Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished service organization, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD), and to celebrate the chartering of their Fairfax County Chapter.

The story of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. began in 1964 with a simple lunch invitation. When Mrs. Willie Lee Glass was unable to attend a luncheon hosted by Mrs. Lyndon Baines Johnson, she asked Major Ozell M. Dean to attend in her place. Inspired by what she witnessed at that gathering, Major Dean reached out to Mrs. Glass and other distinguished Texas women to explore the possibility of forming an organization dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by youth in their communities.

From its inaugural meeting on June 4, 1964, at Texas College in Tyler, Texas, TLOD has grown into a renowned national service organization with 135 chapters and over 5,300 members across the country. Their mission has expanded to include service initiatives for youth, women, senior citizens, community beautification, and strategic partnerships.

A cornerstone of their efforts remains the Top Teens of America (TTA) program, which provides young people with educational, social, cultural, and economic development opportunities. Today, more than 3,200 Top Teens benefit from this vital program.

Now, in 2025, the Fairfax County Chapter joins this legacy of service under the leadership of:

Amber R. Talbert, President

Dr. Charlotte Lofton, 1st Vice President

Millisa Lucas Gary, 2nd Vice President

Angel Lungelow Cooper, Recording Secretary

Indra' Gibson, Treasurer

Crystal Bivens, Financial Secretary

Marlo Thomas Watson, TTA Advisor

Additionally, the chapter is privileged to have Lady Tangie Lafaye Phair as its Organizer, guiding a distinguished group of charter members committed to advancing TLOD's mission in Fairfax County. Under the visionary leadership of National Area II Director Lady Hope V. Ruffin and President and CEO, Lady Eddie Lee Marsh, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. continues to leave a lasting impact on communities across the Nation through service, mentorship, and advocacy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fairfax County Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. I commend these outstanding women for their dedication to service, mentorship, and community engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2025 recipients of the IES Sales Excellence Awards presented by the institute for Excellence in Sales & Business Development.

IES was created to foster excellence in business sales and development practices and to help sales professionals and organizations maximize their efforts. Each year, IES recognizes individuals, teams, and organizations who demonstrate exemplary performance through leadership, risk taking, innovation, vision, and customer development.

I am proud to include in the Record the following awardees:

Anthony Robbins is receiving the 15th Institute for

Excellence in Sales Lifetime Achievement Award. Anthony was

the Senior Vice President, Federal Sales for NVIDIA. He has

been responsible for supporting federal customers and their

missions, providing the technology and expertise needed to

transform and improve their operations.

The Honorable Beth McGrath is Deloitte's Global Leader for

Government and Public Services and is the 9th recipient of

the IES Women in Sales Leadership award. In her role she is

committed to strengthening synergies across global Industries

and Government and Public Services with a focus on client

mission needs and solutions.

Kristina Bouweiri is receiving the 2025 IES Entrepreneurial

Sales Leader of the Year and serves as president, CEO and

sole owner of Reston Limousine and Travel Service Inc.

Kristina has built a globally recognized transportation

business with a combination of innovative spirit, shrewd

adaptation and a tireless dedication to diversity and

international understanding.

Jessica Scott is receiving the 2025 Institute for

Excellence in Sales Partner of the Year award. Jessica Scott

is a senior team lead and corporate new hire coach at

Carahsoft. She runs the IES partnership for Carahsoft and for

dozens of their partners. A graduate of the IES Women in

Sales Leadership Forum, she is a tireless advocate for her

sales team and Carahsoft's technology partners.

Souror Humpton is receiving the 2025 Institute for

Excellence in Sales Jay Nussbaum Rising Sales Star award. She

is a Federal Account sales leader at Oracle Corporation.

Jack Daly is receiving the 2025 Institute for Excellence in

Sales Speaker of the Year award. Jack Daly is the king of

street-tested methods about smart selling. With a remarkable

30 plus year track record in sales, executive, and

entrepreneurial positions, has been called the best

professional sales trainer in America.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Anthony Robbins, Beth McGrath, Kristina Bouweiri, Jessica Scott, Souror Humpton, and Jack Daly for their innovative and effective leadership and congratulating them on being recipients of the 2025 IES Sales Excellence Awards. I wish them the best in all of their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Annual Installation of Officers Banquet for the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department and to honor the 2024 Awardees.

