Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding.

I was listening as a student of history myself to our friend from Texas. In that little last bit about affordable health care, he left out one little piece of history, which was that the Republicans of both the Senate and the House, to a person, decided it a priority to oppose the health care reform act no matter what was in it.

To now come back and say we weren't given an opportunity to amend something that we decided we were going to oppose--remember Jim DeMint's words: if we can defeat this bill, it will be President Obama's Waterloo, no matter what is in it. So we need to remember history in its full context.

And speaking of history, knowing of my distinguished friend's love of it, it was almost 35 years ago when the 96th Congress answered the cries of communities across the country facing the life-threatening effects of hazardous toxic waste. Who can forget, speaking of history, the Love Canal disaster in New York or the Valley of the Drums in Kentucky, the unexplained increase in the incidence of cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages?

In an overwhelmingly bipartisan effort then, that Congress did the right thing by creating the Superfund program, offering communities a way to remediate contaminated sites, to protect public health, and hold polluters accountable.

The success of the Superfund is clear: according to the EPA, as of April of last year, remedial actions have been completed at more than 1,145 national priority list sites, and an additional 365 have been completely cleaned up and deleted from the list. That is called success. That is called a program that is working. That is 70 percent of the sites that had been added to the priority list.

Today, human exposure is under control at 1,361 priority sites and contaminated groundwater under control at 1,069 sites.

Yet, despite that success, with communities still in need, in process, the House majority wants to peel back that progress and repeal what we have done.

Can the Superfund be improved? Of course. We are committed to do that. But the answer isn't letting industry off the hook and leaving families exposed to hazardous waste and high cancer rates.

I urge defeat of this bill.

I thank my colleague for giving me the extra time.

Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan budget agreement represents some modicum of compromise, something that has been sorely lacking in this Congress. It is by no means a perfect deal, but both sides have made concessions so that we may avert a repeat of the disastrous government shutdown and begin to restore some of the draconian cuts caused by sequestration.

For me, and many of my colleagues, this will be a ``hold-your-nose and vote yes vote,'' given our disappointment and concern about yet another cut in benefits for new federal employees. No other group in America has been asked to make the same sacrifices as the dedicated men and women of our federal workforce.

Federal employees already have contributed $114 billion to deficit reduction as a result of a 3-year pay freeze, a reduction in retirement benefits for new hires, and lost pay as a result of furloughs. Thankfully, we were able to beat back the worst proposals to further encroach on their benefits, and I believe this bipartisan deal will minimize the prospect of additional furloughs by replacing some of the sequestration cuts.

Nonetheless, I will continue fighting for our federal employees until they receive the respect they deserve and have earned. I will continue to push back against those in Congress who unfairly impugn federal workers for partisan political gain. And I will continue to protect the rights and dignity of federal workers and the valuable public service they provide to the nation.

For Northern Virginia, which was disproportionately affected by sequestration, this agreement for the first time will replace a portion of those indiscriminate cuts with a more balanced approach. It will actually increase federal investments in research, innovation, and transportation. That in turn will help unleash business investments, which have lagged due to a sense of uncertainty fueled by the political brinksmanship in Congress.

No one got everything they wanted out of this deal. Indeed, I along with many of my colleagues would have preferred to see an extension of long-term unemployment benefits, which has a very direct and significant benefit on more than 1 million families and our national and local economies. Every dollar of assistance generates $1.64 in economic activity in the community. Sadly, it was not addressed here, but we will continue to push the Speaker to bring it up separately to help those still struggling to find work.

Congress faces many more serious challenges in the coming weeks and months, including the need to raise the debt ceiling, renew long-term transportation funding, and reform our broken immigration system. Perhaps this bipartisan breakthrough will provide the model we need to avoid the ``my-way-or-the-highway'' shutdown brand of politics that has characterized the Republican philosophy of governance for the last three years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Chapter 893 of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE), based in Springfield, Virginia.

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. Springfield Chapter 893 is one of more than 1600 NARFE chapters nationwide.

The Charter for Chapter 893 was issued December 31, 1963. At that time, there were 14 members. Today, the Chapter membership has grown to become the largest of the 59 chapters in Virginia, with nearly 1,400 voting members. Chapter members have had a strong voice in many national and local legislative issues affecting Federal retirees, senior citizens and the public at large.

