Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, I rise to express my great disappointment that H.R. 5326, the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2013, does not preserve funding for vital community gang prevention, which has enjoyed bipartisan support in the past.

This bill eliminates a $5 million grant program for our state and local law enforcement partners that supported competitive, evidence- based programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence. It also eliminates a $5 million grant program that supported gang and youth violence education, prevention and intervention in our communities.

These grants are essential for helping our local and state partners contain the growth in gang violence in their communities and educate young people about the perils of joining a gang. In my Northern Virginia district, we used these funds to partner local law enforcement agencies with their state and federal counterparts in a regional gang task force, which is coordinating prevention and enforcement efforts.

A decade ago, gang participation and gang-related crime was on an upswing in our community. Thanks to this federal partnership and other local initiatives--like the expansion of after school programs, which I helped lead at the local level--we were able to stem the growth of gang activity in our community. In fact, we reduced gang participation by 50 percent among our students. It is because of this partnership that Northern Virginia continues to have one of the lowest crime rates in the nation.

I appreciate the Committee acknowledging in the report for this bill the importance of partnering with local and state law enforcement agencies to combat the proliferation of multi-jurisdictional gangs. That is why these two competitive grant programs, which provide critical gang prevention support in our communities, ought to be maintained.

I urge my colleagues to reconsider these unfortunate cuts and revisit this issue when we ultimately go to conference with the Senate to fund the Justice Department for Fiscal Year 2013. We have stood shoulder-to- shoulder with our local and state partners to prevent gang violence, and we cannot step away from that partnership now when gang violence continues to be a significant threat in so many communities, as the Committee itself acknowledges.

Mr. Speaker, America has always been a nation of diverse cultures, but when faced with disasters, we come together in recognition of our shared values. From World War II to 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina, Americans came together when needed.

That's why it's so sad to see House Republicans draft a budget reconciliation bill that carries dangerous implications for millions of Americans and will fundamentally erode our shared values.

Of course, this is nothing more than political theater because authorization for budget reconciliation has to pass both the House and Senate, which it hasn't. But that hasn't stopped the House Republican majority from trying to deem it to be so. Therefore, the Republican majority has directed six House committees to use this reconciliation ruse to find drastic and damaging investment cuts, not to reduce the deficit, mind you, but to prevent any cut in military spending which they originally agreed to and to give the richest 1 percent yet another big tax cut.

Last year, Congress agreed, in a bipartisan fashion, after the majority brought us to the brink of default, to cut $2.1 trillion from Federal deficits, establishing automatic cuts designed to be universally painful to encourage us to reach an agreement on a long- term deficit reduction proposal that more equitably spreads the burden.

A bipartisan majority of the supercommittee, including every Senate Republican, did come up with just such a plan to put everything on the table--spending cuts, revenue increases, entitlement reform--but it needed a supermajority; and, sadly, every Republican House Member on that committee voted ``no,'' which leaves us where we are today: facing damaging automatic cuts to defense and nondefense spending.

But Republican reconciliation ruses won't stop the automatic cuts to the Nation's seniors and disadvantaged. It doubles down on the pain.

The Republican reconciliation ruse literally takes food out of the mouths of needy children and senior citizens. It eliminates social services block grants providing assistance to States and localities across the Nation to serve millions of disadvantaged Americans. It ends the Meals on Wheels program for 1.7 million seniors. It guts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, that serves 46 million of our fellow Americans every month. Under their plan, 1.8 million people would lose the most basic of assistance. In addition, 300,000 low-income children lose their free and reduced lunches at school.

This reconciliation ruse once again singles out Federal employees for ever more sacrifices. Federal workers already have contributed $60 billion to deficit reduction through a 2-year pay freeze. They've contributed another $15 billion through recent changes to their retirement system. The Ryan budget demands an additional 3-year pay freeze. The new proposal goes further and cuts paychecks by 5 percent to shift more of the burden to employees. This draconian measure would add another $79.8 billion in the sacrifice put on the backs of Federal workers, more than double the $75 billion they've already made.

The reconciliation ruse actually will increase health care costs for millions of American families. It eliminates tax credits that help lower-income families maintain affordable health insurance premiums. In fact, 350,000 people will actually lose their health insurance with their plan.