The 2025 officers and members of the board of directors are taking leadership roles in one of Northern Virginia's longest standing volunteer fire departments. The O.W L. Volunteer Fire Department was born out of the need for organized fire response capabilities in the growing suburbs of Northern Virginia. In 1938, the Department officially formed to become the only fire department between Fredericksburg and Alexandria. In the subsequent decades O.W.L. has expanded to staff three stations and provide emergency medical services.

The members of O.W.L. are dedicated community volunteers, and the 2025 officers and directors will be diligent stewards of this tradition of service. The 148 active O.W.L. members answer thousands of calls and serve 95,000 people each year. Their job is demanding, and the hours are long, but they gladly serve for little more than the satisfaction of volunteerism and civic engagement. We would all do well to follow their example.

The 2025 Officers: President Todd Hewitt, Executive Vice President Susan Wessolleck, Membership Secretary Stacey Godin, Treasurer Debra Haight, Sergeant at Arms Mark Bauer, Elections Officer Sabrina Brandon Ricks, Chief Wayne Haight, Assistant Chief Kurt Bolland, Assistant Chief Ernest DeSantis, Assistant Chief Ryan Williams, Assistant Chief of Rescue Sandra Williams, Fire Captain Steve Godin, EMS Captain Mike Yankaskas, Fire Lieutenant Peter Langone, Fire Lieutenant Jared Lawrence, EMS Lieutenant Aundrea Bonilla, EMS Lieutenant Leo Greenwald.

Board of Directors: Frank Bruno, Mike Clark, Steve Godin, Dee Gottman, Dave Lukes, Stephanie Powers, Anna Smith, Cynthia Thackwray

2024 Awardees: Betty Limerick Lifetime Service Award: Stacey Godin

Roger T. Furr Chief's Award: Malak Hassan

Richard A. McAvoy Award for EMS Service Award: Leo Greenwald

John M. McGovern, Jr. Unsung Hero Award: Ernest DeSantis

Robert F. Arrington Administrative Member of the Year Award: Melaina Lewis

Fred M. Lynn Fire Crew Member of the Year Award: Daniel Collins

Bonita F. Joseph EMS Crew Member of the Year Award: Steven Ostrosky

New EMS Crew Member of The Year Award: Mitchell Connolly

James W. Ludwig Owlet Award: Austin Williams

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me to congratulate these remarkable volunteers for their continued work. The Occoquan- Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department is to be commended for the vital service it provides to the Prince William and Fairfax community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

For nearly 40 years, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month has been observed across the United States to recognize and highlight the achievements, challenges, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, developmental disabilities are defined as impairments in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, vision impairment, and hearing loss, among many others. Developmental disabilities occur across all racial, ethnic, gender, educational, and socioeconomic groups. Today in the United States, around 1 in 6 children aged 3 through 17 have one or more developmental disabilities.

Developmental disabilities present differently in every person, and the difficulties an individual faces can vary significantly. There is no one-size-fits-all approach for supporting those with developmental disabilities, and we must recommit ourselves to gaining a better understanding of all developmental disabilities.

We have made significant progress as a nation in advancing the rights, inclusion, and participation of people with developmental disabilities, but challenges and barriers persist. We must continue to promote policies that improve resource accessibility, strengthen support networks, and increase public awareness.

I commend activists, families, caregivers, and organizations, like the Arc of Northern Virginia, for their efforts to ensure people with developmental disabilities have the care, resources, and opportunities necessary to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The tireless and selfless work they do makes it possible for those with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential. The mission is not just to make sure that individuals with developmental disabilities survive, it is to make sure that they are able to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, as we recognize March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, I urge my colleagues to join me in reaffirming our commitment to promoting accessibility, dignity, and equity for all Americans with developmental disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the American Association of University Women (AAUW) of Virginia which is celebrating its centennial on March 28, 2025.

In 1925, a group of women met in Williamsburg, Virginia to form a Virginia state Division of the American Association of University Women. The women, mainly educators, resolved to work for an increase in funds for the state supported schools and a program for pre-school children.

In the 1930's, AAUW-Virginia worked to improve school curricula, promoted teacher training, fought for equal salaries for men and women teachers and for removing the discriminatory ruling against married women teaching in the public schools.

