Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Fairfax Resolves and the Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution for the exemplary service and invaluable contributions to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Fairfax Resolves Chapter has long been recognized as a pillar of strength and resilience within the Fairfax community. Since their establishment, they have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to defending the ideals and principles upon which our Nation was founded.

Their tireless efforts in preserving our historical heritage and honoring our Nation's values have had a profound impact on our society. From their active involvement in local events to their extremely informative educational initiatives, the Fairfax Resolves Chapter has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of duty and patriotism.

This year, the Fairfax Resolves Chapter was a leader in the efforts to commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Fairfax Resolves. On July 5, 1774, George Washington, George Mason and other leaders of Fairfax County met in Alexandria, Virginia to appoint a committee to draft a document that would serve as instructions to the County's delegates at the Virginia Convention and, as Washington put it, ``define our Constitutional Rights.'' George Washington and George Mason met at Mount Vernon and drafted a set of resolutions that came to be known as the Fairfax Resolves. At a meeting of Fairfax County residents on July 18, 1774, the Fairfax Resolves were adopted.

While other counties across Virginia and in other American colonies adopted resolutions of ``resolves'' during the late spring and summer of 1774, the Fairfax Resolves were the most detailed, the most influential and most radical. The Fairfax Resolves was an important influence on the drafting of other documents that served as the foundation for the future government, laws and basic rights and freedoms of the citizens of the United States, including the Virginia Declaration of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, and the United States Bill of Rights.

This document continues to serve as a cornerstone for the foundation of the United States of America and its role as the beacon of liberty and justice for many persons across the globe who yearn and struggle to achieve the basic human desire to be free.

The Fairfax Resolves Chapter has also been instrumental in fostering a spirit of honor and civic responsibility in the next generation. The chapter's dedication to educating others about our rich history and the importance of active citizenship is truly commendable. By instilling a sense of duty and pride in our collective heritage, they have contributed to the growth and development of responsible and engaged citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating each member of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter of the Virginia Sons of the American Revolution as they continue the important work of honoring the heroes of the American Revolution in years to come. I express my deep appreciation to the Fairfax Resolves Chapter for their vital role in promoting unity and fostering a strong sense of community within our district.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and extraordinary work of Jonathan Paul Wood, a man who devoted himself not only to his family but also to the well-being and safety of his community. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Jonathan was raised in Springfield, Virginia, and studied at the University of Virginia where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. He later received his Master of Business Administration from George Mason University. Over the years, Jonathan worked with multiple companies, each one recognizing his expertise and leadership. His final 20 years before retirement were spent as a construction and IT project manager at Northrop Grumman.

Above all else, Jonathan took great pride in being a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He began his service at the young age of 18 and continued in various roles for over 50 years. He achieved the esteemed rank of Command Officer and played a crucial role in training the next generation of firefighters, instructing Fairfax Fire Academy students in the demanding task of driving emergency vehicles. Jonathan's expertise and dedication were instrumental in the design and commissioning of numerous fire engines, ambulances, and service vehicles.

His volunteer career began at the Greater Springfield Station 22, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Chief. In 1982, he relocated to Fair Oaks, where he continued to serve with distinction at Fair Oaks Station 21. There, Jonathan held several leadership roles, including Chief and President, earning the respect and admiration of his peers and community alike.

Outside of his work and fire station duties, Jonathan loved domestic and wild animals, hiking, camping, kayaking, and distance cycling. He led groups of volunteers to maintain his community's wild spaces, controlling invasive plants, cutting down dead trees, and monitoring the wild fox population.

Jonathan's commitment to his family was unwavering. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Knapp, her children, Gabrielle and Nathaniel Baylon, his brother James Wood, and his nephew Christopher Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gloria and James Wood, and brother, David Wood.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Judith Pittman, Chief Executive Officer of Second Story. Judith has been serving communities in Northern Virginia through Second Story since 1995. Since 1972, Second Story has worked closely with youth and families across Northern Virginia through strategic programs to help them work towards self- sufficiency as well as break cycles of homelessness, abuse, and poverty. As Chief Executive Officer, Judith has used her background of almost 30 years in nonprofit management and advocacy to obtain more services for at-risk, abused, homeless and runaway youth--including opening seven new programs since 2004 targeted to this population. Because of Judith, thousands of youths and families have been able to write their Second Stories.