Of course, Mr. Speaker, the one glaring omission in the Republican reconciliation ruse is, not surprisingly, revenue. While millions of lower- and middle-income families are being forced to sacrifice, what do Republicans ask of the wealthiest 1 percent? Nothing.

Over the last 4 years, oil and gas companies made a profit of $290 billion. Private companies should make profits, and it's a good thing. But in that same time frame, they lobbied to keep their $16 billion in tax breaks, representing less than 6 percent of their profits, but it sure would make sure a lot of hungry kids go to bed with full bellies at night.

The Ryan budget actually seeks to cut the top income tax bracket from 35 percent to 25 percent. Who pays the current top tax bracket? Those making more than $388,000 each year. Not only are they not asked to join in any of the shared sacrifice, but they're actually offered a new Christmas present early, just for them.

Mr. Speaker, it's time to call the Republican budget plan what it is: an outright attack on American values. How else do you explain shifting the burden from partisan priorities entirely to the middle class and those who are less fortunate? That's never been an American value.

I urge my colleagues to reject this ruse, to reject the reconciliation process, and to work toward a comprehensive and responsible and bipartisan deficit agreement reflective of our Nation's values.

I thank my friend from Maryland, the distinguished ranking member.

I want to thank Chairman Issa and appreciate the work of him and the ranking member, Mr. Cummings, and their staff on this legislation, which I think is a thoughtful, bipartisan update to an information security bill actually written by my predecessor and the chairman's, Tom Davis of Virginia.

The FISMA Amendments Act transitions from compliance to performance metrics to address major shortcomings in Federal agency cybersecurity implementation. Of course, when considering the performance of Federal agencies, it's a natural extension to question the relationship between the executive branch and those agencies and the relationship among technology and cybersecurity-related positions within the executive branch.

I appreciate President Obama's focus on technology, particularly the chief information officer's 25-point plan, but I'm concerned that the current ad hoc nature of the CIO, CTO, and Cybersecurity coordinator could create certain risk and continuity of operations challenges when we look out to further administrations. I would ask Chairman Issa if he shares those concerns.

I yield to the gentleman from California.

Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman and look forward to working with him and the ranking member, as well as Mr. Langevin of Rhode Island, who has been a leader on this subject, to advance legislation that will address executive branch organization in the context of cybersecurity. With the right framework, I believe the current and future administrations will be able to more efficiently implement these FISMA reforms and other related legislation. Given its jurisdiction, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee is the appropriate venue to develop such legislation, and I look forward to working with the committee chair and ranking member to advance it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the ongoing work of the Vale Club and the Oakton Womens' Club to promote education and engagement on civic, cultural and social welfare issues in our community. I also join them in celebrating the contributions of Florence Jodzies, a leading voice in the effort to provide public library services across the Commonwealth of Virginia during the early 20th century, with the dedication of a highway marker in her honor near the Vale community. It is fitting to reflect on that legacy today, April 24, 2012, on the 212th anniversary of the founding of the Library of Congress and as we near the end of National School Library Month.

Mrs. Jodzies moved in 1934 to the Vale community of Fairfax County, where she promptly joined the local Home Demonstration Club, which was then an outreach program under the cooperative extension. Through her involvement with the club, she soon launched an impassioned campaign to stimulate interest in reading, to provide reading material and to help communities establish libraries. In a 1938 article in ``The Southern Planter,'' Mrs. Jodzies wrote that reading of high class literature was necessary to humanity's progress and happiness. ``Free libraries are essential instruments of education, information, research, culture and recreation--all necessary factors in any democracy which expects to remain a democracy,'' she wrote.

The fact that more than half of Virginia's residents at the time had no access to a library was a motivating factor. Within two years, every county in the Commonwealth with a Demonstration Club boasted an active library program. In addition, it was thanks to her efforts that Virginia's governor provided funding for construction of the first state library building with the assistance of a federal grant. In recognition of her efforts, Mrs. Jodzies was appointed by two successive governors to represent the Commonwealth at the Annual Conference of the American Library Association in 1937 and 1938. In addition to her work to promote community libraries, Mrs. Jodzies was active with the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, the Business and Professional Women's Club, Community Chest, and the County Advisory Council. She and her husband relocated to Winter Haven, Florida, before she died in 1969 at the age of 82.