In the 1940's, members worked around travel restrictions from World War II. The number of local branches grew in Virginia, as the National organization worked to help women Axis and occupied nations escape to safety. AAUW of Virginia was active in promoting jury duty for women, a right granted in 1950.

In the 1950's when some schools were closed following federal court orders, AAUW branches in Virginia established tutoring groups as temporary substitutes, laying the groundwork for the organization's firm and courageous stand for the preservation of a statewide system of free public schools.

In the 1960's, AAUW of Virginia worked for compulsory school attendance and consistently opposed tuition grants to pupils in private, sectarian schools. The organization had long supported measures to protect and improve the legal status of women, and efforts increased during this decade.

In 1971 AAUW of Virginia voted to support ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S Constitution. In protest the organization moved its state convention outside Virginia to Washington, D.C., in 1981 and to Maryland, a ratified state, in 1982.

The fight for gender equality continued throughout the 1980's, as AAUW of Virginia again opposed the use of public funds for the male- only Virginia Military Institute and signed on as an amicus curia when the case went before the Supreme Court. In 1996, the Court ruled in favor of admitting women students.

In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA. The organization's support never waned.

In the new century, some of AAUW of Virginia's issues were the same, such as opposition to public education funds for private schools, and equality for all. Under the auspices of the AAUW National, the Virginia branches have worked for equal pay, including support for the Lilly Ledbetter Act, and fought to protect Title IX, as well as access to reproductive care.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating AAUW of Virginia for 100 years as the Nation's leading organization for equity in higher education and women's economic empowerment. Cheers to another century of advocacy and civic engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Gerald ``Gerry'' W. Hyland. Gerry's character and legacy were a testament to a life dedicated to service, leadership, and deep care for others throughout Northern Virginia and abroad. He was a natural leader who genuinely listened to those around him, always considering the needs of others before his own.

As a decorated Air Force Colonel, he exemplified discipline, integrity, and a strong sense of duty to both his country and community. His service extended beyond his military career, as he spent 28 years as the Mount Vernon District Supervisor, tirelessly advocating for his constituents and ensuring their voices were heard in the decision-making process. Gerry was a leader who truly listened, and his actions reflected his profound commitment to improving the lives of those around him.

His legacy is not just defined by his political achievements but by his deep connection to the community. Gerry's instrumental role in closing the I-95 landfill, preserving Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, and revitalizing Lorton are among the many ways he made a lasting impact. His annual Town Hall meetings and Lobsterfests were a symbol of his dedication to keeping the community engaged and united. In his work with the Virginia Railway Express, the Virginia Association of Counties, and the National Association of Counties, Gerry continued to shape policies that benefited both the local and broader regions.

Outside of his public service, Gerry's love for family and his 35- acre farm in Parksley, Virginia, where he nurtured the land, raised animals, and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, paints a picture of a man who valued balance, nature, and the importance of building strong, lasting relationships. His enduring love for his wife Carmen and his family--his daughter Gigi, siblings, and many nieces and nephews--showcase a man whose compassion extended far beyond his professional life.

Gerry Hyland's legacy is one of a leader who dedicated his life to serving others, a community pillar whose legacy will be felt for generations to come. He leaves behind a profound mark on Fairfax County, a legacy of commitment, service, and the kind of leadership that will continue to inspire future generations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the life of Gerry Hyland--a man of deep compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fairfax Library Foundation, an organization that has played an essential role in enhancing the programs and services of the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL), the largest public library system in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since its creation in 1994, the Foundation has operated as a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization with a singular and steadfast mission: to support FCPL in its endeavor to enrich the lives of over 1 million residents across Fairfax County.

Over the past three decades, the Fairfax Library Foundation has been instrumental in ensuring that the Fairfax County Public Library continues to provide unparalleled access to information, technology, and educational opportunities. Through its unwavering commitment to the community, the Foundation has helped fund innovative programs that enhance civic engagement, promote literacy, and ensure equitable access to essential services for all residents--regardless of their background or economic status.

With a deep commitment to supporting lifelong learning, the Foundation has been a catalyst for the library's extensive work in providing resources such as educational workshops, digital literacy programs, and tutoring services. By facilitating access to these resources, the Foundation has had a profound and lasting impact on individuals of all ages, contributing to the intellectual and personal growth of the community.