Judith has served on federal panels to develop standards for federally funded programs serving runaway, homeless, and street youth. She also was a Greater Washington Nonprofit Roundtable Fellow. She has presented at numerous National Conferences on topics relevant to youth and young adults. Judith serves on the Policy Advisory Committee for the National Network for Youth. She is a member of the Successful Children and Youth Policy Team of Fairfax County as a former Board Member for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Advisory Board.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Judith Pittman for her tremendous efforts as a leader in Northern Virginia communities, as she celebrates her retirement after 30 years with Second Story.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 35th anniversary of Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a nonprofit organization that has provided direct advocacy and support to abused and neglected children in Fairfax County's child welfare system. Since its establishment, Fairfax CASA has made an immeasurable impact on the lives of these children.

Fairfax CASA plays a crucial role by vetting, training, and supervising community volunteers who are appointed by the Fairfax County Juvenile Domestic Relations District Court to represent the best interests of children in open abuse and neglect cases. Over the last 35 years, the organization has trained nearly 1,900 volunteers, serving almost 9,000 children since its inception in 1989.

The vision to bring CASA to Fairfax County began with Judge Jane Delbridge, who recognized the need for neutral, dedicated advocates in her courtroom. After attending a 1985 conference for judges and district attorneys, Judge Delbridge worked alongside Fairfax attorney Carole Coile, as well as former Director of Court Services Vince Pichcano and other court professionals, to launch the program. Fairfax CASA officially opened its doors in 1989, and its first child abuse case was assigned to a Court Appointed Special Advocate on January 17 of that year.

Since then, Fairfax CASA has continued to grow, both in scope and in the number of children it serves. From its first year, when 37 community members volunteered and 80 children were served, to today, where the program assists an average of 350 children annually, Fairfax CASA has remained a vital resource for the community. In the most recent fiscal year, Fairfax CASA served 395 children from 230 families.

Over the course of its 35-year history, Fairfax CASA volunteers have submitted over 10,000 comprehensive reports to the Court, ensuring that judges are equipped with the information necessary to make decisions in the best interests of the children. These reports are an essential component of the advocacy process, shining a light on the circumstances that might otherwise go unheard in the judicial system.

Fairfax CASA's success is not just measured in the number of cases handled but in the lasting difference it has made in the lives of thousands of children. The program's deep commitment to direct advocacy, as well as its push for systemic change, has earned it the respect and admiration of the entire child welfare community.

As Fairfax CASA celebrates 35 years of service, we are reminded of the immense value of its mission. Until the day comes when no child in Fairfax County needs the services of a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Fairfax CASA will continue to stand as a pillar of hope and protection for the children who need it most.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Fairfax CASA for 35 years of outstanding service and advocacy, and for its unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend from North Carolina for her leadership, and I thank my friend from American Samoa for her support for this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, responding to aggression is important. The failure of the 1930s must always be in our minds. Democracies failed every test in the 1930s: the Spanish Civil War, the Ethiopian invasion by Mussolini, the reoccupation of the Rhineland, the carving up of the Sudetenland that led up to the occupation of Czechoslovakia, the Anschluss. All of that led directly to World War II.

If we want to prevent war, we have to be strong, and we need alliances. We need strong alliances.

The aggression of Xi Jinping and China in the Indo-Pacific region must be met by the United States and its allies. The trilateral agreement President Biden, Vice President Harris, and this administration brokered between two not particularly friendly allies, Japan and South Korea, is an extraordinary achievement because they have history. It is built on the foundation of AUKUS, the reintroduction of U.S. military bases in the Philippines, rapprochement between the United States and Vietnam, and meeting Chinese aggression in the air and at sea to insist that the South China Sea is not a Chinese private lake. It is international territorial waters. The United States will insist on the rule of law throughout that region.

We, too, are a Pacific nation, and any nation that misjudges that or forgets that does so at its own peril, as history has taught us.