While Chapter 893 has always emphasized fulfilling the primary NARFE mission, its members have also made invaluable contributions to our Northern Virginia community. Chapter 893 members have volunteered countless hours at hospitals and libraries, and they have worked with local non-profit organizations to support blood drives and Meals on Wheels programs. Since 1987, members have contributed generously to Alzheimer's Research, the charity of choice for NARFE nationwide. In 1992, members first participated in the local area Alzheimer's Memory Walk, which has raised approximately $1,000 annually for several years. In 2009, members began participating in the collection of warm clothing items for homeless veterans for the Washington, DC, Veterans Administration Medical Center. That same year, the Chapter began supporting the National Association of Letter Carriers ``Stamp Out Hunger'' program.

Over the course of its successful history, the Springfield Chapter has benefited from many dynamic, accomplished leaders. Several past presidents have been elected as officers or appointed committee chairs of the NARFE Virginia Federation of Chapters. Others have served in civic, professional, or fraternal organizations locally. Particularly noteworthy are the accomplishments of past presidents Milton Kramer, Vincent Agnelli, David Sullivan, Charles Delaplane, and Ann M. Collins. Past President Kramer played a major role in organizing the Northern Virginia Caucus of Chapters in 1993. Past President Agnelli served on an ad hoc committee influential in the 1993 Virginia Supreme Court Federal retiree tax refund issue. Past President Sullivan served on the Board of the Virginia Federation of Chapters (VFC) for several years and subsequently was elected NARFE National Secretary in 2000 and again in 2002. Past President Charles Delaplane served on the Board of the VFC for several years and chaired the National Legislation Committee at the 2008 and 2010 NARFE National Conventions. Past President Collins served on the Board of the VFC and subsequently was elected VFC President for 2 terms (2005-2007). In 2006 as VFC President she established NARFE VFC Congressional District Liaisons for the 11 congressional districts in Virginia as well as a Senatorial Liaison. Also, Past President Collins was appointed as a delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging to represent the 11th Congressional District of Virginia.

The 11th Congressional District of Virginia, due to its proximity to Washington, DC, is home to a significant number of Federal employees and retirees and I am honored to represent these dedicated and honorable public servants in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating NARFE Springfield Chapter 893 on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and in thanking the members for their unwavering support and dedication to Federal employees, retirees, and their families.

Mr. Speaker, today House Republicans forced a vote on the cynically misnamed ``Kids First Research Act.'' The bill purports to increase funding for pediatric research by transferring $12.6 million from the public financing for party nominating conventions. That might sound substantial if it weren't designed to mask the fact that House Republicans have slashed NIH funding by $4.2 billion in the last three years. In fact, their most recent budget proposal would have cut NIH funding by another 20%. It's one of the most cynical acts I've seen in a Congress and reminds me of what my friend, humorist Jim Boren, used to say, ``If you're going to be a phony, at least be sincere about it.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate and recognize the Project Management Institution's Washington, D.C., Chapter for its commitment to leadership and advocacy on behalf of the project management profession. PMI Washington, D.C., is the recipient of the 2013 PMI Chapter Award for Leadership, Planning & Operations. This award is given in recognition of PMIWDC's focus on business and operational planning, including the chapter's outstanding website. In addition to the chapter's achievements, this year also marks its 35th anniversary.

PMI is the world's largest nonprofit membership association for project management professionals. PMI's resources and research empower more than 265 chapters worldwide and 700,000 members, credential holders, and volunteers to further enhance and develop their careers. PMI's worldwide advocacy for project management is reinforced by its globally recognized standards and certification program and extensive academic and research programs. PMIWDC has nearly 11,000 members and remains the fastest-growing and largest PMI chapter in the world.

The PMIWDC Chapter has made significant organizational advances by having both a Governance Board for strategic planning and an Operations Board for directing the organization. Additionally, the chapter has developed advanced policies and processes to ensure continuity through changing leadership. PMIWDC has been praised for providing expanded management development and providing a path for volunteer members to advance into roles with greater responsibility.

The chapter is also recognized for its outreach efforts to local high school and college students to recruit and advance the project management profession. PMIWDC serves as an exemplary model for the PMI Global values of professionalism, volunteerism, community, and engagement.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my congratulations and ask that my colleagues join me in commending PMI's Washington, D.C., Chapter for its leadership and outreach in the community.

I thank my colleague, Mr. Polis, for his leadership.

Madam Chair, I join with the distinguished chairman in support of this amendment. I am proud to be one of the coauthors.