As we reflect on the Foundation's accomplishments, it is crucial to recognize the extraordinary leadership of its board members, staff, volunteers, and generous supporters. Their tireless efforts have not only enhanced the library's ability to meet the needs of the community but have also helped to make FCPL a beacon of knowledge, culture, and civic engagement. Their dedication has fostered a library system that remains a critical resource for residents, providing a safe and welcoming environment for learning, collaboration, and enrichment.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to the Fairfax Library Foundation's leadership--both past and present-- for their vision, commitment, and hard work. Through their efforts, they have ensured that the Fairfax County Public Library will continue to thrive and evolve in the years to come, empowering future generations of learners, thinkers, and community members. The impact of their work over the past 30 years has been immeasurable, and I am confident that the Fairfax Library Foundation will continue to inspire and serve the residents of Fairfax County for many more decades to come. I am thrilled to congratulate the foundation on its 30th anniversary as they celebrate the ``Celebration of Library Joy.''

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in acknowledging the Fairfax Library Foundation's remarkable achievements and in expressing our gratitude for its continued service to the Fairfax County community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department on the occasion of its 77th Annual Installation of Officers Banquet, and to thank its volunteers for playing 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 in the Record their names:

Board of Directors

President--Ian Dickinson

Vice President--John Powers

Secretary--Maria Suarez-Ortiz

Treasurer--Larry Bocknek

Board Member--Kathleen Beer

Board Member--James Stahlman

Board Member--Kenneth Senn

Officers

Chief--Keith O'Connor

Deputy Chief--John Hudak

Deputy Chief--Tina Godfrey

Assistant Chief--Larry Bocknek

Captain II--Melissa Ashby

Captain II--Kevin Grottle

Lieutenant--Caitlin Edwards

Sergeant--Noah Bilger

Sergeant--Gavin Kuzemchak

Officer--Garrett Canterbury

Officer--Justin Day

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: Catherine Petrovich

EMS Provider of the Year: Garrett Canterbury

Officer of the Year: Noah Bilger

Career Member of the Year (The Steven J. Meyer Award):

Captain Christopher Yorty

Team of the Year: VISIT Team: Christopher Hague, Jennafer

Miller, and Damion Jedlicka

Admin Member of the Year: Richard Lawson

President's Award: Damion Jedlicka

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the department for 77 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.''

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1515, the Guidance Out Of Darkness Act, sponsored by our chairman, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Comer).

Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues like to say that this bill would cast a light on what they love to call regulatory dark matter. This melodramatic term refers to the guidance documents Federal agencies issue to help the public better understand actions and policies.

Guidance documents come in the form of interpretive rules, which describe an agency's interpretation of a statute or regulation, and general statements of agency policy. For example, an agency might issue a guidance document to clarify a regulation and its technical details or to offer more information on compliance.

Guidance documents don't have the force of law and are already publicly available. The bill simply requires the agencies to publish guidance documents on a dedicated website for ease

of access. It also requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to designate a single website for accessing all agency guidance documents, except for those exempt from disclosure under the

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge passage of H.R. 1515, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate today's consideration of the Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act, as well as the work of Chairwoman Mace and Ranking Member Brown in leading this legislation for us today.

The bill would ensure that Federal contractors implement vulnerability disclosure policies consistent with the guidance and guidelines of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, industry best practices, and international standards.

Mr. Speaker, each year, software developers, security researchers, and others discover tens of thousands of security vulnerabilities in computer software and systems. For example, in 2023 alone, more than 29,000 common vulnerabilities and exposures were logged in this widely used National Vulnerability Database.

If companies established a process for accepting, assessing, and managing reports of such vulnerabilities, otherwise known as vulnerability disclosure policies, they can make use of such discoveries to fix problems before they are exploited by malign actors.

Vulnerability disclosure policies are an extremely effective tool. Most Federal agencies already have such policies, as do Federal contractors and subcontractors providing information systems and Internet of Things devices to Federal agencies.

By requiring all Federal contractors to follow suit, this bill shores up another front in the never-ending battle to protect the Federal Government's information systems and data and, thereby, the American public.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 872 and urge its adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act of which I am a proud cosponsor.

The bill would require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to review the procurement management practices of Federal agencies to determine whether the use of acquisition procedures focused exclusively on cost, known as the lowest price technically acceptable, poses any national security risk.