So this resolution, I think, is an important statement by this body in recognizing that we will meet aggression. We will deter aggression. We seek peaceful coexistence, but we are going to build strong alliances to insist peaceful coexistence is possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 161st Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 24 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 161st 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 161st Recruit Class:

Ramere S. Bethea

Andre M. Morris

Alex D. Bowers

Marshall E. Neel

Joshua L. Bright

Alex F. Padilla-Aguilar

Emilio C. De Leon

Colin J. Reilly

Ian S. Dingman

Jorge A. Reyna-Guzman

Alexander T. Eiben

Ahmad C. Richardson

Spencer K. Engel-Natzke

Dean A. Rocco

Cody W. Fischer

Jake L. Schoffelen

Angelo J. Gannon

Han E. Tak

Archie L. Haines

Nikita D. Timashev

Stephen J.D. Hayes

Christopher J. Venditti

Margaret E. Leatherland

Andrew R. Wilvert

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 congratulate the National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Vienna-Oakton Chapter 1116 on its 55th anniversary. The Northern Virginia region is home to tens of thousands of federal employees and many retirees who have chosen to stay in the region. Throughout their careers, these dedicated civil servants have given their time and effort to serve their fellow Americans, and NARFE has consistently provided them with coordinated support.

Founded in 1921, NARFE is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the earned pay, retirement, and health care benefits of federal employees and retirees as well as their spouses and survivors Vienna-Oakton Chapter 1116 is one of more than 1,600 NARFE chapters nationwide.

The Charter for Chapter 1116 was signed on June 3, 1969. At that time, the Chapter name was ``Vienna,'' and ended up being changed to ``Vienna-Oakton'' in 2005. Four of the past presidents are still active in this chapter. Chapter members have had a strong voice in many national and local legislative issues affecting federal retirees, senior citizens, and the public at large. The Board members of Chapter 1116 work to uphold the association's mission and promote the education and welfare of area members and participate in the Virginia Federation of NARFE meetings and conferences.

This chapter's members support and contribute to Alzheimer's Research which had contributions of over $16 million at the end of April 2024. Chapter 1116 members' contributions helped make Virginia Number One in the nation with a total of over $37,000 contributed for the last fiscal year. The support of the Vienna-Oakton Chapter, and chapters throughout the country, is vital to the goal of a world without Alzheimer's or dementia.

The Vienna-Oakton Chapter is also very active in the community and has strong ties to civic organizations in the Vienna area. They are a member of the Vienna Business Association, which is the local Chamber of Commerce which promotes growth through professional development, networking, and marketing activities. Chapter 1116 is also active in the local American Legion Dyer-Gunnell Post 180, volunteering at the monthly breakfasts which raise money for scholarships and community activities for children at Easter and Christmas.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Vienna-Oakton Chapter 1116 for fifty-five years of dedicated service to Northern Virginia's federal employees. These individuals are the lifeblood of our federal government. I am grateful for their service and proud to represent such outstanding individuals. I wish them the best on their anniversary, and continued success in future. endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 55th Anniversary of Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. and the 2024 ``StarFISH'' Honorees.

Since 1969, Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. has provided Friendly, Instant, Sympathetic Help for neighbors in need in Reston and Herndon. FISH meets immediate critical needs for rental assistance, furniture, utilities, medical care, and other emergencies. FISH also manages a thrift shop, operates an information and referral service, and offers financial workshops to provide clients with the tools necessary to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency.

During fiscal year 2023, FISH helped with rent, utilities, prescription costs, and more for 1,906 families, or almost 7,000 people, which totaled $446,448 monthly. During the winter holiday season, FISH provided gift cards totaling almost $11,000 to 218 families, made up of 894 individuals, of which 57 percent were children 18 and younger. In addition to the gift cards, they provided 510 holiday gifts to children in Herndon and Reston. FISH was also able to purchase $42,500 in grocery gift cards with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to help with their food assistance programs.

At its annual gala, FISH recognizes individuals and companies who have made extraordinary contributions over the past year. I am pleased to include in the Record the names of the 2024 ``StarFISH'' honorees.

Elliot Wicks is President of the Herndon-Reston FISH Board

and their webmaster. He enjoys the comradery with the Board,

staff, volunteers, and others. Elliot is impressed and

inspired by their dedication and skill and is passionate

about FISH's mission of helping people in need.