She was an early pioneer for the Fairfax County Public Library system, which now boasts eight regional branches and 14 community libraries. It is one of the largest and busiest library systems in the nation with more than half a million library card holders, more than 13 million items loaned out each year, and more than 4.5 million visits to its online resources. The Fairfax system also hosts more than 8,000 events annually, attracting 150,000 attendees, and countless volunteers donated more than 155,000 hours of work to their community branches last year.

Mr. Speaker, Mrs. Jodzies once wrote that she and other Demonstration Club members would ``march on . . . until every man, woman and child in Virginia has public access to books.'' Thanks to her tireless efforts, we have realized that vision, and thanks to the ongoing work of the Vale Club and the Oakton Women's Club, future generations will continue to benefit from the legacy of Mrs. Jodzies and other community leaders who followed in her footsteps. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting the tremendous service of these outstanding community volunteers and organizations.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, on its recent commendation by the 2012 version of The Princeton Review Guide to 322 Green Colleges and to congratulate GMU on its strong and exemplary commitment to sustainability.

Over the past several years, George Mason has taken a multilateral approach to creating a climate neutral campus. The university has compiled annual greenhouse gas inventories since 2006, designing its first Climate Action Plan in January 2010. In an effort to transition to environmentally sound construction, Mason has committed all new buildings to seek a LEED Silver designation, with six registered projects currently seeking certification. Additionally, all equipment on campus much be Energy Star-rated.

A central component of the university's strategy to reduce campus- based greenhouse gas emissions has been the development of the scope, appeal, and accessibility of public and alternative transportation to accommodate the ever-increasing student population.

Mason students also have played an important role in developing the sustainability and environmental responsibility of the University. Student organizations like the Environmental Awareness Group, the Patriot Green Fund, and the student-run organic vegetable garden facilitate opportunities for discussions, student research, and exposure of University initiatives to the local community. Students also can focus their academic careers through the Environmental Science, Environmental and Sustainability Studies majors, the Sustainability and Renewable Energy minors, or one of the first Energy and Sustainability Master's degree concentrations in the nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating all members of the George Mason University community for their success in creating a responsible and sustainable academic community. By infusing sustainability principles into every aspect of higher education, George Mason University is training the next generation of leaders to put green ideas into practice today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Battlefield High School's Participation in the Stock Market Game ``Capitol Hill Challenge.''

The Stock Market Game (SMG) program is an extension of SIFMA and the SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education and has provided financial literacy, including personal financial skills and global economic education, to 13 million students and hundreds of thousands of teachers. Through this program, students further their performance and understanding of such financial and economic topics.

The ``Capitol Hill Challenge'' (CHC) poses a challenge to participating student teams by having them manage a hypothetical $100,000 online portfolio and investing in bonds, real stocks, and mutual funds. CHC would also engage Members of Congress with the constituents participating in SMG. The top five teams will travel to Washington D.C. to meet with their Congressman or Congresswoman. Again, CHC is an investment in our students' financial literacy for their future.

Battlefield High School will participate under the guidance of Michele Adkins and is among the more than 3,000 teams participating in the Ninth Annual Stock Market Game ``Capitol Hill Challenge.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Battlefield High School on the occasion of its participation in the Stock Market Game's ``Capitol Hill Challenge'' and in congratulating the students, educators, administrators, and parents on working together as a team for the benefit of all.

Madam Speaker, over the years, it's become harder to find the ``Made in America'' label even though we know that a robust manufacturing industry is essential for our economy and it creates jobs.

Thankfully, we've got a great opportunity to help manufacturing, the Export-Import Bank, the entity that helps American companies export American goods. The U.S. Chamber has urged the bank's reauthorization because it supports American job creation.

Since 2007, companies in my home State of Virginia have supported almost a billion dollars in export sales because of the bank, with those in my district alone supporting $130 million in exports.

