kim was the founding Executive Director of the Prince William Conservation Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the natural resources of the region. Kim's tireless efforts led to the protection of approximately 300 acres of land, creating the Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, and establishing the Bluebell Festival, which celebrates the acquisition of this area, which now attracts nearly 1,000 people annually. Additionally, Kim initiated the Wildlife Garden, which showcases what is possible for backyard habitats, and launched the Merrimac Farm VA Master Naturalist Chapter. I was proud to partner with her to fight for an environmentally just solution to coal ash pollution at Possum Point.

Kim was instrumental in establishing 40 miles of scenic by-ways all located in the Rural Crescent. She also led the effort to rewrite the Environment and the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Chapter of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, further demonstrating her unwavering commitment to protecting the unique habitats and quality of life for all residents of Prince William County.

Her consistent, reliable, and knowledgeable voice for the environment and healthy communities made her an invaluable resource for Prince William County Planning Commissioners, the Board of County Supervisors, and residents who sought her expertise on how to best protect the natural resources of the area.

Kim's contributions were recognized throughout her career. These include the Conservation and Environmental Education for Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2004, Conservationist of the Year from Ducks Unlimited in 2006 and 2015, Influential Women Award from Prince William Living in 2015, Native Plant Champion from Plant NoVA Natives in 2016, and the Certificate of Appreciation from the Committee of 100 in 2022.

Kim's legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the natural habitats she helped protect. Her commitment to preserving the environment and educating future generations will continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Kim will always be remembered as a remarkable environmentalist who made a lasting impact on the world around her. She is survived by her two sons, Eli and Jake. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends and our entire community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the life of Kim Hosen and in sending her family our sincere condolences.

Mr. Speaker, I have worked on issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for over four decades since I began as a staffer on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 1979. Israel, led by leaders like Golda Meir and Moshe Dayan, was David fighting Goliath--a young, bold democracy under threats from every direction. Israel has long been America's strongest ally, and our support for Israel's democracy, economic stability, and defense is ironclad. On the 75th anniversary of Israel's independence, I am proud to vote for a resolution that supports this remarkable milestone.

With that said, I am extremely disappointed that the resolution missed a crucial opportunity. The juxtaposition is startling: This resolution presumes business as usual when it is anything but. We have reached an inflection point in the U.S.-Israel relationship. For 70 years, we have found common cause with Israel because they have been the only democracy in the Middle East. For the first time in our history, an Israeli Prime Minister has put bipartisan support for Israel in jeopardy by exploiting partisan fissures within the United States, rejecting the notion of a two-state solution and opting to advance his own right-wing political agenda.

Netanyahu's cabinet of right-wing extremists has put the very rights and political inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals, women, secular Jews, Palestinians, and Arabs alike in peril. As the United States continues to play a crucial role in supporting Israel, on a bipartisan basis, we must be clear that an aggressive anti-democratic tilt in Israel threatens our strong, longstanding partnership based on shared democratic values.

The resolution unfortunately did not mention the longstanding, bipartisan support for a two-state solution, nor did it condemn attacks against Israel's democratic institutions, including an independent judiciary, and incitements of violence against Palestinians.

When Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made comments on March 3, 2023, suggesting the Palestinian city Huwara ``needs to be wiped out, but the State of Israel needs to do it,'' Arab nations involved in the Abraham Accords immediately condemned this abhorrent incitement of violence. To be clear, the actions of Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich to bless settler violence, incite violence against Palestinians, and threaten annexation of large portions of the West Bank imperil the Abraham Accords themselves, let alone the prospects for expansion to other Arab nations.

I will cast my vote in support of Israel and the Abraham Accords, with great concern. My hope is that constructive U.S. engagement, and the will of the Israeli people in favor of a peaceful, demilitarized, democratic Jewish state, will be the forces that prevail.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Reverend Dr. Eugene Johnson on his retirement after 30 years of faithful leadership at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centreville, Virginia. Mount Olive Baptist Church has served the spiritual needs of those in the Centreville and Northern Virginia communities for nearly 120 years, and Dr. Johnson's leadership has positioned this institution for another century of success.

