Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to this bill. Certainly, we can agree that federal agencies, like many large employers, need to reevaluate their office space requirements in response to more hybrid work options post-COVID.

But this is not a new endeavor for the federal government. This is something the federal government was doing for more than a decade before the pandemic.

When we passed the Telework Enhancement Act in 2009, federal telework participation was below 14 percent. By 2016, that number grew by more than 50 percent to 22 percent. During that intervening period, agencies created hoteling options, reevaluated office space needs, and even identified telework savings associated with reduced real estate requirements.

So again, this is not new territory for the federal government. What is new is the mindless and punitive approach Republicans have started to take towards agency decisions about workplace environments.

During the pandemic, Republicans on the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, voted to require 100 percent of federal employees back into the office for full-time in-person work--a standard that did not exist even before the pandemic and one that envisions a 19th century workplace complete with hole-punched timecards.

Concurrently, they opposed my legislation, the Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act, to implement common sense workplace public health standards to protect federal employees during COVID and any future public health emergencies.

Their opposition is, as I said, mindless and punitive.

With this bill, House Republicans are at it again. This bill would establish an arbitrary requirement for agencies to dispose of property and leases.

It makes no accommodations for the workplace flexibility our federal agencies need, not just to compete for talent, but also to accommodate those with disabilities or military spouses whose employment would not be possible without hybrid or remote work.

This bill demagogues the issue of hybrid work at a time when we should be taking meaningful action to help the federal workplace remain competitive and productive.

I welcome the Administration's efforts to end pandemic era remote work postures while strengthening robust telework options for federal employees, which we helped create with the Telework Enhancement Act.

There is a way forward that helps agencies adjust to post-pandemic workforce needs, but this bill is not the solution and I urge my colleagues to oppose it.

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the vote today due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 86.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2023 Fairfax County Design and Environmental Achievement Awards.

This annual event celebrates Environmental Excellence awardees, Friends of Trees awardees, as well as James M. Scott Exceptional Design awardees. Each of these three awards celebrate dedicated individuals, county employees, and organizations or businesses who have made a lasting impact in our community.

The Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individual county residents, county employees, and organizations or businesses who advance or support the county's environmental goals and policies, dedicate personal time and expertise beyond their normal fiscal and civic responsibilities, and demonstrate leadership within the community. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following:

Individual County Resident Category: Mei Torrey, Langley High School

County Employee Category: Craig Carinci, Director of Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Stormwater Planning Division (retired); Joseph Gorney, Principal Environmental Planner with the Department of Planning and Development, Environmental Policy and Plan Development Branch; Hugh Whitehead, Urban Forest Management Division (retired)

Organization and Business Category: Trace--The Zero Waste Store, Vienna; Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association, Grounds Committee

Since 1999, the Friends of Trees Awards have highlighted exceptional, outstanding, and innovative tree conservation actions in Fairfax County that meet one or more criteria: to protect and preserve existing trees and associated habitats, to increase the urban tree canopy and its related habitats, to educate and inspire people to plant more trees and properly maintain them, and to convey an understanding of the value and benefits of trees. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following recipients:

Individual County Resident Category: Steve Lagerfeld, McLean Trees Foundation; Jim McGlone, Virginia Department of Forestry (retired); Bob Vickers, Tree Commission

Non-profit Citizens Group Category: McLean Citizens Association, Environment, Parks and Recreation Committee

Non-profit Business Category: Inova Health Systems Office of Sustainability

Schools Category: Fairhill Elementary School, FCPS; Liberty Middle School, FCPS

Development Awardee: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid- Atlantic States

Established in 1984, the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards recognize achievement in the total design of a building and its site. The awards aim to raise awareness of outstanding planning and design projects among design professionals and the general public. It is with great pride that I include in the Record the names of the following recipients:

Honor Award: G+G House, Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect; Capital One Hall, HGA, Architect

Merit Award: Spring Mill House, Robert M. Gurney, FAIA, Architect; The Residence at Colvin Run, Architecture, Incorporated

Honorable Mention: 1800 Tysons Amenity, WDG Interior Architecture; Lorton Community Center and Library, Grimm + Parker Architects; The Crossroads Building at the Langley School, CGS Architects

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the 2023 Fairfax County Design and Environmental Achievement awardees and thank them for their impact on our community. Their efforts, which are deserving of our highest praise, provide immeasurable benefits to their fellow residents and serve as a reminder of why Fairfax County remains such a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the recipients of the 2024 Fairfax County Student Peace Awards.