I must say, contrary to what our dear friend from California just said, a lot of small investors have in fact endorsed this bill because it protects innovators

in the garage from being killed off by large litigation they cannot afford. And it is precisely the opposite of what was being asserted by our friend from California. That is why Application Developers Alliance, Engine, EFF, and others have in fact endorsed the bill.

I want to commend my friend, Mr. Polis, for his leadership on this amendment, and I am glad to join my colleagues, Messrs. Chaffetz and Marino, in offering it.

Businesses large and small are being inundated with demand letters that essentially amount to an extortion for money based on vague or even illegitimate claims that a patent has been infringed upon. Because the cost of litigation often runs into the millions of dollars, many businesses are forced to settle, which is sapping them of money that could otherwise be spent on innovation and hiring.

We know last year, for the first time ever, Apple and Google spent more on litigation than they did on R&D.

I urge the adoption of the amendment.

For example, Apple and Google recently reached a dubious milestone as both spent more on patent lawsuits and purchases than on R&D. The cost of payouts from frivolous suits brought by patent trolls drained $29 billion from the economy last year.

Our amendment would require claimants alleging patent infringements to disclose their parent entities, which will prevent patent trolls from hiding behind shell corporations. This will help weed out nuisance claims and preserve the rights of legitimate patent holders.

I urge my colleagues to support this common-sense, bipartisan amendment.

There is a list of industry supporters below. PhRMA will not oppose and AAJ is neutral. Goodlatte has agreed to go on voice.

Supporting organizations: App Developers Alliance, American Hotel and Lodging Association, American Association of Advertising Agencies, American Bankers Association, Association of National Advertisers, Credit Union National Association, Direct Marketers Association, DISH Network, Electronic Frontier Foundation, Food Marketing Institute, Independent Community Bankers of America, International Franchise Association, Mobile Marketing Association, National Association of Convenience Stores, National Council of Chain Restaurants, National Grocers Association, National Restaurant Association, and National Retail Federation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Achievement Week Banquet for the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The chapter includes the communities of Prince William County, the City of Manassas, the City of Manassas Park and Stafford County.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity was founded on Friday evening, November 17, 1911 by three Howard University undergraduate students, Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, and Frank Coleman, and their faculty adviser, Professor Ernest E. Just. Together they laid the foundation of an organization based on the core principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift. For one hundred years, the membership has upheld a strong tradition of friendship and civic engagement.

At this year's Annual Achievement Week Banquet, the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter honors the Achievement Week Award recipients. These awards are given to the men and women who, through their character and actions, preserve Omega Psi Phi's four founding principles. I congratulate the following individuals on being awarded these honors:

The Citizen of the Year Award: Congressman Gerald E. Connolly

The Colonel Charles Young Military Leadership Award: Brother Colonel Drefus Lane

Omega Man of the Year: Brother Albert Woods

Founders Award: Brother Dr. Bryon Cherry, Sr.

Basileus Awards: Brother Lee Bennett, Jr. and Brother Erik Noel

Special Basileus Award: Leonard and Susie Gillespie and Gregory Scroggins: K2 Restaurant and Lounge

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in conveying our appreciation for years of civic service by the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. It is civic groups like the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter that define the character of our communities and give measure to our generosity of spirit.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate my constituent David Lavery, as well as his colleagues on the Mars Science Laboratory Team for being awarded the Samuel J. Heyman Science and Environment Medal. The Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (referred to as the Sammies) pay tribute to America's dedicated federal workforce, highlighting those who have made significant contributions to our country. Honorees are chosen based on their commitment and innovation, as well as the impact of their work on addressing the needs of the nation.

As Program Executive for Solar System Exploration, Mr. Lavery leads the Curiosity rover mission to Mars that is exploring the Red Planet's geology and climate and assessing whether conditions are favorable for microbial life and future human exploration. This historic mission is the culmination of more than a decade of perseverance, engineering breakthroughs, and scientific innovations. The mission's findings will rewrite the textbooks on the geology of Mars and shed light on the possibility of life-supporting environments there.

Working on the cutting edge of space exploration at NASA was Mr. Lavery's childhood dream. Although unable to become an astronaut, he has twice helped place American technology on the surface of another planet. His first flight project was Sojourner--a rover sent to Mars in 1997. For the Curiosity mission, Lavery carefully supervised every step of the process leading to the launch. According to Jonathan Rall, assistant director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, ``Without Dave's constant oversight for this mission, it would not have been successful.''