Renee Boyle, a FISH Emergency Assistance Volunteer and FISH

Fling Auction Co-Chair, became interested in FISH five years

ago. Renee hopes to honor her mother's work as a social

worker through volunteer efforts with FISH. Renee continues

to a advocate for FISH because the need for their services

continues to grow in our communities.

Sheila Grooms is a FISH Emergency Assistance Volunteer.

When her daughter was two years old, Sheila became a single

parent and received help from a church to get herself on her

feet. Sheila has been paying this assistance forward in her

community and has been with HRFISH since 2022. She is

motivated by random acts of kindness to her community and is

passionate about teaching her grandsons to help their

neighbors.

Paulette Mlakar was introduced to The Bargain Loft when she

was looking for places that sold recycled things. It wasn't

long before she became a volunteer and has been with The

Bargain Loft since 2011. Paulette has continued to add to her

responsibilities over the years and is an integral part of

the team working at the shop. She likes to live by the

saying, ``Don't count the days or years but make them

count.''

Rosemary Leonard became a volunteer at The Bargain Loft 11

years ago when she moved to Reston. Rosemary has a wealth of

knowledge when it comes to antique and vintage items, so she

is a great researcher and pricer at the shop. Rosemary enjoys

that FISH brings together a great bunch of people who serve

for one purpose: to help people in need--the epitome of

volunteerism.

Kurt Rose and Aspen Jewelry Designs is the Corporate

StarFISH of the year. Kurt has generously given his time and

expertise in helping The Bargain Loft. Over the years, Kurt

has graciously evaluated many of the jewelry donations pro

bono and has given The Bargain Loft checks for broken jewelry

that would not otherwise generate revenue.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Herndon- Reston FISH for 55 years of service. I also extend my personal congratulations to this year's honorees and express my sincere appreciation to these individuals for contributing their time and energy to helping the most vulnerable in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the English Empowerment Center

(EEC) and to congratulate the volunteers, instructors, students, community partners, and others who will be recognized at the 62nd EEC Recognition Ceremony.

The mission of EEC is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities and in society as a whole.

EEC provides the crucial first steps of language and literacy proficiency for workplace, citizenship, and community integration to help adults make measurable improvements in their lives. This past year, they have served over 2,000 adult learners, with the help of at least 500 volunteers who gave over 20,000 hours of service.

Each year EEC recognizes students and members of the community who have contributed their time, energy, and resources to achieving the mission of EEC. EEC will also recognize the recipient of the Patricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship along with the Mid Allen Rees Award. It is my great honor to include in the Record the following names of the 2024 EEC honorees and scholarship recipient:

Community Partners

Mainstreet Bank

Fairfax County's DPWES, Solid Waste Management

Philip Graham Fund

Volunteers of the Year

Dan Clancy

Eva Kaplan

Kathleen McCleary

Paricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship Recipient

Carminia Zurita

Mid-Allen Rees Award

Jackie Corkins

I also want to recognize those volunteers who are celebrating service anniversaries with EEC. Volunteers are being recognized for the service milestones of 20, 15, 10, and 5 years.

20 years: Elizabeth Magee

15 years: Naomi Gittins, Mary Kalfatovic, Kenneth Portnoy,

Anne Spear

10 years: Mark Charette, Stan Citron, Pam DiRamio, Cheryl

Heidel, Corrie Paeglow, Dennis Shannon, Marie Tibor, Linda

Zenker

5 years: Parisa Ashraf, Eric Barboriak, Robert Brown, Ann

Therese Carlozza, Madeline Chulumovich, Zoe Danon, Jacqueline

Davey, Linda Debrewer, Astrid Dejesus Rivera, Eric Dittmeier,

Glen Finland, Harriette Kinberg, Nisha Kumar, Karen Lillard,

Mario McMillan-Okuadido, Bill Meara, Elaine Michl, Sandra

Olson, Debra Pfaff, Ray Potter, Jennifer Pryor-Abraham, Jane

Schulman, Maura Sleevi, Natalie Southwood, Anuradha

Srirangarajan, Janet Swanson, Kathleen Utgoff, Joy Yamamoto

I have always believed that education is one of the most fundamental and important skills to have in one's life. As we have learned here in our own community, reading is one of the basic foundations on which to build a young person's education and their career opportunities. I want to extend my personal thanks to the Center and its many volunteers for your tireless efforts to promote literacy as a lifelong skill.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the English Empowerment Center and in thanking and congratulating each of the honorees of the 62nd EEC Recognition Ceremony. I wish all of them great success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Fairfax Ace Hardware as a cornerstone of the Fairfax neighborhood and an exemplary example of commitment to service, innovation, and community spirit.