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

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

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

Husna Basiri, Annandale High School

Level the Field, Centreville High School

Ria Jakhete, Chantilly High School

Edison Minds Matter, Edison High School

Tranh Dinh, Fairfax High School

Hiena Hailemariam, Falls Church High School

Ajanae Elise Massenburg, Hayfield Secondary School

Susy Reyes, Herndon High School

Dalya Paka, Justice High School

Jenna Naffa, King Abdullah Academy (KAA)

Mackenzie Craig, Lake Braddock Secondary School

Lina Liakakos, Langley High School

Daniel J. Gonzales, John. R. Lewis High School

Sophie Massoudi, Madison High School

Aymar Ahmed, Marshall High School

Kaiya Amani Williams, McLean High School

Phillip Ha, Mount Vernon High School

Mountain View Mirror, Mountain View High School

Jason Saenz-Hernandez, Quander Road School

Samantha Katz, Robinson Secondary School

Eden Aklog, South County High School

Virginia Banton, South Lakes High School

Namaste, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Eli Kopp, West Potomac High School

Roeen Zahid, West Springfield High School

Westfield Student Ambassadors, Westfield High School

National Art Honor Society, Woodson High School

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

Mr. Speaker, while Chairman Comer and I often have plenty to disagree on, today I join him and Delegate Norton to rise in support of H.R. 4984, the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.

This bipartisan bill will allow the District of Columbia to reenergize Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium campus and redevelop the 174 acres of underutilized federal land into a new stadium, additional housing units, and green spaces.

As a result, these developments will spur economic growth, improve the surrounding infrastructure, and substantially transform the neighborhood.

H.R. 4984 represents the fight to protect and expand Home Rule.

As a former local government official having served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for 14 years, including five as chairman and as a former chairman of the Council of Governments I have consistently supported autonomy for the District.

Congress must do the same to uphold the will of thousands of constituents and civil servants who live and work in the District.

Let me remind my colleagues of what my fellow Virginian, James Madison, said in the Federalist Papers, Number 43, with respect to the intent of the Congressional authority.

In referring to the residents of this federal District, Madison said ``they will have had their voice in the election of the government which is to exercise authority over them; as a municipal legislature for local purposes.''

There is no more basic exercise of municipal authority than planning critical investments for the community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Mr. Kelly Wheaton, who is retiring after more than 38 years of faithful Service to our Nation culminating in his service as the Deputy Chief Counsel for Enforcement in the Transportation Security Administration for the past 14 years.

Kelly Wheaton was born in Dallas, Texas, and was raised in a small town in the middle of Tennessee after his father died at a young age. Mr. Wheaton went on to attend the University of Notre Dame on a four- year ROTC scholarship and graduated with honors. After undergrad, he graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

His passion for service and dedication to our country led Mr. Wheaton to the U.S. Army in the Judge Advocate General's Corps. There, he served 23 years and rose to the rank of colonel. He held almost every position in the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps and was deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1990, Liberia in 2003, and Afghanistan in 2005. He received numerous accolades and honors throughout his military service, including the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan and the Defense Superior Service Medal for his service as the Chief of Staff for the DoD General Counsel.

In 2008, Mr. Wheaton joined the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the role of Deputy Chief Counsel for Enforcement. As the Deputy chief Counsel, he held authority from the Administrator to address violations of TSA's security requirements. He oversaw the work of attorneys providing legal advice and support in the areas of regulatory enforcement, intelligence, international law, criminal law and internal investigations, and credentialing, vetting, and screening.