Since our committee reported this bill last Congress, I appreciate that the majority sought and incorporated feedback from the administration. When Federal agencies purchase goods and services, they aim to achieve the best value for the American people.

In the words of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, ``best value'' means that the acquisition should provide ``the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement.''

Under the LPTA procedures, price is the determining factor in awarding a contract with no consideration given to other factors. This contrasts with the more frequently used tradeoff approach, which looks at the bigger picture and considers additional factors beyond just cost, perhaps assessing elements like quality and performance or a bidder's technical or managerial expertise.

This bill, and the tradeoff approach to Federal contracting, understands that focusing on contract price alone can actually increase the overall cost to the Federal Government and the American people.

For example, cutting costs in the short-term can lead to expensive project delays, or might result in taxpayer dollars flowing to adversarial nations that threaten U.S. security interests. If no consideration is given to the strength and integrity of a bidder's supply chain, cutting costs in the short term could lead to inferior products or disastrous supply shortages at critical moments. I believe this is a thoughtful, commonsense approach to contracting.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, once again, I believe this is a commonsense approach to contracting. We can't just take a mindless approach to the lowest cost winning every bid. It can jeopardize national security and at the end of the day, it can actually cost more than if we had gone a different way.

I thank my friend from Florida for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 856, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act, bipartisan legislation that I am proud to co-lead with our chairman, Mr. Comer.

This commonsense bill earned unanimous House approval in the 118th Congress, demonstrating our shared commitment to public safety. This legislation addresses a critical safety gap by requiring the U.S. Postal Service to collect, track, and report serious crashes and fatalities involving vehicles transporting the U.S. mail.

After meeting with families of truck crash victims and hearing their painful, heartbreaking stories, we are resolute in our mission to prevent further avoidable tragedies.

The need for this bill was tragically illustrated in June of 2022 when the Godinez family was struck by a truck contracted by the Postal Service with faulty brakes, no insurance, and a driver without a commercial driver's license. Three generations of that family, Mr. Speaker, including 3-month-old Tessleigh, lost their lives in one tragic incident.

However, this wasn't an isolated incident. Between 2020 and 2023, at least 79 people were killed in crashes involving Postal Service- contracted trucks, but the true number may be even higher because, shockingly, the Postal Service was failing to document these incidents. This lack of oversight has allowed alarming safety violations to persist.

Between 2020 and 2022, the Department of Transportation identified 466 Postal Service trucking contractors with high rates of hours-of- service violations. For example, in 2021 and 2022, 39 percent of companies carrying U.S. mail repeatedly violated rules preventing driver exhaustion. One contractor violated these critical driver safety protocols more than 200 times over a 5-year period.

Unfortunately, the Postal Service's original approach to fatality and safety data was ``out of sight, out of mind.''

In May of 2023, I requested the Postal Service inspector general launch an audit of the Postal Service's contract trucking safety. As a result of their review, the Postal Service established an ad hoc reporting system, one that the Postal Service still has failed to share with our offices.

However, the Postal Service still lacks formal written policies for tracking contractor accidents and fatalities, including guidance for terminating contractors or subcontractors who are noncompliant.

Our bill codifies the inspector general's primary recommendation and delivers accountability by requiring detailed reporting of any mail transport crash resulting in serious injury or death, maintenance of a comprehensive database of such reports, and annual public reporting of such findings. Most importantly, it also establishes penalties for contractors who fail to comply with the reporting requirements.

This is a long overdue bill that will save lives.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have led this effort with Mr. Comer. This is going to save lives. I urge all of my colleagues to support the legislation of H.R. 758, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2025 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 to 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: Sage Nagle, Annandale High School; Jayden Lee, Centreville High School; Nila Elangovan, Chantilly High School; Mia Martin-Escandarani, Edison High School; Kiran Ashok, Fairfax High School; Shri Bala, Falls Church High School; Ava Saunders and Grace Varughese, Hayfield Secondary School; Clarissa Dantes, Herndon High School; Muslim Student Association, Justice High School; Essam Jazzar, King Abdullah Academy (KAA); Manas Puri, Lake Braddock Secondary School; Anniyah Rizvi, Langley High School; Madison McLaughlin, John. R. Lewis High School; Hunter Guthrie, Madison High School; Ghalia Sakly, Marshall High School; Bushra Ehikhamenor, McLean High School; Jennifer Villalobos-Saenz, Mount Vernon High School; Julia DeVera, Mountain View High School; Isaac Rodriguez, Oakton High School; Jonathan Johnston, Quander Road School; Jasmine Sklarew, Robinson Secondary School; Ghazi ``Zizo'' Hanania, South County High School; Jahnavi Nandanavanam, South Lakes High School; TJ Send-a-Smile Club, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; Salaiha Najeeb, West Potomac High School; Simeon Samuel, West Springfield High School; Westfield United Sports, Westfield High School; Harun Khan, 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 2025 recipients of the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards presented by Leadership Fairfax.