From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of neighborhoods all over the country, Ace Hardware has been a hub for DIY enthusiasts, builders, and neighbors alike and since its opening in 2011, Fairfax Ace Hardware has become a helpful place, in more ways than one, for their Fairfax neighbors.

For 13 years, Fairfax Ace Hardware has been more than just a place to purchase tools and grilling supplies. It has been a gathering place where neighbors connect, share stories, and support one another. The employee-owned store's knowledgeable team, led by CEO Craig Smith, has always gone above and beyond to ensure the consistent delivery of outstanding customer service, a dedication to customer service and a no-hassle return policy.

The dedication of the Fairfax Ace Hardware team has led to multiple instances of being noticed by Ace Hardware's national offices, most recently and most monumentally being chosen as one out of ten stores to host a celebration commemorating 100 years of operation of Ace Hardware. This celebration, aptly named ``The Biggest Block Party'' and hosted on June 29, 2024, serves as a glowing manifestation of years of superb customer service and community engagement.

In addition to retail success, Fairfax Ace Hardware has been an outstanding corporate citizen sponsoring countless Fairfax events, fairs, and initiatives, supporting youth sports teams, and contributing to numerous charitable causes including raising over $20,000 over the last two years for Children's National Hospital through a national partnership with Ace Hardware. Their generosity and community spirit have left an indelible mark on our town, fostering a sense of unity and pride among its residents.

As we celebrate this achievement, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude to the Fairfax Ace Hardware team. Your hard work, dedication, and love for our community have made a lasting impact.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Fairfax Ace Hardware for its outstanding contributions to Fairfax and in being an example of Ace Hardware's century long commitment to fostering community spirit. We look forward to many more years of success and service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations (the ``Federation'') and to congratulate its recently elected officers who will serve in leadership positions for the 2024-2025 term.

Founded in 1940 and re-incorporated in 1995, the Federation is a coalition of civic and homeowner's associations who work together to promote and support initiatives that will benefit the community as a whole. The Federation realized early in its existence that by joining with other civic and homeowner's associations from every corner of the county and speaking with one unified voice, its influence and contributions would be far more powerful and effective.

The Federation is composed of thousands of volunteers who actively participate in matters of local and state government that impact then communities. Individual members serve on countless task forces, boards and commissions to help preserve the quality of life that is enjoyed by all who call Fairfax County home. As a former two-term President of the Federation, I understand that those who volunteer their time, energies, and talents to civic activities play a vital role in making Fairfax County one of the best places in the nation in which to live, work, and raise a family.

The Federation would not be nearly as successful and effective without the leadership of its officers. It is my great honor to include in the Record the names of the following newly elected Federation officers:

President: Tim Thompson. Tim is currently a Federation Past

President and is co-Chair of the Budget Committee and, as co-

Chair of the Legislation Committee, frequently represents

Federation issues to Fairfax General Assembly members. He

served as the Federation delegate to the Fairfax County

Redistricting Committee.

First Vice President: Morgan Jameson. Morgan has served the

Federation as Corresponding Secretary and as the Federation

representative to and Vice Chair of the Fairfax County

Airports Advisory Board. He previously served as the

Federation 1st Vice President and has represented Federation

legislative issues to the Fairfax delegation to the Virginia

General Assembly in Richmond.

Second Vice President: Sue Shuman. Sue has served on the

Mantua Citizens Association (MCA) Board as president, vice

president, and parks and environment chair. Sue is the

Neighbor Network founder and president. She previously served

on the Federation board as co-Chair of the Citizen

Association Services and as an MCA delegate to the

Federation. She was appointed in 2021 to the Fairfax County

History Commission and has served as treasurer. Sue served on

the county's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception

Review Committee.