From January 2021 until June 2021, Mr. Wheaton was selected to accompany the Administrator when he served as the Acting Secretary and Acting Deputy Secretary. That year his efforts were recognized when he received the prestigious Presidential Rank Award, Meritorious Rank Recipient, an award that was established back in 1978 to honor a select group of career members for a sustained record of exceptional professional achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Wheaton on his retirement. I am proud to represent Mr. Wheaton in Congress, and I thank him and his family for his honorable 38 years of service to our Nation with the U.S. Army and Transportation Security Administration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame (NVFHOF) and congratulate the 2024 inductees, youth and high school award winners, citizen volunteers, and scholarship recipients.

Participation in organized sports instills many values that will serve our youth well throughout life, including sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, and the work ethic developed by striving for success and working together to achieve a common goal.

This year, the NVFHOF recognizes the efforts of players, coaches, officials, and dedicated volunteers from local youth and scholastic football programs, and will induct two exceptional individuals, who have made significant contributions to the game. In addition, the NVFHOF presents several outstanding student athletes with scholarship awards to help defray the cost of college.

I commend the NVFHOF and congratulate the following players, coaches, and community leaders who are being recognized during the 2024 NVFHOF Awards Banquet:

Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame 2024 Inductees: David Hall and Oren Burks

Tom Davis Meritorious Service Award: Michael Terence--Musician

Karl Davey Community Achievement Award: Ed Miller--Assistant Commissioner CYA

Gene Nelson Commissioner of the Year Award: Jeff Fehrman-- Gainesville/Haymarket Football

Football Official of the Year: Steve Lorenzetty--Northern Virginia Football Officials Association

High School Players of the Year: Cord Yates--Madison HS, Kevin Kabasele--McLean HS, Brady Echols--West Springfield HS, Elijah Williams--Edison HS, Brandon Binkowski--Battlefield HS, and Luke Jarvis--Madison HS

High School Coaches of the Year: Justin Counts--James Madison High School and Mike Dougherty--Lake Braddock High School

Youth Coaches of the Year: Luis Siguere--Gainesville/Haymarket, Damon Raymond--Ft. Hunt Football, Calvin Parker--Vienna Youth Inc., Scott Diep--Dl Sports & Athletics

Youth Players of the Year: Giovanni Noble, Scott Shaw, Tyler Cabrera, Jeremiah Rosario, Karim Jean, Kaden Golston, Gabriel Helmstutler, Cole Henson, Thomas Polivka, Anthony Hunter, Benjamin Scheuerman, Hudson Rita, Elijah Otchere, Josiah Bolme, Zachary Lesniewski

Scholarship Recipients: Ivan Flores-Gomez, Annandale HS; Charles Beamon, Westfields HS; Ryan & Lucas Matheny, Lake Braddock HS

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these remarkable students, coaches, and community leaders for their tireless dedication to becoming the best that they can be. As their achievements are memorialized during the Northern Virginia Football Hall of Fame Banquet, I hope that we can all learn from the example these individuals have set, working as a team to accomplish great things.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th Anniversary of 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.

Coinciding with the local chapter's 20th Anniversary is the international organization's 112th Anniversary. The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. was founded on November 17, 1911, by three Howard University undergraduate students, Edgar A. Love, Oscar J. Cooper, and Frank Coleman, along with 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. From the initials of the Greek phrase meaning, ``friendship is essential to the soul'', the name Omega Psi Phi was derived. For 112 years, the membership has upheld a strong tradition of friendship and civic engagement.