Rev. Dr. Eugene Johnson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in nearby Oakville. His father was a minister and his mother worked avidly for the good of the community. Dr. Johnson received a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Southern University, Baton Rouge, in 1970. He earned his Master of Divinity Degree at Howard University in 1989, and in 2006, the Richmond Virginia Seminary conferred on him the prestigious Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree for his exemplary leadership and service.

Before assuming full-time pastoral duties, Dr. Johnson was known as a national expert in design, art, and architecture. He served as the principle Resident Architect with the Federal Highway Administration and was credited as being the first African American in many of the agency's national accomplishments. Dr. Johnson has been recognized for his efforts that resulted in the designation of ``All-American Road'' to the historic Selma-to-Montgomery March for Voting Rights route. This march, led by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., began on March 21, 1965, with 3,200 marchers. Four days later, on March 25, 1965, 25,000 marchers had joined.

In 1992, Dr. Eugene Johnson assumed the leadership of Mount Olive Baptist Church. Under his guidance, the Church has experienced unprecedented growth in not only the number of members, but also in its activities and influence. Membership has increased nearly ten-fold from 250 members in 1992 to more than 2,000 today, including many young people.

Dr. Johnson inspired his congregation with his timely sermons and his compassion for all people in every aspect of their lives. In the midst of a global pandemic, Dr. Johnson led Mount Olive Baptist Church in continuing the good works of ministering to the hopeless, caring for the sick and shut-in, providing food for the hungry, and speaking up for the voiceless. He truly embodied the congregation's core values of community and service throughout this unprecedented time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Rev. Dr. Eugene Johnson on this momentous occasion, and in commending him for his service to Mount Olive Baptist Church and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and work of David Allen Starr. David devoted himself to his family and his community, and he will be deeply missed.

David grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and studied at Miami University before receiving his law degree from Washington University. Prior to his prestigious law career, David worked closely with Senator Howard Metzenbaum, rising to become a trusted legislative director. His work to reach across the aisle and pursue practical bipartisan solutions was widely respected, even earning praise from the late Bob Dole.

After leaving Capitol Hill, David continued to work in the area, joining the Williams and Jensen law firm in 1989. He would go on to spend 32 years collaborating with this team to come up with solutions to complex issues facing consumers and manufacturers alike. His work for U.S. tailored clothing manufacturers, as well as wool and cotton manufacturers, both saved jobs and preserved a historic and vital sector of the American workforce.

Outside of his work, David lived an adventurous and full life. He loved to sail, and often took advantage of breaks in the Congressional schedule to explore the Chesapeake Bay on the aptly named Recess. He was a frequent and accomplished cyclist, completing multiple century rides to support Multiple Sclerosis research.

Perhaps his most well-known and beloved contribution to the Northern Virginia community, David teamed up with his wife Amy to turn their coffee-roasting hobby into the Beanetics microroasting house in Annandale. They have provided countless Virginians with high quality coffee, fueling public, private, and non-profit enterprises alike.

Beanetics has donated their time, talent, and money to aid in countless causes in our region. They donate coffee to local schools and community groups, offer wall space to artists in the area, and belong to the Annandale Chamber of Commerce.

They are a model small business, and a team I am proud to know well. I was proud to partner with Beanetics to win both the 2014 and 2015 Annandale Bed Race, an annual competition to raise funds for the Virginia Special Olympics. If there is an opportunity to engage with the community, Beanetics will be there.

David was a devoted family man, and he will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife Amy and their son Adam, alongside his mother Joyce, his brothers Sandi and Barry, and countless other friends and family members.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commemorating the joyful and resilient life of David Allen Starr and in sending his family our sincere condolences.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 85th Anniversary, as well as incoming 2023 officers, of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department.

Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1938, the OWLVFD is comprised of committed community members who volunteer their time, energy, and financial resources to ensuring the safety of the families and property in and around Woodbridge. During its 85-year history, the Department has continued to expand and there are now three stations staffed by over 200 volunteers who serve and protect an ever-growing local population. From their bravery in action, to their presence with the youth in the community, OWLVFD is readily available for the families of Woodbridge.

It is with great honor I include in the Record the names of the following Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department Officers:

Operational Officers:

Lt. Aundrea Bonilla, Lt. Mark Powers, Lt. Michael Yankaskas, Lt. Jonathan Baldwin, Lt. Reggie Lawrence, Capt. Melissa Westphal, Capt. Steve Godin, Capt. Scott Shaw, Assistant Chief Sandra Williams, Assistant Chief Kurt Bolland, Assistant Chief Ernest DeSantis, Assistant Chief Ryan Williams, Chief Wayne Haight.

Administrative Officers:

Sergeant at Arms--Mark Bauer, Election Officer--Sabrina Brandon Ricks, Treasurer--Debbie Haight, Membership Secretary--Stacey Godin, Executive Vice President--Sue Wessolleck.

Board of Directors:

Jonathan Baldwin, Frank Bruno, Mike Clark, Dee Gottman, Brenda Kuhn, Melissa Payne, Stephanie Powers, Steve Simmons, President--Dave Williams.

Auxiliary Officers:

Chaplain--Rita Arrington, Treasurer--Frances Spicer, Secretary--Sara Baldwin, Vice President--Kara Simmons, President--Leslie Quinn.

While a new executive board has been elected and new officers sworn in, the mission of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department remains the same. These volunteers continue to put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the residents of the area and have educated and mentored youth, not only teaching fire safety education, but also strengthening community relations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 85th Anniversary of the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department and their service to our country and steadfast commitment to their community and in congratulating the newly elected officers and board members. I thank them for their dedication and to all I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 156th Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 26 graduates to reflect on the history of the department and the contributions and dedication of the brave men and women who have served before them to protect our community.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Recruit School consists of an extensive and demanding 22-week program. In addition to two weeks of orientation, recruits completed nine weeks of EMT training and eleven weeks of fire suppression training. Upon graduation, these recruits will be certified at the level of Firefighter I/II by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs.

These recruits have the distinct honor of joining one of the best Fire and Rescue Departments in the United States. The efforts of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department have been recognized across this country. Members from the Department serve on the elite VA Task Force 1, which is among the first units called to disaster zones to provide search and rescue support. Members of that Task Force were recognized by the International Association of Fire Chiefs with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Valor as a result of their efforts in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Nepal in 2015.

Fairfax County is fortunate to have such excellent ambassadors for our community and I commend them for all that they have done to protect lives and property not only here in Fairfax County, but around the world. As the newest members of the Fire and Rescue Department, the 156th Recruit Class graduates join the department as integral parts of our community's emergency response and public safety team. I am confident that this graduating class will serve the residents of Fairfax County with honor and distinction. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the 156th Recruit Class:

John W. Anderson

Toma C. Anescu

Ariel L. Antons

Natas J. Bache

Trent Z. Barlow

Shane W. Bloom

James R. Brown III

Jacob R. Christian

Ryan A. Comer

Alyssa R. D'Anna

William C. Dolan

Ryan S. Kaminski

John S. Kolacz

Ian J. Luffred

Christopher T. Lunde

Brian S. Maphis

William F. Montgomery

Hailey E. Moore

Matthew A. Mudar

Nancy L. Reed

Cody N. Shaffer

Casey E. Sullivan

Garrett S. Thompson

Thomas J. Tufano

Garrett M. Tullos

Jason R. Upchurch

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the newest members of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. I thank them for their service to their community and to all members of the Fire and Rescue Department, past and present, I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2023 Fairfax County Student Peace Awards.