Treasurer: Jeff Parnes. Jeff has been active in the

Federation for 20 years, including the elected offices of

Treasurer, First Vice President, and President. Jeff is the

Federation webmaster and chairs the Transportation,

Resolutions, and Citizen of the Year committees. He has been

active in Providence, Hunter Mill, and Sully District

Councils over his forty-four years in Fairfax County. He

served the Sully District Council as its vice-president,

president, land use and transportation chair and webmaster.

Jeff served as the Greenbriar Civic Association Land Use

Committee chair and as President, Treasurer and Civic Affairs

Committee chair for the Chantilly Highlands Homes

Association.

Recording Secretary: Bill Barfield. Bill is a Federation

Past President and a Past 2nd Vice President. He is currently

Chair of the Nominations Committee, the Citizen of the Year

Committee, and co-Chair of the Legislation Committee from

which he produces the annual Federation Legislative Issues

report for the Fairfax delegation to the General Assembly. He

has been President of two community associations, Chairman of

the Braddock District Council of Community Associations,

founding member and Vice Chair of the Braddock District Land

Use and Environment Committee, and was 1st Vice President of

his current community.

Corresponding Secretary: Luann Whittenburg. As a Federation

member since 2019, Luann is ready to serve as Federation

Corresponding Secretary. In 2023, she served on the

Federation's Bylaws Committee. Her other community activities

include representing the Fairfax Medical Reserve Corp on the

Fairfax Citizens Advisory Council, 2022-present. Her ongoing

activities in her community association include creating

Neighborhood Watch and supporting the annual Fairfax National

Night Out and community emergency and disaster preparedness

events.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking all of the members of the Fairfax Federation of Civic Associations and in congratulating the 2024-2025 officers on being elected to lead this dynamic organization. I commend them for their efforts on behalf of the community and wish them continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Visit Fairfax.

Visit Fairfax, established in July 2004, is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that works in conjunction with their stakeholders to distinguish Fairfax County as a premier tourist destination. Their mission is to promote, market, and sell Fairfax County as a year-round destination for visitors from all market segments including all business travel, leisure, and sports travel.

Tourism is a proven economic development strategy for Fairfax County, bringing in over $3.3 billion annually. Within the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, Fairfax County is the third largest contributor of expenditures to Virginia's tourism industry. In 2022, visitors to Fairfax County directly supported approximately 22,000 local jobs. While the majority of these jobs were in the leisure and hospitality industries--accommodations, food service, arts, entertainment and recreation--tourism impacts a multitude of businesses and crosses numerous industries.

Those figures are largely due to the work of the talented tourism professionals at Visit Fairfax. Based on the principles of partnership, cooperation and mutually beneficial alliances, their program of work is managed by objectives, and accountable for tangible, measurable results ensuring a significant Return on Investment.

Staff of Visit Fairfax work tirelessly to achieve the mission of the organization throughout the county. This includes sales calls, trade and travel shows, and one-on-one appointments with hospitality partners to increase leisure travel to Fairfax County. They also have to work closely and proactively with meeting planners and event coordinators to bring groups and organizations to Fairfax County, and they actively pursue adult and youth sporting events and activities to maximize the usage of local sports facilities.

Behind the scenes, staff from Visit Fairfax compile events and attractions, update information on restaurants and hotels, and much more to create a comprehensive database for those visiting Fairfax County, as well as residents looking to make the most of their community. With countless activities going on year-round, it is no small undertaking to have everything accessible and organized. Visit Fairfax's website also includes tools that allow people to plan a trip to Fairfax County and has potential itineraries for everyone. These resources make it easier for people to access all that Fairfax County has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Visit Fairfax on their 20th Anniversary. This milestone would not have been achieved without the dedication of the staff and Board of Directors of the organization. Fairfax County is an incredible place to live, work, and play, and thanks to Visit Fairfax, our residents and visitors have the chance to see that for themselves. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this organization and wishing them the best for their next 20 years.

Mr. Speaker, I was absent from the second vote series today due to NATO summit engagements. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 340, NAY on Roll Call No. 341, YEA on Roll Call No. 342, and NAY on Roll Call No. 343.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my Amendment No. 10 to support civil society in Tunisia.

My amendment will increase and decrease funding of this bill by five million dollars to express concern for Tunisia's authoritarian trajectory and an intensified crackdown against political opponents which has dissolved parliament, annulled the existing constitution, and disbanded the independent judicial system.

