Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the distinguished Spirit of King awardees for this year's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Program, held at First Baptist Church of Vienna.

Dr. King's legacy continues to inspire global movements for justice and equality. His vision for a more just and inclusive society lives on through ongoing efforts to address racism, inequality, and human rights across the world. He is celebrated annually on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, a reminder of his lasting influence on the fight for civil rights and social change.

The Spirit of King Awards are presented to individuals in Northern Virginia communities who embody the principles and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These awards honor those who work toward improving their communities, fostering equality, social justice, and unity-- values that Dr. King championed.

The awardees for this year are Nikki Brown, Deacon Dave Larrabee, and Rev. Becca Messman. Nikki Brown, founder of The Culture Cup, is a dedicated community advocate who spent a decade as a Fairfax County community outreach worker in Northern Virginia. During her time there, she uncovered the hidden African American history of Northern Virginia and realized its underappreciated significance. This discovery inspired Nikki to create a space where this heritage could be honored and celebrated. The Culture Cup is the realization of her vision, blending coffee and culture to preserve and showcase African American history in Northern Virginia. Nikki's determination and leadership have turned her dream into a vibrant reality, creating a hub where patrons can enjoy exceptional coffee while immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of African American culture. Her legacy is a testament to the power of one individual's commitment to community enrichment and cultural preservation.

Deacon Dave Larrabee has served with the Lamb Center since February 19, 1999, in various capacities. The Lamb Center is a daytime drop-in shelter for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Fairfax, Virginia. Dave was hired as Pastoral Assistant to launch the Saturday ministry in 2003. In 2004, he became Director of the daily operations of this ministry. Before the Lamb Center, he worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce from 1985 to 2000 and served 20 years in the U.S. Army and the Army Reserves. In May 2016, Dave graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in the MAMS Diaconal Ministry program. He has been called by the Metropolitan Washington DC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America to serve as a Deacon at the Lamb Center.

Rev. Becca Messman is the Senior Pastor at Burke Presbyterian Church. Becca helped launch a worshipping community of recent immigrants called Lunch for the Soul that has been used as a model for community engagement around the denomination. A prolific writer, she has served as Vice President of the Presbyterian Outlook magazine and co-authored ``Cultivated Ministry,'' a book about church vitality. She also was Co- Chair of VOICE, Virginians Organized for Community Engagement. Rev. Messman remains committed to social justice through her community engagement and roles at Burke Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Nikki Brown, Deacon Dave Larrabee, and Rev. Becca Messman for their tremendous efforts as leaders in our communities while embodying the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 163rd Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 36 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 24-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 163rd 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 honor to include in the Record the names of the 163rd Recruit Class.

Tristan A. Adams

Gavin G. Leo

Jessica V. Almquist

Cory G. Lobo

Matthew C. Atkins

Jason R. Mills

Jake H. Calhoun

Donald L. Montgomery

John P. Ciesinski

John T. Nichols Jr.

Jonathan R. Cochran

Zachary F. Pecoraro

Ian M. Cooke

Aidan J. Pilkington

Michael D. D'adamo

Ethan T. Ritchey

Caitlynne C. D'Ambrosio

Matthew R. Schmidt

Owen N. Donahue

Justin M. Sears

Chase L. Dunlap

Christopher M. Stevens

Zachary E. Gibson

Ben T. Tanner

Jeremy L. Guevara

Pirewa O. Tiyaba

Gabriel J. Hain

Edward N. Vasquez

Zion C. Huntley

Luke S. Wallace

Jacob P. Jones

Caden P. White

Nicholas P. Kingsley

Sean B. Whiting

Ryan J. Lakner

Nicholas J. Yount

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 today to recognize the 25th Anniversary of the Information Technology-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC).

In 1998, President Clinton issued Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PPD-63) to address the need for increasing the protection of the nation's critical infrastructure PPD-63 called for representatives of the private sector to represent the interests of critical infrastructure owners and operators in the development of infrastructure assurance plans. Accordingly, the IT industry responded to the direction of PPD-63 by creating the IT-ISAC.

The IT-ISAC was established by leading IT Companies in 2000 and achieved operation capability in 2001. The mission of the IT-ISAC is to grow a diverse community of companies that leverage information technology and have in common a commitment to cybersecurity, and enables collaboration and sharing of relevant, actionable cyber threat information effective security policies, and practices for the benefit of all.