Last week, House Republicans brought up a bill to help small businesses, allegedly, that will cost taxpayers $46 billion. Eighty- five percent of the Export-Import Bank's transactions aid those very same small businesses, and the bank provides a net benefit to taxpayers--more than $4 billion over the last 6 years.

The Export-Import Bank is good business, Madam Speaker. It creates jobs. It supports American companies, and it returns a profit to the American taxpayer. I urge my colleagues to support its reauthorization.

Madam Speaker, the Oversight and Reform Committee marked up the DATA Act without holding a single hearing about the advisability of creating additional, duplicative reporting requirements for grantees, subgrantees, contractors and subcontractors. The reporting requirements imposed by this bill would affect local and state governments, colleges and universities, and private sector federal contractors and subcontractors. I ask unanimous consent to include for the Record statements from the National Governors Association, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, National Association of Chief Information Officers, International City/County Management Association, National Association of State Budget Officers, National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers, Government Finance Officers Association, and George Mason University opposing this legislation.

The authors of this bill believe that creating these additional regulations on the private sector and mandates on state and local governments will cost $51 million per year, which is the new spending authorized by the DATA Act. That only represents the direct cost, not the indirect costs taxpayers will bear if local and state governments and colleges and universities must spend more money filing paperwork to comply with the requirements of this bill. That cost also does not account for the costs to private sector businesses to comply with new regulations imposed by this bill. University and contractor associations have not taken a public position opposing this legislation because of last-minute changes to the bill made by Mr. Issa's staff.

These changes should have been made during Committee or Subcommittee markup, but our Committee engaged in no substantive deliberations about the content of the bill in that context. As a result, today we have a bill that probably is less costly to both public and private entities but nonetheless still creates new private and public sector regulations and mandates at a significant cost. I remain concerned that the laudable goal of creating a single reporting system for federal spending could be lost in a maze of duplicative and conflicting reporting requirements as a result of this bill.

It is ironic that a bill whose stated purpose is transparency would be rammed through Committee and then brought to the floor with last- minute changes made in the least public manner possible. As a result of this convoluted legislative process, there may be problems with the current text of the DATA Act which have not been subjected to review by the committee of jurisdiction. I hope that the Senate reviews the current text of this bill carefully not only because of the bill's costs, new regulations, and new mandates, but also because the haphazard manner in which the bill was written increases the likelihood that there are drafting errors, duplicative regulations, or provisions that are inconsistent with current law.

It should be obvious that our committee could work in a bipartisan manner to promote transparency through legislation like the DATA Act, but certain provisions of this bill and the lack of deliberation in developing it expose stakeholders to potential negative unintended consequences. For these reasons I must oppose this legislation.

Government Finance Officers Association; International

City/County Management Association; National

Association of Counties; National Association of State

Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers; National

Association of State Budget Officers; National

Association of State Chief Information Officers;

National League of Cities,

April 24, 2012.

Hon. Darrell Issa,

Chairman, Oversight and Government Reform Committee, House of

Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Issa: On behalf of the above listed

organizations, we are writing to commend you on your efforts

to further transparency and accountability in federal

spending and to express our sincere appreciation to your

staff in working with many of our organizations to include

recommended changes in the most recent draft amendment to

H.R. 2146, the Digital Accountability and Transparency Act.

We agree with the long term purpose of the Act to consolidate

and streamline the reporting of federal funds. However, in

addition to the overall goals of modernization, efficiency

and accountability, the shift toward data reporting

standardization should keep in mind the costs and burdens for

fiscally strained state and local governments and other

federal grant recipients.

While there are a number of positive changes contained in

the most recent draft, we remain concerned about the

magnitude of reporting and the stated timelines for

implementation. The lack of funding for state and local

governments to carry out the reporting and necessary

oversight is disappointing given the enormous administrative

challenges inherent in implementing Recovery Act-type

reporting for all grants and contracts. Having adequate staff

and sufficient equipment and data systems are essential to

effective implementation and oversight.

The ultimate success of Recovery Act reporting and the

resulting low level of fraud and abuse can be attributed not

only to the work of the Recovery Accountability and

Transparency Board but also to the commitment and dedication

of accountability and oversight professionals at the state

and local levels. It was recognized early on that the lack of

funding for state and local governments was a major oversight

and shortcoming of the original Recovery Act, and it appears

that this shortcoming will be repeated in the DATA Act.