Since President Saied's takeover in July 2021, Tunisian authorities have deliberately dismantled fundamental freedoms, imprisoned political opponents and perceived critics, and ramped up rhetoric disparaging civil society and sub-Saharan migrants.

Tunisia-based NGO's and journalists have also documented an increase in racially motivated assaults against sub-Saharan Africans by ordinary citizens.

More dissenting voices continue to be arrested or summoned for questioning on an almost daily basis.

Recently, the Tunisian government has weaponized a draconian cybercrime law, Decree 54, to silence free expression and imprison journalists and lawyers who have criticized the government.

President Saied has continued to assert that there is a foreign conspiracy to increase migration to Tunisia, and has accused civil society groups helping migrants of committing ``treason''.

These alarming developments and Tunisia's continued autocratic consolidation not only endanger the country's stability in a period of deep economic insecurity, but they also raise serious concerns about the future of the U.S.-Tunisia relationship, which since 2011 has been anchored by a shared commitment to democratic principles.

It was these shared values that led the House Democracy Partnership to partner with Tunisia's parliament, and the U.S. Government to designate Tunisia as a Major Non-NATO ally, strengthen security cooperation, and dramatically increase bilateral aid over the past 12 years.

My amendment reiterates concern for Tunisia's authoritarian trajectory and an intensified crackdown against political opponents which has dissolved parliament, annulled the existing constitution, and disbanded the independent judicial system.

These developments undermine the confidence in the rule of law that is essential for a flourishing U.S.-Tunisia relationship.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of my bipartisan Amendment No. 11 to support the Georgian people in their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

My amendment will increase and decrease funding of this bill by $10 million to emphasize our commitment to a future for Georgia that follows a Euro-Atlantic trajectory, one where democratic institutions are upheld, not denigrated.

Mr. Chair for the past decade, I have served as co-chair of the Georgia Caucus here in the House of Representatives.

It has been from that position that I have advocated for Georgia's territorial integrity and their turn away from Russia and towards the West.

As we meet here today, Russia still illegally occupies and controls 20 percent of sovereign Georgian territory.

Russian officials continue to commit human rights violations and brutally repress Georgians living in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Let us make clear that South Ossetia and Abkhazia are Georgian, just as Kherson, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhizhia, and Crimea are Ukrainian.

And it is equally important for us to support the Georgian people in their wishes to join the European community, which received a boost with Georgia being granted EU candidate status on June 23, 2022.

But we must speak out about Georgia's current trajectory and make clear that the democratic backsliding in Georgia, which has culminated in the passage of a Foreign Agents Law that mimics what Putin used to eviscerate civil society in Russia, is unsustainable.

As we speak, Georgia's democracy is in danger. Boundless investigations of political parties, changes in election systems that violate the Venice Commission and OSCE, and now the Foreign Agents Law, bring Georgia further away from EU membership, not closer.

Attacks on the United States Ambassador, against independent judges, civil society members, the political opposition, and the rights of

LGTBQ+ individuals only push Georgia closer to the Russian model, and away from the liberal democratic model of the West.

Our amendment makes clear that the United States will continue to stand with the Georgian people, in support of its democratic institutions, in support of the rule of law, in support of accountability for those that engage in corruption, in support of an independent judiciary, and in support of Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, if you gave truth serum to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I am pretty sure they would admit they would rather not be here today doing this. They would admit that Attorney General Merrick Garland is collateral damage in a failed effort to impeach the President of the United States.

There is no honor in that, and my colleagues are, for the most part, I think, honorable people, so this is not something they want to do, but it is demanded of them nonetheless.

Former President Trump has repeatedly threatened the House Republican Conference that they must impeach President Biden or else. So here we are.

They found the Attorney General in contempt for providing a transcript, a full transcript and not an audio recording, of an interview from an investigation that ended up finding nothing.

By the way, Mr. Speaker, the recording in question is now subject to executive privilege, so their fight is not even with the Attorney General of the United States. It is with the White House.

I take some solace in the fact that many of my Republican friends and colleagues are here doing the dirty work of one individual against their will and better judgment. I know deep down, very deep down, they would rather do the honorable thing and give up this miscarriage of justice today.