The IT-ISAC is the definitive source for security information impacting the IT sector. Members gain and share knowledge, practices, and insights through trusted, confidential collaboration. A core feature of IT-ISAC membership is the ability to collaborate with subject matter experts from other companies on common security topics. Special Interest Group (SIG) members are able to collaborate through virtual meetings and work on impactful projects related to the group's concentration. IT-ISAC has SIGs for issues such as data centers, the semiconductor industry, the election industry, insider threats, and more.

The IT-ISAC sits on the National Council of ISAC's (NCI), where other sector-based ISAC's collaborate and coordinate with each other. Formed in 2003, the NCI today comprises 27 organizations designated by their sectors as their information sharing and operational arms. The NCI is a true cross-sector partnership, providing a forum for sharing cyber and physical threats and mitigation strategies among ISAC's and with government and private sector partners.

ISAC's have demonstrated success in providing operation services-- such as risk mitigation, incident response, and information sharing-- that protect critical infrastructure. Many ISAC's have a track record of responding to and sharing actionable and relevant threat intelligence more quickly than government partners.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Information Technology-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (IT-ISAC) on 25 years and thank all its members working tirelessly to keep critical infrastructure sectors like IT, food and agriculture, and elections safe in this ever-changing digital world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Nativity Catholic School Third Grade Class, and the entire Nativity Community, to pay tribute to Francisco Ignacio Fredrickson. Francisco was born on November 27, 2015, and passed away at the age of nine on December 5, 2024, in the loving arms of his parents. The Nativity Parish, Catholic School and especially Ms. Fetzer's third grade class will miss his ever-smiling face and positive attitude.

In June of 2023 Francisco was diagnosed with DIPG, an aggressive form of childhood brain cancer that is terminal. The doctors gave him nine months to live, and yet Francisco persevered and lived 18 months. DIPG is especially devastating because the cancer is located on the brain stem which makes it inoperable and while it leaves their cognitive skills intact, it slowly takes away a person's motor skills. This leaves patients unable to walk, talk, move, and eventually unable to eat, drink or breathe, all while their minds are fully aware of what is happening to their bodies. While DIPG is rare--only 150 to 300 diagnosis per year--it is devastating for the children and their families.

However, much like Francisco, I do not want to focus on the illness but on a life lived well. Francisco loved everything to do with space and NASA. He was able to visit Kennedy Space Center and watch a launch at Cape Canaveral in Florida in the fall of 2023. Francisco was a boy of deep faith and was fond of joking with Nativity Catholic School's Priests, Monsignor Bob Cilinski, Father Bresnahan, and Father Bennett. He also loved a good party and often hosted wonderful gatherings at his grandparent's house where he and his friends could run and play. Francisco is survived by his mother and father, Laura and Ryan; his sister Mariana; his twin brothers, Gabriel and Mateo; his grandparents, John and Carole Fredrickson, Teresa Hernandez and Wilfredo Lizarzaburu; as well as his aunts and uncles, Carlos Lizarzaburu, Diana Lopez, and Brenna and Jamie Fredrickson.

In the words of his mother, ``We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Francisco is now where he so intensely longed to be: at Home with Jesus. Now that his body rests, his soul is free. And with that freedom he is doing all the things he was so looking forward to doing . . . Playing soccer, playing piano (``with both hands, like a pro!''), partying it up with the Saints, and finally making those Nutella pancakes that he said he'd make for Jesus as soon as he got to Heaven. Many hearts are grieving our boy's death, ours included. But know as well, how elated we are. Francisco didn't get to marry the love of his life, or to have children, or do any of those big life milestones . . . But that's because he was meant to skip all those and go straight to the absolute biggest milestone there will ever be: to go straight to Jesus, to hug him, to sit next to him, and to crack him up with his absolutely silly, lovable nature.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the life of Francisco Ignacio Fredrickson and in sending his family our sincere condolences. Though Francisco only lived nine short years, he brought a lifetime of joy to his family, friends and school community. The light and love he brought to the world remains and is carried forth in the hearts of many.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished career of Anthony J. Maiello.

Anthony Maiello received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education from Ithaca College in 1965 and 1967. He then went on to the Crane School of Music, Potsdam College of SUNY, Potsdam, New York where he served as a Professor of Music and Chairman of Performance. He spent 20 years at the Crane School, and taught Advanced Instrumental Conducting, Applied Clarinet, Woodwind Techniques, Percussion Techniques and conducted the Crane Wind Ensemble.