We believe that an efficient and streamlined reporting

process, such as the one established in the DATA Act, hinges

on identifying challenges and establishing well thought out

and vetted business processes. Relying on the success of

reporting for a small number of ARRA grants and contracts and

expanding that universe to include all federal awards will

require significant planning and resources.

We have recently become aware that the current Recovery

Accountability and Transparency Board will conduct a grants

information reporting pilot project this summer to identify

cost efficiencies and the potential pitfalls of moving toward

a centralized system for data collection and warehousing.

Such a pilot would be an important step in identifying the

plausibility of expanding ARRA-like reporting requirements to

the entire universe of grants and contracts.

As we have suggested previously, we believe that developing

a phased-in approach to implementing the DATA Act would allow

for grant recipients to establish the appropriate processes

for such an enormous endeavor. Such an approach would also

give the Recovery Board an opportunity to undertake its

planned information reporting pilots and would help to

mitigate the reoccurring data quality problems that have

plagued USASpending.gov.

While we support the intent of the DATA Act, trying to

implement the requirements on all grants and contracts all at

once will severely limit the chances of meeting the intended

goals and objectives. We hope that you will reconsider the

legislation in its current form to develop a reasonable

phased-in approach for implementation and that you will

consider adding a funding provision to support state and

local governments, which will be essential partners for

successful implementation.

We look forward to continuing the dialog on this important

initiative. Please feel free to contact our representatives

in Washington should you have any questions or desire further

information.

Michael Belarmino, NACo.

Cornelia Chebinou, NASACT.

Lars Etzkorn, NLC.

Susan Gaffney, GFOA.

Elizabeth Kellar, ICMA.

Scott Pattison, NASBO.

Pam Walker, NASCIO.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend Anthony H. ``Tony'' Griffin on the occasion of his retirement after a decorated career in public service, which culminated with his 12-year tenure as the County Executive in Fairfax County, Va., the largest local jurisdiction here in the National Capital Region.

Tony began his public service with the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as an officer during the Vietnam War. He brought the collaborative, can-do spirit from his military experience to local government, where he served in managerial positions with Arlington County and the City of Falls Church before joining Fairfax County in 1989. I had the great pleasure of working with Tony throughout my 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, particularly during my 5 years as Chairman.

His accomplishments are many, but let me cite just a few to convey the magnitude of the profound benefit he has brought to our community and our region. One of the earlier initiatives on which we worked closely was a strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness. Thanks to Tony's support and the efforts of staff, we held a community summit and created a partnership consisting of the faith, non-profit, business and civic communities. The Board created a standalone position to coordinate prevention efforts and adopted a 10-year Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness. Today, Fairfax is one of the few jurisdictions in the nation that has seen its homeless population decline in the midst of the worst economic recession since the Great Depression.

Tony also has been instrumental in transforming our one-time bedroom community into the economic engine of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the National Capital Region. Fairfax is now home to more than 1 million people and nearly 600,000 jobs. Under Tony's leadership, Fairfax County was named the ``best managed jurisdiction in America'' by Governing Magazine, and the county has consistently retained its AAA bond rating. Throughout his tenure in Fairfax, Tony has steadily worked to advance the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, which will finally link the Washington, DC, Metro system with the region's premier international gateway, Dulles International Airport. It is one of the largest public works projects in the nation, and Tony has collaborated with local, state and federal stakeholders to ensure its success. As an extension of that effort, Tony also oversaw the replanning of Tysons Corner, the region's premier retail and commercial center. After a multi-year, community-centered effort, the County Board adopted a new vision plan that will transform the collection of disparate office parks into a walkable, transit-oriented, mixed-use community. That effort won national recognition from the American Planning Association.

Perhaps Tony's most lasting achievement will be his effort to establish a model of regional cooperation for emergency management. As Chair of the Chief Administrative Officers Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Tony coordinated local government decisions and responses to a myriad of incidents. His leadership was invaluable during the events of 9/11, in which his calm leadership helped assure the delivery of essential government services throughout that tragedy. Under his leadership, the CAO Committee established a new framework to foster better collaboration and cooperation among the 17 local governments, two states and the District of Columbia that comprise the National Capital Region. Those efforts proved particularly vital during the 2001 anthrax incidents, the 2002 regional sniper attacks, the 2009 presidential inauguration, and 2010's historic snowstorms.