The chapter was chartered on January 24, 2004, by the fraternity's Supreme Council led by the 37th Grand Basileus, Dr. George H. Grace and the Third District Representative, Brother Curtis Baylor. The 29 Charter Members of the chapter are Brother Crispin A. Abad, Brother Honney L. Barner, Brother David Bell, Brother Gene Bryson, Brother Willie D. Camp, Brother Byron L. Cherry, Brother Leonard Daniels, Brother Phillip Ferguson, Brother Anthony M. Fields, Sr., Brother Walter Gooley, Brother Gregory L. Hamlett, Brother George M. Hampton, Brother Darryl K. Hairston, Brother James Harris, Brother Steven B. Holmes, Brother William H. Hundley, Brother Alexander King, Brother Johnny Q. Ledbetter, Brother Bennie J. Lotlie, Brother Herbert Mitchell, Brother Bernard V. Oliphant, Brother George M. Parker, Sr., Brother Jordon C. Pope, Brother Gregory Reid, Brother Carl T. Ross, Brother Andre Smith, Brother Arthur A. Sobers, Brother David Stevenson, and Brother Algie Walker, Jr.

The chapter members are expected to participate in social action programs and activities that will uplift their communities. Some of the activities under the umbrella of social action include voter registration, education, Assault on Illiteracy, Habitat for Humanity, mentoring, and participation in fundraisers for charities such as American Diabetes Association, United Way, Sickle Cell Anemia, etc. Additionally, the chapter offers 5 different scholarship opportunities for students.

The chapter leadership over the 20 years has been past Chapter Basilei: Brother Bernard V. Oliphant, Brother Byron L. Cherry, Brother Harvey L. Woodson, Jr., Brother George M. Parker, Sr., Brother Trevor J. Hamilton, Brother Tony B. Bullock, Brother David Holliday, Brother Raymond Bell, Brother Eddie Stephens, Jr., Brother Jeffrey Allen, and the current Chapter Basileus, Brother Charles Hunter.

The chapter has won many fraternity and civic awards most notably the following International Awards:

2005-2006 International: Social Action Chapter of the Year

2006-2007 International: Social Action Chapter of the Year

2010-2011 International: Social Action Large Graduate Chapter of the Year

2010-2011 International: Graduate Large Chapter of the Year

2011-2012 International: Graduate Large Chapter of the Year

2014-2015 International: Graduate Large Chapter of the Year

2019-2020 International: St Jude & Omega--The Power of Giving 2020 Top Chapter Fund Raiser

2020-2021 International: St Jude & Omega--The Power of Giving 2021 Top Chapter Fund Raiser

2021-2022 International: St Jude & Omega--The Power of Giving 2022 Top Chapter Fund Raiser

2022-2023 International: Social Action Chapter of the Year

2022-2023 International: St Jude & Omega--The Power of Giving 2023 Top Chapter Fund Raiser

The Pi Lambda Lambda's 20th Anniversary Celebration was held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Dumfries, VA. The committee chaired by Brother Trevor J. Hamilton and assisted by Brother Daryl Furman, Brother James Lloyd, Brother James Rowe, Brother Derwin Babineaux, Brother Randall Webb, and Brother Rowland Webb, Sr. has planned a wonderful event.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc for their 20th Anniversary. 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 congratulate the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and the graduates of the 159th Recruit Class. As they prepare to join the ranks of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, I encourage the 19 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 159th 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 159th Recruit Class:

Michael F. Bookwalter, Blair E. Cerino, Christopher Chong, Antonio JP. Cipolta, Christopher N. Cognetta, Collin J. Fisher, Kevin J. Flannery, Joshua M. Ford, Imani Y. Gillen, Joseph T. House, Benjamin R. Klingaman, Jacob M. McCabe, Erick Mejia, Erik K. Muhlenhaupt, Nicholas D. Sirinek, Lloyd E. Turner, Jr., Joseph S. Uriarte, Ryan E. Victor, Mitchell J. Wadas.

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 celebrate the life of Joseph Brian Hannigan, an active community leader and highly admired public servant who passed away on May 21, 2022, at the age of 76.

Born in New York City in 1945, Brian Hannigan was raised in Wakefield, Rhode Island. Brian attended South Kingston High School and then went on to Saint Thomas More School in New Hampshire where he developed his gift for writing. He later went to Saint Louis University (SLU), becoming the President of SLU's Young Democrats and ultimately became Chair of the College Democrats of Missouri.