This award is just the latest achievement in an amazing public service career that extends beyond NASA to include his years mentoring the robotics team at Herndon High School, guiding them in national competitions and inspiring generations of young Americans to pursue careers in science and technology.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our highest praise and congratulations to the Dave Lavery and the eight other public servants from around the country who have been honored with Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals this year. Their achievements range from working to eradicate polio in India to landing an exploratory vehicle on Mars to saving the Air Force more than $1 billion in 2012 by reducing energy consumption. It has been my great privilege and honor to represent tens of thousands of exceptional Federal workers who hail from Virginia's 11th Congressional District. They all deserve our thanks and respect.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th Anniversary of FACETS, a Northern Virginia nonprofit that helps individuals and families overcome the challenges of poverty.

Since 1988, through its collaboration with more than 100 faith communities, local businesses, fellow nonprofits, and government agencies, FACETS has improved the lives of thousands of families and individuals by helping them obtain emergency shelter, food, and medical care; helping them gain safe, sustainable and permanent housing; and working with them to end the cycle of poverty through educational, life skills and career counseling programs. This wrap-around approach not only addresses the immediate needs of those in crisis, it also provides the support and services necessary to develop long-range solutions that allow each person to become self-sufficient and live with dignity.

During my tenure on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I was pleased to partner with FACETS in launching the Hypothermia Prevention and Response Program, which will be starting up again soon. Under this program, churches have opened their doors to provide our most vulnerable neighbors with a warm and safe place to stay during winter nights. Last year FACETS served 244 guests in this program, and since it began no unsheltered individuals have died due to hypothermia. In 2008, when I was Chairman of the County Board, I worked with FACETS founder Linda Wimpey and other community partners to initiate the 10- Year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Thanks to the success of that program we have made significant strides reducing the rate of homelessness by one-fourth.

FACETS also helps people develop the skills necessary to create better lives for themselves and their families by operating Education and Community Development programs

in community centers located in affordable housing communities throughout Fairfax County. Programs for youth focus on academics, self- esteem, substance abuse prevention, healthy relationships and college or career planning. Approximately 450 youth participate in these programs. Nearly 90 percent of children who received homework and tutoring help improved their GPAs or overall academic performance. Last summer, FACETS served 1250 lunches, sent 7 children to camp, and hosted additional activities designed to keep children and teens safe.

Programs for adults include computer and financial literacy, career development and ESL. Residents can participate in individualized case management, focusing on eviction prevention and emergency food and financial assistance to keep them stable and in their homes. In FY12, nearly 60 adults participated in FACETS' community programs. Of those who received case management, 40 percent became actively involved with life skills classes and 60 percent gained employment assistance, including resume development and increasing earning power.

FACETS has earned well-deserved recognition for these efforts. The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce honored FACETS as its 2013 Large Nonprofit of the Year. In June 2013, the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers recognized the FACETS' Education and Community Development Program as the Best Community Life Program in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Last year,

FACETS earned a Team Excellence Award: Leadership Role in the Fairfax County Family Shelter In-take Redesign.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing FACETS for its 25 years of service to our community and in extending our sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff and volunteers for their commitment to ending poverty in Fairfax County as well as to the individual, corporate, non-profit, and government agency sponsors for supporting the critical work of this organization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2013 Fairfax County Park Service Awards. These awards, sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority Board in cooperation with the Fairfax County Park Foundation, recognize individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to our environment and public park system.

Fairfax County is regarded as one of the best places in the country in which to live, work, and raise a family, and our nationally- recognized park system has played a key role in that distinction. Each year thousands of volunteers donate their talents and time to protect our natural and cultural resources and enhance educational and recreational services.

The Fairfax County Park Service Awards are presented in several categories: the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards which were established in 1988 and named in honor of Ellamae Doyle in recognition of her many years of outstanding service as a member and chairman of the Park Authority Board, the Eakin Philathropy Award named in honor of the Eakin family who donated the first parcels of parkland to the Park Authority more than 50 years ago, the Mayo Stuntz Cultural Resource Award named in honor of the late, longtime historian, author, and chairman of the Sully Foundation, and the Outstanding Volunteer Awards. I am honored to enter into the Congressional Record the names of the following recipients of the 2013 Service Awards:

Eakin Philanthropy Award Recipients:

ExxonMobil for its generous support of the Summer Entertainment Series, its investment in an outdoor classroom at Huntley Meadows Park, and for support of the Meaningful Watershed Education Experience.