Leadership Fairfax is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to inspire, connect, develop and engage the next generation of leaders in Northern Virginia so that they are prepared to serve and strengthen our community. Over 2,500 alumni from their programs have become part of a fast-growing network of civic and business leaders in the region.

Each year, Leadership Fairfax recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made extraordinary contributions to our community. It is my honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2025 Northern Virginia Leadership Awards recipients:

The Non-Profit Organization Leadership Award will be presented to BetterALife, a trailblazing nonprofit committed to addressing critical social issues such as education, food insecurity, and access to essential life skills.

The Non-Profit Individual Leadership Award will be presented to Michelle Sullivan, the Executive Director of All Ages Read Together (AART). Michelle has transformed the organization into a thriving program that provides early literacy support to disadvantaged children in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

The Regional Leadership Award will go to Dr. Sharmaine McCoy, DNP, ACNP. At Inova, she has led efforts to address health disparities by organizing health fairs and community outreach programs.

The Trustee Leadership Award will be presented to Ellen Dyke, the Chair of both the NOVA Education Foundation and SPARC (Specially Adapted Resource Clubs). She is an innovative leader who has pioneered initiatives that create better opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Educational Leadership Award will be presented to Dr. Herman Mizell, Principal of Langston Hughes Middle School. In just one year of being at LHMS, Dr. Mizell has revitalized staff morale, improved student engagement, and addressed safety concerns that existed at the school.

The Youth Leadership Award will be presented to Avery McCusker and LucyLynn Tombul. At Just 14 and 15 years old, Avery and LucyLynn dedicated over 140 hours of service to the Fairfax County community while completing their Girl Scout Silver Award project.

Mr. Speaker, the contributions of these individuals and organizations are one of the reasons why Fairfax is such a sought-after community in which to live and work, and this year's honorees highlight the legacy of Leadership Fairfax in preparing our community's future leaders to address the challenges we face. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these honorees and thanking them for their service to Northern Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary individual, Mark Pembleton, a Navy veteran whose courage, selflessness, and dedication to service exemplify the very best of our Nation's values.

Mark proudly served our country as a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees, embodying their motto, ``We Build, We Fight.'' Upon retiring from the Navy, Mark and his close friend Joe founded Veteran Built Homes, LLC on October 31, 2017.

What began as a small operation with just one truck and three employees has grown into a thriving business, specializing in residential remodeling with a fleet of seven trucks and a team of 35 hardworking individuals. Through determination and leadership, Mark and Joe built a company that not only provides high-quality craftsmanship but also creates opportunities for veterans and skilled workers in the community.

However, it is not only Mark's service in uniform or his contributions as a business owner that define his character, but also his profound heroism.

One evening, while driving home from his children's ice-skating practice, Mark witnessed a horrific accident in which a car struck a semi-truck, causing it to overturn and burst into flames. Without hesitation, Mark pulled over, instructed his children to stay in the car, and ran toward the burning wreckage. Mark risked his own life, running into the flames again and again, until he was able to pull the man from the fire to safety.

Mark suffered severe injuries from his heroic rescue, requiring multiple surgeries and a long recovery. Yet, true to his resilient nature, he has continued to lead and inspire those around him.

Mark Pembleton represents the very best of what it means to be an American, a warrior, a builder, a leader, and a selfless protector of others. His unwavering commitment to service, whether on the battlefield, in the workforce, or in an unexpected moment of crisis, is a testament to the values we hold dear.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and commending Mark Pembleton for his extraordinary heroism and service. He is a true inspiration, and we are forever grateful for his contributions to our Nation and our community.