In 1986, Maiello joined the faculty at George Mason University (GMU) as a Professor of Music. He taught applied lessons in Conducting, Aural Skills, and classes in Instrumental Conducting. From 1996 to 2009, he conducted the Mason Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Under his direction, the ensembles commissioned new works, made numerous recordings, and appeared at national and international conferences. In 2007, Maiello was awarded the title of ``University Professor'' by the GMU Board of Visitors, the highest rank given to Mason faculty members.

Anthony Maiello also has made professional appearances both nationally and abroad conducting music festivals, adjudicating ensembles, and presenting clinics, lectures, and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Europe. He conducted musical activities for the Gold Medal Ceremonies at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York; served as Musical Director for Music Festivals International; was selected as President of the International Association of Jazz Educators--New York State Chapter; and is a guest clinician for Yamaha Corporation and Warner Bros. Publications. In March of 2010, he was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame at Music for All's Indianapolis headquarters.

Throughout his career, Maiello accumulated an impressive list of recording credits. This includes conducting the American Wind Symphony and additional studio ensembles for Alfred/Belwin Publications. Locally, Maiello has served as Associate Conductor of The McLean Orchestra, was appointed an Honorary Conductor of the United States Navy Band, and was a participant in the National Conducting Institute with Leonard Slatkin and the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) and to congratulate the recipients of the 27th Annual Law Enforcement Awards of Excellence for Impaired Driving Prevention.

Founded in 1982, WRAP is an award-winning, public-private coalition formed to fight drunk driving, drugged driving, and underage drinking in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan region. Through educational and innovative public outreach programs, WRAP is credited with keeping local alcohol-related death rates consistently below the national average. Its programs educate students and the general public on the dangers of alcohol and drugs, particularly driving while under the influence. Through the WRAP Holiday SoberRide program, individuals who are impaired can request a free cab ride home. Since SoberRide was launched in 1991, over 80,000 safe rides have been provided in the Washington Metropolitan area, preventing potential accidents and deaths.

Since 1997, WRAP has sponsored an annual Law Enforcement Awards Ceremony to honor local law enforcement professionals who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the fight against drunk driving. It is my honor to include in the Record the names of the 2024 Law Enforcement Awards of Excellence for Impaired Driving Prevention recipients:

City of Falls Church Police Department: Sergeant Matthew

Parker and Private First Class Matthew Aguiniga

Maryland State Police: Trooper First Class Logan Speak

Town of Herndon Police Department: Private First Class Neil

Simpson

Prince William County Police Department: Officer Godson

Vondee

Loudoun County Sheriffs Office: Deputy First Class Samuel

Zinkgraf

Arlington County Police Department: Corporal Kellsey

Costello-Mays

Alexandria Police Department: Officer Whitney Watts-Cerrato

Metropolitan Police Department: Officer Hakim Bouaichi

Virginia State Police: Trooper Collin Kashmer

United States Park Police: Officer Christian Callahan

Fairfax County Police Department: Private First Class

Justin Yorkdale

Montgomery County Police Department: Sergeant Patrick Keep

Prince George's County Police Department: Corporal Brendan

Hughes

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: Corporal Joshua

Morris and Corporal Ian Pharoah

United States Capitol Police: Officer Seth Carll

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the recipients of the Law Enforcement Awards of Excellence and in recognizing WRAP for its 42 years of public service. Their efforts combined with the support of partner organizations and law enforcement agencies have saved lives and are deserving of our highest praise and gratitude. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the annual Best of Braddock Awards. These awards are the result of collaborative work between the Braddock District Council and Braddock District Supervisor and are presented to individuals and organizations whose extraordinary efforts make our community a better place.

I have been proud to represent this community since my days as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. I have often said that civic engagement is a key indicator of a healthy community, and tonight's event proves that Braddock District continues to be one of the healthiest communities in all of Northern Virginia.

It is my honor to include in the Record the following recipients of the 2024 Best of Braddock Awards:

Organization or Club Making a Difference: The Young Hearts Club at C.G. Woodson High School, for their work in supporting students and their families facing serious medical challenges, to bring awareness to these issues and to fund research for cures and treatments.