Tony's leadership has been recognized nationally by his peers. The American Society of Public Administration honored him with its Stone Practitioner Award for his commitment to improve intergovernmental cooperation. He also was appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano to the local, state, tribal and federal Preparedness Task Force, which is assessing the state of preparedness and recommending actions to build resiliency for communities across America.

Beyond those accomplishments, I want to recognize Tony's efforts to inspire the county's workforce and to recruit and train the next generation of public servants. During his tenure in Fairfax, he initiated partnerships with the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, the George Mason University Fellows Program, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Regional Program of Excellence with George Washington University, and the Council's Project Manager Certification Program and Supervisory Development Training. So while we will surely miss having him here day- to-day in Fairfax County, his presence will continue to be felt here and in communities throughout our region and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, Tony Griffin's commitment to our community, the county workforce, our residents, and the mission of local government are unparalleled, and he leaves behind a legacy that will enrich our community for generations to come. His career in public service, beginning with his service in the Marine Corps, is truly commendable and deserving of our heartfelt gratitude. When I was Chairman of the County Board, I often used to joke with Tony at retirement announcements that we should not allow retirement for such talented and dedicated staff. I certainly wish that was the case here. I wish Tony, his wife and family the best of luck in his retirement, and I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in expressing our appreciation for his commitment and service to this community and our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I support the substitute amendment, and I oppose the underlying bill.

I think my Democratic friends actually have it all wrong about this bill. I could be mistaken, but I think there was a drafting error in this legislation. When introducing this bill, the sponsor said, It will put more money into the hands of small business owners to reinvest those funds in order to retain, create jobs and grow their businesses, plain and simple.

This bill does nothing of the sort.

For starters, it does not target small businesses as the title claims. Rather than maximizing assistance for those employers who need it most, fewer than half the tax cuts go to legitimate small businesses. What's more, there is no requirement that this taxpayer subsidy should be used to hire new workers or expand facilities to grow the economy. I am also puzzled, Mr. Speaker, when looking at the bill before us today and previous drafts. You see, earlier drafts excluded certain businesses like liquor stores, casinos and strip clubs from receiving any tax relief; but the current draft does not have such exclusions. Further, this bill is not offset and would actually increase the deficit by $46 billion, which I know runs contrary to the intent of the sponsor, who believes that even in emergencies Federal assistance should be offset.

So you see, Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues are very busy and are, perhaps, distracted with issues like compromising women's reproductive health rights, which is why I can only assume that these simple drafting errors have come to characterize this bill. I urge its rejection. Let's start over.

Mr. Speaker, budgets are about values and require elected decisionmakers to balance the needs of our constituents with fiscal responsibility.

The Republican Ryan budget this Chamber deemed adopted yesterday is in no way a reflection of the American values that have shaped this Nation. The Republican budget would turn back the clock more than a century to a time when social Darwinism--survival of the fittest--was, in fact, the norm.

Through the leadership of people like Republican Teddy Roosevelt, our Nation began to realize the value in tending to the needs of the poor, the sick, the working poor, the elderly, our children and women. The Republican budget would again put us at risk by making seniors experience a slashing of Medicare and increasing their out-of-pocket costs, and it would further line the pockets of the rich at the expense of the downtrodden among us.

The cuts in discretionary spending put forth by the Republican budget would further set our students behind and create a drag on the economy by disinvesting in research and infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, these are not American values.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today joined by my colleague, Congressman James Moran, of Virginia's 8th District, to recognize Command Sergeant Major Gabriel Berhane for his 29 years of exemplary service to our nation in the United States Army and to congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement.

The United States of America has distinguished itself from other nations through the entrepreneurship and spirit of our people, the knowledge that we can achieve any goal if we set our minds to it, our inherent compassion and generosity, our fierce patriotism, and the extraordinary dedication to country and sacrifices exhibited by our men and women in uniform. CSM Berhane possesses each of these qualities in abundance.