The Fairfax County Student Peace Awards began with one high school in 2006 to encourage high school aged students to think about peace as both a means and an end, and to recognize young people who work as peacemakers. By 2013, the program was being offered in every public high school in Fairfax County, as well as in many private schools.

Participating high schools choose one Junior or Senior, or one student group active in promoting peace or removing the causes of conflict. Examples of outreach include committing to peace by engaging in activities that strive to end conflict, either locally or globally, promoting the understanding of divisive issues and situations to bridge differences, and working to resolve conflicts among students or members of the community who feel isolated or alienated.

I am pleased to include in the Record the names of this year's Student Peace Award winners:

Filimon Meaza, Annandale High School; Debora Horng, Centreville High School; Ella Ostlund, Chantilly High School; Ella Duncan-High, Edison High School; Adan Eftekhari, Fairfax High School; Lucia Patino Iporre, Falls Church High School; Ash Bulmer, Hayfield Secondary School; Amanda Green, Herndon High School; Girl Up, Justice High School; Nadine Elosta, King Abdullah Academy (KAA); Jessica Sim, Lake Braddock Secondary School; Bareen (Bree) Yagana, Langley High School; Mohamed Karim EI-Gaili, John. R. Lewis High School; Matthew Sullivan, Madison High School.

No Place for Hate, Marshall High School; Saehee Perez, McLean High School; Amare D'Agostino, Mount Vernon High School; Aaliyah Garnett, Mountain View High School; Frank Marquez, Quander Road School; Jaeda Lawton, Robinson Secondary School; John Claude Shaffer, South County High School; Urooj Khattak, South Lakes High School; Social Change Club, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; Sarah Salama, West Potomac High School; Muqtader Zahid, West Springfield High School; Cameron Kasper, Westfield High School; UNICEF Club, Woodson High School.

Mr. Speaker, the efforts of these young people are the building blocks of a more peaceful and tolerant world. I commend them on their efforts and dedication and ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating each award recipient and thanking them as well as Fairfax County Public School System and sponsor organizations for all they have done for our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 75th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for filling an essential role in keeping our community safe.

The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department was founded in January 1948, and for more than seven decades it has provided lifesaving fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Burke and the surrounding communities. It also provides, houses, and maintains firefighting and emergency medical equipment, provides opportunities for professional growth and development for the membership, and maintains and fosters a strong viable organization.

As one of the county's most active volunteer fire and rescue departments, the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department works in cooperation with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department to serve the community. I am honored to recognize the dedicated men and women of the Burke Volunteer Fire Department who have volunteered for extra duty as Officers or as members of the Board of Directors and to include their names in the Record:

Board of Directors:

President--Ian Dickinson

Vice President--John Powers

Secretary--Maria Suarez Ortiz

Treasurer--Larry Bocknek

Director--Kathleen Beer

Director--James Stahlman

Director--Kenneth Senn

Officers:

Chief--Keith O'Connor

Deputy Chief--Tina Godfrey

Deputy Chief--John Hudak

Captain--Melissa Ashby

Captain--Kevin Grottle

Lieutenant--Caitlin Edwards

Sergeant--Gavin Kuzemchak

Sergeant--Noah Bilger

In addition to the men and women who have generously assumed the responsibilities of serving as an Officer or a member of the Board of Directors, the Burke Volunteer Fire Department is also presenting awards to the following individuals in recognition of their exemplary service during the last year:

Rookie of the Year--James Stahlman

Officer of the Year--Gavin Kuzemchak

EMS Officer of the Year--Noah Bilger

Career Member of the Year--Charles Arntson

Founders Award--Charlene Murphy

Administrative Member of the Year--Matt Bryant

Administrative Member of the Year--Tonya McCreary

Chief's Award--Thomas Warnock

President's Award--Larry Bocknek

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for 75 years of service and in thanking all of the

brave volunteers who do not hesitate to drop everything when the community calls in need of help. To all of these men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect our residents I say: ``Stay safe.''