Neighborhood Beautification, Enhancement, or Community-Building Efort: Burke Centre Conservancy (BCC), Open Space Committee, for supporting the BCC Board of Trustees with engagement, training, recommendations, and integration regarding environmental affairs and impacts within the Burke Centre community to aid in keeping Burke Centre in line with its motto, ``In Harmony with Nature''.

Most ``Can-Do'' Public Employee: Justen Allen Moreland, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, for his exemplary qualities of leadership, character and integrity as the Heavy Rescue driver at Fire Station 14.

Honorable Mention: Bob Lund, Lake Braddock, for leading the effort to cut down dead or dying trees and prune other trees as needed in the Lake Braddock common areas for many years.

Civic Engagement: Bob Cosgriff, Chair of Braddock District Council, for his tenacious and dedicated work to building a Council that greatly benefits its member neighborhoods.

Young Person of the Year: Callum Chang, Robinson Secondary School, for his passion for community service and his dedication to helping others.

Citizen of the Year: Bonnie Hopler, for her volunteer work all around Fairfax County including with the NOVA Lifetime Learning Institute, FACETS, and the Lamb Center.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 2024 Best of Braddock honorees for their tremendous contributions to Northern Virginia. The level of civic engagement celebrated by these awards is a testament to the community spirit of the Braddock District. We are a better place for them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Grayford F. Payne on the occasion of his retirement from the U.S. Department of the Interior after 38 years of Federal service.

Grayford Payne has spent his career serving the American people in a number of roles within the federal government. Shortly after graduating from George Mason University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Mr. Payne served as an Auditor-in-Charge in the Naval Audit Service. In this role, he was responsible for audit and program reviews of Department of Defense National Security Science and Technology programs.

After eight years, Mr, Payne joined the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission where he served seven years as Director of Financial Services. During his time there, he was in charge of the Commission's financial accounting system and its automated revenue billing and collection system.

In 2002, he joined the Department of the Interior as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for Indian Affairs where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer which included all financial, accounting, budget, procurement, and property functions. He was promoted just three years later to the role of Chief Financial Officer and then again to the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary-Management in 2008.

There, he oversaw the planning and execution of the Indian Affairs $4.5 billion annual budget, and his organizational responsibilities encompassed all administrative functions to include finance, budget, acquisition, property management, human resources, homeland security, planning, audit and evaluation, and more.

Mr. Payne moved to the Bureau of Reclamation within the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2010 and was named Reclamation's Deputy Commissioner for Policy, Administration and Budget, a role he held until his retirement. He oversaw agency resources, policy formulation, finance, law enforcement, dam safety, program and budget, and more. He also served as Reclamation's Chief Financial Officer.

Throughout his public service, Mr. Payne received numerous awards for his dedication and leadership. He was honored with the Secretary of the Interior's Gold Leadership Award in 2007, Bronze Leadership Award in 2006, and Silver Leadership Award in 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Grayford F. Payne on his retirement. I am proud to represent Mr. Payne in Congress, and I thank him and his family, wife Sharon and children Robert, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Carolyn, for his honorable 38 years of service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes on November 20 and 21, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 474; YEA on Roll Call No. 475; YEA on Roll Call No. 476; NAY on Roll Call No. 477; and YEA on Roll Call No. 478.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Omicron Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternitv Inc. for its Achievement Week and Honorees.

Since 1925, Achievement Week has been an annual, internationally mandated program of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Inc. Omega Psi Phi's Achievement Week is observed in November of each year and is designed to seek out and give due recognition to those individuals at the local and international levels who have made a noteworthy contribution toward improving the quality of life for Black Americans. Chapters celebrate their communities and engage the public through exhibits, activities, meetings and forums in schools, churches, and public halls.

The fraternity's 2024 International Achievement Week is from November 10, 2024, to November 17, 2024. This year's Achievement Week theme is ``Omega Men Building a Better Society with Friendship as the Foundation.''

The Omicron Kappa Kappa (OKK) Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. received its graduate chapter charter on December 14, 1996, and serves primarily the Fairfax, Herndon, and Reston, VA areas.

The fraternity 's Annual Achievement Week Awards Luncheon serves as an opportunity to recognize our youth and members of the community for their contributions to the chapter and the community over the past year. This year's Achievement Week Awards Luncheon serves as a fundraiser in support of OKK Chapter's charitable and community outreach.