Jon and Ruth Ruskin who, through the RZ Foundation, have made significant financial contributions that have supported Fairfax County Parks programs and initiatives including Bright Futures RecPAC scholarships, Arts in the Park performances, and funding for open space land acquisition.

The Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award:

The Sully Foundation Ltd., which has contributed nearly half a million dollars in support of special projects at Sully Historic Site since 1970.

Elly Doyle Park Service Award Recipients:

Howard Albers for his work as a volunteer consultant to identify and secure new sources of funding for park programs and facilities.

Jim Hickey for more than 17 years of volunteer service to Lake Accotink Park and for establishing the Friends of Lake Accotink, for which he serves as president.

Sarah Kirk for her efforts as founder and president of Turner Farm Events to ensure that equestrian programs at The Turner Farm in Great Falls remain free to the public.

Elly Doyle Special Recognition Awards:

Casto DeBiasi, Lassine Doumbia, The Great Falls Trail Blazers, The Friends of Green Spring Gardens Board of Directors, Lynn Mulvey- McFerron, and Melina Tye.

2013 Outstanding Volunteers:

Fran Anderson, William A. ``Bill'' Bozo, Lisi Bradshaw, Joan Carson, Sue Erbele, Clint Fields, Natalie Gilbert, Mostafa Kamvar, Lauren Kinne, Barbara Leven, Judy Nitsche, Martha Orling, Jaque Ristau, Cathy Ruiz, Marilyn Schroeder, Jim and Jo Anne Stapleton, John Tucker, Karen Waltman, and the Ziegler Family.

2013 Student Honorees:

Monica Banghart and Rohil Bhinge.

Mister Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating and thanking these honorees for their commitment to our open spaces and public parks. Fairfax County is able to enjoy a high quality of life because of the efforts of these individuals and they are deserving of our praise and appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize this year's recipients of Leadership Fairfax's Northern Virginia Leadership Awards.

Leadership Fairfax is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to finding, training and growing leaders in Northern Virginia. Leadership Fairfax seeks to build leaders who raise the tide not only in their organization or local community but in the whole Northern Virginia region. Graduates from its programs become part of a fast growing network of civic leaders. I've always said, ``When you walk into a crowded room it's easy to spot the graduates of Leadership Fairfax-- they just stand out!''

Leadership Fairfax alumni and the general public submitted nominations for the 17th annual Northern Virginia Leadership Award, and a panel of community and business leaders made the final selections. It is my honor to enter the following names of the 2013 Northern Virginia Leadership Awards recipients into the Congressional Record:

Bob Chase, president of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, will receive the Regional Leadership Award, which recognizes an individual for advancing regional collaboration and partnership. For two decades, Bob has worked with the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, a coalition of business and civic leaders, to educate the public and advocate for major improvements in regional roads and transit.

Lynn Tadlock, chairman of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia and deputy executive director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, will be presented with the Trustee Leadership Award, which honors an individual who has demonstrated visionary leadership by embracing new opportunities and pursuing innovative, collaborative approaches. Ms. Tadlock has been associated for 28 years with the Fairfax County Park Authority, and in philanthropy at the Claude Moore Foundation. She has been instrumental in bringing to reality many projects that exist in the county today, including the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, the Cross County Trail, and two county parks for disabled children: Clemyjontri Park in McLean, and the Special Harbor Spray Park at Lee District.

Pam Michell, executive director of New Hope Housing, will receive the Nonprofit Leadership Award for her 22 years of inspirational leadership at New Hope Housing. Michell has grown New Hope from a small, local agency to a regional agency, with shelters, transitional and supportive housing, and outreach and support services.

The JBG Companies, a real estate investment firm, will be presented the Corporate Leadership Award. JBG develops active, sustainable communities, advances affordable housing and promotes public art. JBG Cares, the companies' volunteer arm, matches volunteers from the company in the areas of affordable housing, education, the environment, hunger and the arts.

Joe Thompson, assistant principal at Annandale High School, will be honored with the Educational Leadership Award for his efforts in launching the first Annandale Pyramid Resource Fair this past August. This event provided school supplies, clothing, hearing and sight testing, haircuts and other goods and services to almost 4,000 families in the Annandale High School Pyramid.