Since enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1983, CSM Berhane has consistently excelled while honorably serving in every position in the Armor and Cavalry field from Dismounted Scout to Command Sergeant Major. Other than Sergeant Major of the Army, there is no higher rank; a soldier who attains the rank of Command Sergeant Major is the epitome of success and professionalism. And while it is impossible to detail each of the remarkable events in CSM Berhane's illustrious career, let us highlight some of his more recent achievements and actions that should serve as an inspiration to all Americans.

Between August 2000 and June 2002, CSM Berhane served as a Sergeants Major Course Instructor, in which he provided pivotal instruction and mentorship to more than 750 Senior Noncommissioned Officers. In this role, he provided invaluable insight into the management of the academy and implemented an in-depth Standard Operating Procedure that was a critical component of the accreditation of the academy and the continued professional development of our military leaders.

From June 2002 to March 2004 CSM Berhane served as Squadron Command Sergeant Major of the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry

which consisted of more than 900 personnel assigned to four ground and three air troops. He ensured the overall readiness of more than 400 vehicles, helicopters, and equipment. While deployed, CSM Berhane led a task force of 1,241 personnel during Operation Iraqi Freedom without losing a single soldier. CSM Berhane was commended for establishing and enforcing standards of combat readiness, training, morale, and discipline for the unit during eight months of intense combat operations.

From March 2004 to January 2009, CSM Berhane served as Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. He oversaw command and control, planning, training, maintenance, deployment and combat readiness of the Brigade, ensuring the overall readiness of more than 1,230 vehicles and managing the deployment of more than 3,800 personnel to Iraq as part of the surge initiative. While deployed during this time, CSM Berhane personally led more than 300 combat patrols and increased retention standards by 40%, earning the Commanding General's Top Brigade Retention Award for the Division.

Most recently, in 2009, CSM Berhane was assigned to USAG Fort Belvoir as the Garrison Command Sergeant Major, and he has skillfully assisted in the execution of one of the largest BRAC missions within the Department of Defense. He has provided direct leadership and management to a staff of 120 soldiers and 558 civilians to ensure the effective operations, installation management and base programs and services that provide support to 9,500 soldiers, 27,000 family members, 100,000 military retirees, and 50,000 DoD employees of 145 partner agencies. CSM Berhane has worked closely with Garrison Commanders to maintain and enhance the excellent relationships that exist between Fort Belvoir and local communities and governments that have been impacted by BRAC.

CSM Berhane is a highly decorated officer; his awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal (w/``V'' Device); Bronze Star Medal (w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster); Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal (w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters); Army Achievement Medal (w/6 Oak Leaf Clusters); Good Conduct Medal (8th Award); National Defense Medal (w/Bronze Star); Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Services Medal; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (w/Numeral Four); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon (w/Numeral Five); United Nations Medal; Presidential Unit Citation Medal; Joint Meritorious Unit Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal; Parachutist Badge; Drill Sergeant Badge and Combat Action Badge. CSM Berhane is a member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club and also a recipient of the Order of Saint George.

Mr. Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in commending Command Sergeant Major Gabriel Berhane for his unwavering dedication to duty in peacetime and in combat. CSM Berhane's accomplishments and expertise have contributed immeasurably to our national defense and security, and he has earned the admiration, respect, and gratitude of all Americans. We also thank CSM Berhane's wife, Connie, and their children, Jasmin, Michael and Rashawn, for their support and sacrifices over the years. We wish them a happy and healthy retirement filled with continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Literary Council of Northern Virginia.

Founded in 1962, the LCNV is the oldest literacy program in the state and one of the largest literacy councils in the nation. Throughout its 50 years of service, the LCNV has adapted to the growing needs of the Northern Virginia community to serve adult learners at the lowest literacy level. By empowering approximately 1,600 adult learners to better participate in their communities, the LCNV is ensuring the economic success of hundreds of local families for a lifetime.

With the help of more than 1,000 volunteers, the LCNV has become one of the more efficient and effective community-based literacy organizations in the country. In FY2011, these trained volunteers provided more than 31,000 hours of service, which amounts to an average of 84 hours of volunteer service per day. Their longstanding partnerships with community organizations such as Crestwood Elementary School, Woodlawn Elementary School, and the Lorton Senior Center, ensure neighborhood ties that foster educational growth for the whole family.