In college, Brian served as chair of the Robert F. Kennedy for President club, which launched his career in Democratic political campaigns. His passion for politics led him to a job as the Scheduling and Advancing Director for the Governor of Illinois. Throughout his life, no higher complement could be paid than referring to him as a `great advance man.'

While in Illinois, he met his wife, Judy, on a double date in Chicago. They threw dance parties, traveled the world, and enjoyed foreign films together. Eventually, they left Illinois for Washington D.C., and Brian became the Deputy National Finance Director for the Democratic National Convention. His skills as an advance man with an encyclopedic memory and attention to details served him well in his roles on the advance teams for President Carter's visit to Israel in 1979 and President Clinton's visit to Northern Ireland in 1995. His career went on to include numerous communications and government relations positions, including his time as Communications Director for the Virginia Baseball Stadium Authority and his time in Governor Mark Warner's administration.

Brian brought the same level of dedication and passion for national politics to his roles in the community. He served as President of the Dominion Hills Civic Association for over 20 years. Brian was also a staunch believer in the positive impact of youth sports, as he became the Chairman of the Arlington County Sports Commission, President of the Better Sports Club, and would often drive around Arlington to ensure that his children's teammates could make it to practices and games.

Those who had the pleasure of spending time with Brian know that he lived life to the fullest, whether that was `dancing like no one was watching,' looking for any excuse to go on a road trip, or refusing to pass up any opportunity to bodysurf a wave. He is loved dearly, and his passion and dedication has left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and legacy of Joseph Brian Hannigan. His leadership and commitment to public service was inspirational, and he will be missed by all who knew him. I also extend my deepest condolences to his wife of 44 years, Judy, and his children, Connor and Megan, and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. Elez Biberaj, who is retiring after 43 years of service in the news organization Voice of America (VOA).

Voice of America's mission and commitment to the highest journalistic standards have been the central focus of Dr. Biberaj's professional journey. Throughout his career, he's done his very best to uphold the values that have made VOA one of the world's most preeminent and most trusted journalistic organizations. He's had the privilege of serving in various roles, from being a radio broadcaster in the Albanian Service (1980-1982), to Senior Writer/Editor specializing in Soviet and East European Affairs in USIA's Press Division (1982-1986), Chief of the Albanian Service (1986-2004), Managing Editor of the Eurasia Division (2004-2005), and since 2005, Director of the Eurasia Division. He also served as VOA's Acting Director from June to December 2020.

Through Voice of America, Dr. Biberaj witnessed and covered consequential world events. Dr. Biberaj covered the Cold War to the collapse of communism, the rise of democracy in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, the Balkan wars, the integration of East European nations into Euro-Atlantic institutions, Russia's shift towards an authoritarian regime, and more recently, Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine. He is honored and privileged to have worked alongside so many remarkable colleagues as he advanced the noble mission of delivering accurate and objective news and information to global audiences, telling America's compelling story, and championing its democratic values.

Dr. Biberaj accelerated the Eurasia Division's shift in Voice of America toward engaging digital audiences and harnessing the power of mobile and social platforms. He also worked closely with his counterparts at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to create the Current Time network, the first joint VOA/RFE/RL programming brand in the history of U.S. international broadcasting, launched to provide fact- based alternatives to Russian-language disinformation.

Dr. Biberaj's commitment to the fundamental ethos of promoting freedom, democracy and providing independent fact-based reporting serves as a source of hope and a shining beacon of truth for millions of people around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Elez Biberaj on his longstanding career as a leader in journalism.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) and to congratulate the recipients of the 26th 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, 80,047 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 2023 Law Enforcement Awards of Excellence for Impaired Driving Prevention recipients:

Officer Zachary Anderson: City of Alexandria Police Department

Corporal Steven Yanda: Arlington County Police Department

Officer Ashley Kumar: Arlington County Police Department

Officer Zackery Lauw: City of Falls Church Police Department

PFC Maurice Anderson: City of Fairfax Police Department

PFC Brian Castello: Fairfax County Police Department

PFC Bryce Cooper: Town of Herndon Police Department

Deputy First Class Tyler Giles: Loudoun County Sheriff's Office

Corporal Anthony Wallace: Maryland State Police

Officer Jeremy Brady: Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC)