OKK awards recipients include:

OKK Founders' Trailblazer Award: Dr. Gregory Washington, President, George Mason University

OKK Basileus Award for Excellence in Media: Curtis Symonds, President and Co-Founder, HBCU Go

OKK Young Man of the Year Award: Heman Bekele, TIME Magazine Kid of the Year Annual High School Essay Contest Winners: Solomon Broiles, Battlefield HS; Gabrielle Jackson, John Champe HS; Gordon ``LJ'' Person, Centreville HS; David Ransom, South County HS.

Dr. Ernest Everett Just Award for Excellence in Microbiology: Shumvobi Mitra, Langley HS

Dr. Oscar J. Cooper, M.D. Award for Excellence in Biomedical and Health Sciences: Sampurna Chakravorty, Chantilly HS

Dr. Edgar A. Love Award for Excellence in Biomedical Engineering: Aneesh Mandapati, South Lakes HS

Professor Frank Coleman Award for Excellence in Physics and Astronomy: Emmy Leong, George C. Marshall HS

Charles Vernon Smith Award for Excellence in Computer Science and Mathematics: Manav Gagvani, Thomas Jefferson HS

Brigadier General (Brother) Charles Young Military Leadership Award: Staff Sergeant (Brother) Tres Savage, Virginia National Guard

Citizen of the Year Award: Stacey Seay, Pastoral Assistant, First Baptist Church of Vienna

Founders' Lifetime Achievement Award: Brother LTC (Ret) Earl Smith, Jr.

Superior Service Award: Brother Gerald Hamilton (Co-Awardee) Brother James Daniels (Co-Awardee)

Omega Man of the Year Award: Brother Keith Evans

Service Pins: Brother Eddie L. Colter, 35 Years of Service; Brother Steve Lewis, 40 Years of Service; Brother George Johnson, 65 Years of Service; Brother Luther Williams, 70 years of Service.

Lastly, the OKK Foundation, Inc. will recognize Brother George Johnson, Immediate Past President, for his years of leadership and service as President from 2009 to 2024.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the men of Omega Psi Phi Inc. and the honorees for this year's Achievement Week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 110th Anniversary of the McLean Citizens Association (MCA). The MCA provides a forum where residents of the greater McLean area can address local issues and advocate for solutions that serve the interests and values of the community.

The McLean Citizens Association was founded in 1914 as the McLean School and Civic League, driven by the needs of a local school. When Franklin Sherman Elementary School, which consolidated oneroom schools in the area, opened that year, it lacked basic supplies. The League rallied to raise money to furnish a school auditorium, buy library books, help pave local roads, and further aid the community. This community effort led to a tradition that is continued to this day: McLean Day.

Eight years later, the citizens of McLean were faced with another challenge, and the group's civic leaders helped launch the McLean Volunteer Fire Department and negotiated with Alexandria Power Co. to bring electricity to McLean. The power company brought a line from Falls Church and created a distribution center around a decade later. The station has since undergone upgrades and is still serving the people of McLean.

In 1953, the League was reincorporated as the McLean Citizens Association. In the years since they have been instrumental in shaping the McLean community that we know today. The MCA helped launch the McLean Community Center, steered county funds to create McLean Central Park, and they helped advocate for the creation of a park that became Scotts Run Nature Preserve.

In addition to their work shaping the physical community of McLean, the MCA has worked to instill a commitment to service in the residents of McLean. The MCA created a committee in 1970 to preserve trees that later turned into the nonprofit McLean Trees Foundation in 2004, and they formed the nonprofit McLean Community Foundation in 1978 to provide philanthropic grants for community projects. The McLean Community Foundation gave its first grant in 1981 to the McLean Volunteer Fire Department and has given more than $2 million in grants to nonprofits in McLean over the past 43 years.

Today, the MCA continues to study issues and advocate for positions, send representatives to task forces, host candidate debates, forums, and town halls, and collaborates with elected officials and staff at all levels of government to accomplish its goals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the McLean Citizens Association's incredible milestone. Their advocacy and their commitment to community and volunteerism helps make McLean one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family. I thank them for everything they have done for the McLean community over the past 110 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Good Shepherd Housing (GSH) on their 50th anniversary of dedicated service to Fairfax County, Virginia, and to the thousands of individuals and families whose lives have been transformed by their efforts.

For half a century, Good Shepherd has been a cornerstone in our community, providing safe, stable housing and vital support services to those at risk of homelessness or struggling to remain in their homes due to rising housing costs. Their work has unlocked doors to brighter futures for countless individuals and families, and they remain a beacon of hope for those facing housing insecurity.