Following an economic downturn, adult education becomes a low priority for many low-level literacy adults. Even in the face of this, the LCNV's programs saw improved retention and attendance rates. This last year, it also added a credentialed Special Education teacher to its staff to ensure a learner-focused education for any adult with learning differences.

Recognized for the second time as ``One of the Best Small Charities in the Washington, D.C. Region'' by the Catalogue for Philanthropy, the LCNV is continually lauded as a successful and valued partner in the community. It has been acknowledged for its leadership in human rights and cultural diversity through numerous awards, including the Virginia State Reading Association's Annual Literacy Award, the Virginia Foundation's Award for Volunteering Excellence, and the Arlington Human Rights Commission's James B. Hunter Human Rights Award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. Its values of Integrity, Innovation, Respect, Collaboration, and Excellence have propelled it to success for the past 50 years and will continue to carry the Council through the next 50 years. I also want to express my gratitude to the LCNV staff, Board of Directors, and countless volunteers who dedicate their time and resources to empower neighbors of our community to develop basic skills of reading, writing, and speaking English.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna for its many contributions to the Northern Virginia community. Organized in 1997, the Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna provides services to assist older adults to continue living independently and offer programs which supply opportunities for enrichment, learning, and socialization.

2011 has been a year of continued growth for the Shepherd Center. Volunteer drivers provided more than 500 round-trip rides for medical appointments and prescription pick-up, a 10-percent increase from 2010. There were 295 round-trips rides for non-medical errands, a 28-percent increase. In addition, hours contributed to Friendly Visits increased 68 percent, ensuring that seniors can stay connected to the community. The Shepherd Center's many other services include assistance with downsizing and decluttering, minor home repairs to help older adults keep their homes safe and livable, and a range of programs designed to encourage active lifestyles and community integration, including Lunch 'n' Life, Adventures in Learning, and various trips and outings.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Shepherd Center of Oakton-Vienna for the services which enable older adults in our community to age in place and enjoy their golden years with dignity and independence. I thank the many volunteers who generously dedicate their time and efforts to the welfare of our neighbors. Their extraordinary contributions cannot be overstated and are deserving of our highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Colonel John K. Carney, who dedicated his life to the service of our nation. Colonel Carney passed away on March 17th. He was born on October 31, 1913 in Braxton County, West Virginia. He joined the military in 1941, serving with distinction in the U.S. Air Force in World War II, and for a total of 24 years before retiring in 1966. Colonel Carney supervised an array of management and logistics programs both in the United States and overseas, in South America, Trinidad, Saudi Arabia, and twice in the Philippines. He completed his military service at the Pentagon in the Office of the Secretary of Defense where he headed the joint service planning and negotiating groups to consolidate major logistics functions for the Department of Defense.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Colonel Carney continued his national service, working for the General Services Administration for 14 years. He helped institute a government-wide national supply system to improve efficiencies and eliminate duplicative functions. Colonel Carney retired from GSA in 1980 as the Director of Supply Policy in the Federal Supply Service, having spent almost four decades of his life in service.

Colonel Carney displayed the same enduring devotion throughout his private life. He was a former Divine World Seminarian who graduated from the Jesuit-run Springhill College in Mobile, Alabama during his military career under ``Operation Bootstrap.'' Upon moving to Springfield, Virginia in 1960, Colonel Carney was dedicated to his local community. He was a founding member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church and a member of the Air Force Association, The Retired Officers Association, and the National Association of the Uniformed Services. Colonel Carney is survived by his wife, the former Adelle Wright, their four daughters, Constance Bedell, Bernadine O'Hare, and Deborah Fowler, all of Virginia, and Catherine Carney of West Virginia, their two sons, Daniel Carney of Georgia and Patrick Carney of Virginia, their 16 grandchildren, and their 19 great grandchildren.

I ask my colleagues to join with me in offering our sincerest condolences to his relatives, and in honoring the life and example of Colonel John K. Carney for his dedicated service to his country, his community, and his family.