Corporal Joshua Morris: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department

Seargeant Patrick Keep: Montgomery County Department of Police

PFC Juan Rodriguez: Prince George's County Police Department

Officer Godson Vondee: Prince William County Police Department

Officer Aram Karapetyan: United States Capitol Police

Officer Kevin Brennan: United States Park Police

Trooper Jordan Corvin: Virginia State Police

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 41 years of public service.

I commend the staff of WRAP under the leadership of President and CEO Kurt Erickson and Board Chairman Patrick Burke for their tireless dedication to eradicating underage drinking and drunk or drugged driving. 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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend Karen Cleveland on an inspired career in community service. Earlier this year, Karen announced she would be transitioning from her role as President & CEO of Leadership Fairfax (LFI), which is Northern Virginia's premier leadership development organization.

Karen has become a pillar of our community during her eight-year tenure with LFI, so I am pleased to report this is not so much a retirement as a turning of the page to her next chapter. I've had the pleasure of knowing and collaborating with Karen for the past three decades, starting with my service on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Since 1988, LFI has dedicated itself to shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. The dedication of LFI to this endeavor is one that I know well; a number of my staff from my time as Providence District Supervisor and later as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are LFI alumni.

I know firsthand the value that LFI adds to both the graduates and the organizations to which they return. When you walk into a crowded room it's easy to spot the graduates of LFI--they just stand out!

Karen has been an invaluable resource to leaders in both the public and private sectors, serving as a facilitator, mentor, partner, and friend to us through her work on multiple community initiatives.

In addition to her role with LFI, Karen has made important contributions to our community as the first executive director of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, inaugural chair of the Reston YMCA Board of Directors, and executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. She also previously served on the Wolf Trap Foundation Board of Directors, supporting the only national park dedicated to presenting the performing art.

On behalf of our grateful community, I wish Karen, her husband, Jim, and their family all the best as she embarks on her next chapter.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our appreciation for Karen Cleveland's commitment to helping our community reflect the LFI motto to lead, unite, and thrive.

Mr, Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 60th 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 37 chapters in Virginia. 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, D.C., Veterans Administration Medical Center. That same year, the Chapter began supporting the National Association of Letter Carriers ``Stamp Out Hunger'' program. This year, with the needs of the community increasing and to support the community during the holidays, Chapter 893 is conducting a food drive to support Ecumenical Community Helping Others (ECHO).

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 through 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, D.C., 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 60th Anniversary and in thanking the members for their unwavering support and dedication to federal employees, retirees, and their families.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, which would block the Biden administration's proposed rule titled: ``Upholding Civil Service Protections and Merit System Principles,'' which would help prevent any future administration from reinstating the so-called schedule F.

The gentleman who is the author of this amendment says all we are asking for is flexibility. Balderdash. We already know that the Trump putative Presidency in exile have plans for moving 50,000 Federal employees initially into this new schedule F not authorized by Congress.

That is not flexibility. That is gutting civil service protection that has been in place since the 1880s. Congress created by statute a politics-free professional cadre of Federal employment to protect Federal employees and the public from the previous corrupt spoil system and political interference of President after President, irrespective of party.

Going back to that system is an enormous step backward and a huge disservice to Federal employees and to the public they serve and we serve.

If we are going to do this, then Congress has to be consulted. No President should have the unilateral authority to create a new profound schedule for the civil service. If it was created by statute, then a change to it this profound must also be heard by Congress and acted on by statute.

Schedule F would be a destructive instrument at the whim of any President. The gentleman says: Well, Obama could have had it if this were in place.

So could Trump and so could Biden. That is the problem. No President should have this kind of breathtaking power. I think the time is ripe for Congress to stand up for its own prerogatives and protect the original legislation creating a nonpartisan political service and protect the Federal employees who serve our public.