Good Shepherd is more than just a provider of affordable housing--it is a catalyst for self-sufficiency and community resilience. Through a unique approach that focuses on the purchase and transformation of properties into affordable housing, GSH has not only provided shelter but has built a foundation for personal growth and long-term success. By offering a comprehensive suite of support services--including case management, financial education, and referrals to specialized assistance--GSH helps families and individuals chart a path to stability, independence, and empowerment.

Each year, GSH manages the needs of over 1,000 families and individuals, helping them overcome obstacles and build a better future. With a small but dedicated team--just 9 full-time staff, 3 part-time staff, and over 40 volunteers--Good Shepherd Housing has managed to accomplish extraordinary things. The work they do, however, is made possible not only by their staff but by the unwavering commitment of their board members, volunteers, and the community that supports them.

As we celebrate Good Shepherd Housing's remarkable 50-year legacy, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a part in this incredible work--past and present board members, staff, volunteers, and all the partners who have worked hand-in-hand with GSH to strengthen our community. I would also like to recognize the outstanding leadership of Executive Director Genee Hayes and Deputy Executive Director Candice Bennett. Their dedication and vision have been integral to the organization's growth and success, earning well deserved recognition from the Washington Post, Leadership Fairfax, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Their collective impact serves as a reminder that when we invest in affordable housing and support services, we unlock the potential for families to thrive, not just survive.

Good Shepherd Housing is a true example of how innovative approaches and community partnerships can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. The organization's case management team works individually with residents to set personal goals, pursue education, and improve financial literacy, helping to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change.

As we look to the future, I have no doubt that Good Shepherd Housing will continue to be a leader in providing affordable housing solutions and support services in our community. Their work is a testament to the power of compassion, collaboration, and commitment to social justice.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Good Shepherd Housing on their 50th anniversary and in expressing our thanks for their tireless dedication to Fairfax County, Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, every day, we lose an average of 17 veterans to suicide. This statistic is not just a number; it represents real lives, families, and communities torn apart by tragedy. Behind each of these 17 daily losses is a story of service, sacrifice, and struggle. These are our neighbors, friends, and family members who have worn the uniform with pride and honor. They are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void in countless lives. The ripple effect of each suicide extends far beyond the individual, impacting spouses, children, parents, friends, and fellow veterans. It creates a cycle of grief and trauma that can persist for generations.

As members of Congress, it is our responsibility to address this heartbreaking reality with the urgency and dedication it demands. Answering the call of duty to our veterans, I was proud to work with Senate Veterans Affair Committee Chairman Jon Tester to put forward H.R. 4157, Not Just a Number Act, legislation included in this Veterans omnibus package as Section 149 that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand its scope when studying veteran suicide data. Instead of focusing solely on VA health care utilization, this bill mandates a more holistic approach, considering factors such as education, job training, housing, and other relevant socioeconomic factors. By broadening our perspective, we aim to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex, interconnected factors that contribute to veteran suicide. This approach will paint a more accurate picture of the multifaceted challenges our veterans face, enabling us to develop more effective support systems and interventions.

While the Not Just a Number Act is a crucial step forward, we must recognize that addressing veteran suicide is an ongoing commitment. This bill lays the foundation for a more comprehensive understanding, but our work will not end with its passage. We must be prepared to adapt our strategies based on the insights gained and continuously improve our support systems. This is merely the beginning of a long- term mission to safeguard the lives and well-being of our veterans.

We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude that can never truly be repaid. It is our responsibility to ensure that they feel our unwavering support and appreciation every single day. Let us honor our troops not just in words, but in our actions, by standing alongside them and their families. Together, let us ensure that they feel the depth of our appreciation and support at every step of their journey. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this critical legislation. By passing the Not Just a Number Act as Section 149 of the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, we demonstrate our commitment to those who have served our nation and do everything in our power to prevent veteran suicide. If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and Press 1, or text 838255. Help is available 24/7, and you don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with caring, qualified responders.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes on November 14, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 461; NAY on Roll Call No. 462; YEA on Roll Call No. 463; and NAY on Roll Call No. 464.

I was absent from votes on November 15, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 465.

I was absent from votes on November 18, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 466; and YEA on Roll Call No. 467.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from votes on November 13, 2024. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 459, and NAY on Roll Call No. 460.