Patricia Stevens, executive director of the Office of Public Private Partnerships, Fairfax County, will receive the Chairman's Award for her enthusiastic and distinguished service on the Board of Directors of Leadership Fairfax as Governance Committee chair, and as a member of the Executive and Membership committees.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these honorees and thanking them for their service to Northern Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2013 award recipients and in commending the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department for 73 years of service. I thank the brave volunteers whose dedication to public safety is deserving of our highest praise, and to each of these men and women I say: ``Stay safe.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to today to recognize the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department, and to congratulate the 2013 award recipients and incoming 2014 officers and board members.

The Annandale Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is 1 of 12 volunteer fire departments in Fairfax County, and since its founding in 1940, it has provided lifesaving, fire suppression/prevention, and emergency medical/rescue services to the residents of the Annandale area and the surrounding community. The AVFD owns two stations, Station 8 on Columbia Pike and Station 23 on Little River Turnpike, and its front line fleet includes ambulances, a medic, 2 engines, and 1 canteen unit. The Department also provides opportunities for professional growth and development of the membership.

The most valuable assets of the AVFD are the volunteers who donate their time and resources in service to our community. Last year alone, these highly skilled and committed volunteers contributed in excess of 15,000 hours responding to emergency incidents, attending training, and fundraising. Each year the AVFD recognizes those volunteers who have excelled in service and commitment, and it is my honor to enter the following names of the 2013 Annandale Volunteer Fire Department into the Congressional Record:

Outstanding Service Award (5 recipients): Steve Menger, Walt Ferrebee, Lisa Lieu, Leslie Plummer, and Kathleen Hinman

Highest Admin Hours Award: Shirley Binsky

Admin Member of the Year: Anthony Ruth

Rookie Members of the Year (2 recipients): Chessy Dintruff and Roberto Melgar

Most Training Hours: Suzanne Adams

Most Riding Hours: Tiffany Disbrow

Support Member of the Year: Fran Carfaro

President's Award (2 recipients): Michael Hassan and Diana Phan

Chief's Award (2 recipients): Sean Beatty and Tiffany Disbrow

John G. Fox, Jr. Memorial Award (2 recipients): Ronald Waller and Laura Dye

Additionally, I wish to congratulate and thank the following men and women who have agreed to assume additional responsibilities as officers and board members for 2014:

Chief: Roger Waller

President: Gary Moore

Vice President: Sean Bhatty

Treasurer: Ronald Waller

Secretary: Diana Phan

Directors: Shirley Binsky, Michael Hassan, and Peter Snitzer

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the 2013 award recipients and in commending the Annandale Volunteer Fire Department for 73 years of service. I thank the brave volunteers whose dedication to public safety is deserving of our highest praise, and to each of these men and women I say: ``Stay safe.''

I thank my colleague.

When I first heard that Barry Sullivan was retiring, my reaction was, Say it ain't so.

I have been in this body for 5 years, and one of the first people I met in orientation was Barry Sullivan. And as a son of Boston myself, as an Irish Catholic myself, as somebody whose family vacations in Cape Code periodically, in Falmouth, where Barry also vacations, I felt I was at home. I felt that there was a human face to this institution who cared about it passionately, who had ties to Tip O'Neill and Joe Moakley, two great heroes in my family's household back in Boston.

I think Barry has provided incredible service to the people's body, to this House, and has tried to ease stress, has tried to make our lives more comfortable. I cannot imagine what we are all going to do when our pager goes off and we don't hear that Boston staccato: There will be four votes; this is the last series of the day. That is Barry Sullivan. And if you come from New England, those are comforting tones.

Barry has contributed 33 years to this institution. I don't think he ever lost a sense of reverence for what this institution is all about; and I think, in showing that reverence, he reminds those of us who hold elective office here just how privileged we are to serve in the people's body. He never lost

sight of that, and I hope none of us will either.

Barry, I think that is your lasting legacy. Thank you to you and your wonderful wife, Barbara, and your three kids. Enjoy retirement. God bless.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2013 Arts Awards presented by the Arts Council of Fairfax County. These awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of artists and arts organizations, as well as the individuals and businesses in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church that support the arts in our community.

Founded in 1964, the Arts Council of Fairfax County, Inc. is a non- profit organization designated as Fairfax County's local arts agency to promote all forms of art. The Arts Council operates programs and initiatives that include grants, arts advocacy, education, and professional development opportunities for artists and arts organizations. In FY13, the Arts Council awarded grants to 62 organizations and 3 artists, funded more than 2,600 performances and activities, which were attended by more than 1.2 million people. In addition, The Arts Council of Fairfax County has been a strong supporter and sponsor of the 11th Congressional District High School Arts Competition and has been instrumental in making this program one of the most successful in the nation.

The Arts Awards honor supporters of the arts in four categories: the Jinx Hazel Arts Citizen of the Year Award, the Arts Achievement Award, the Emerging Arts Award, and the Arts Philanthropy Award. It is my honor to enter the following names of the 2013 Arts Awards Recipients into the Congressional Record:

The Jinx Hazel Arts Citizen of the Year Award is presented to The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, FCEDA, for its outstanding leadership and service to civic life and leadership in the arts and culture in Fairfax County. FCEDA highlights Fairfax County's rich cultural life and cosmopolitan environment through its international marketing campaigns, web site, and the presentation of opportunities in the arts to its many business prospects. FCEDA believes it is important to support organizations that enhance the overall quality of life for the residents of Fairfax County.

The Arts Achievement Award is presented to Ms. Kathryn Fredgren in recognition of 32 years of vision and leadership in bringing the highest quality dance performances of classical ballet, contemporary and modern dance, jazz, and tap dance to thousands of children and adults in Northern Virginia. Together with her husband Ken, Ms. Fredgren founded The Center Dance Company in 1981. Re-named BalletNova Center for Dance in 2009, the organization continues to be one of the most widely respected dance training centers in Northern Virginia. Upon her retirement as artistic director of BalletNova, Ms. Fredgren brought her love of children and innovative teaching to her position as dance artist-in-residence at Hunter Woods Elementary School in Reston from 2005 to 2011. She currently serves on BalletNova's board of directors.

Riverbend Opera Company, one of the two professional opera companies in Fairfax County, is the recipient of the Emerging Arts Award for its entrepreneurial and high quality arts programming. Founded in 2009, Riverbend Opera Company brings professional opera productions to Northern Virginia and provides performance opportunities to established and emerging music professionals. Through a partnership with Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Riverbend provides students with opportunities to work with music professionals, learn the background and history of operatic works, study the music in depth, and join in as chorus members during the Company's performances.

The Art Philanthropy Award is presented to Cityline Partners LLC for its outstanding support and leadership to the arts. Cityline owns, manages, and develops transit-oriented real estate holdings in Tysons and the D.C. metropolitan region. Continuing a strong tradition of philanthropy to the arts in Fairfax County, Cityline offers in-kind facility services to Traveling Players Ensemble and sponsors Celebrate Fairfax, the McLean Orchestra, and Youth Orchestra.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2013 Arts Awards and in recognizing and thanking the visionaries, leaders, and supporters who help to make our Northern Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, today the House considered a bill introduced by Rep. Fred Upton deceptively titled the ``Keep Your Health Plan Act of 2013.'' The bill actually does nothing to address the situation in which some individuals have had their coverage canceled by their insurance provider. Rather this bill would allow insurance companies to continue selling substandard insurance plans to anyone, even those who currently do not have any insurance, on the open market without the new benefits or protections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

In contrast, President Obama has put forth a reasonable solution that extends the grandfathering provision of the law. Under that provision, insurance plans in place on March 23, 2010, the date the ACA was signed into law, are considered grandfathered. At issue now are those plans issued since then that do not meet the minimum standards of the ACA. This week, the President announced an extension of the grandfathering provisions that will empower insurance companies and state commissioners of insurance to allow those older plans to continue to be offered for one more year. If the insurance companies decide to continue offering those plans, they must notify all individuals who have received a cancellation notice and anyone else at risk of receiving one to inform them of their right to continue their previous coverage so long as the insurer discloses what benefits and protections--such as caps on premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, free preventive care, or guaranteed coverage for pre-existing conditions-- will not be provided. They also have to inform these individuals of their right to pursue new coverage that does include the wide range of consumer protections and reforms through the health insurance exchanges.

The reason I voted for and continue to support the ACA is precisely because of those consumer and patient protection reforms. We cannot allow Americans to be subjected to capricious cancellations, lifetime limits on their coverage, no coverage or unaffordable coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and higher premiums based on gender for the same basic coverage. Enrollment in the new insurance plans is increasing with each passing day along with reports of people being pleasantly surprised that they can in fact find insurance plans with premiums that are comparable to, or in many cases less than, their current coverage, and we expect that to continue.