Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize River City Marketing, LLC,

as the company celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Founded in 1996 near the James River in Richmond, Virginia, by marketing industry expert and digital marketing specialist Josh Fertel, River City Marketing was established with a mission to help small businesses grow through creative and strategic marketing.

In 2001, the company relocated its headquarters to Fairfax, Virginia, where it has continued to grow while serving organizations throughout Northern Virginia, the Washington metropolitan area, the Mid-Atlantic region, and beyond.

River City Marketing's 30-year history has coincided with a remarkable transformation in the marketing industry. When the company was founded, digital advertising was still in its infancy and online marketing was only beginning to emerge.

Today, digital search and online platforms have fundamentally changed how businesses connect with their customers, and artificial intelligence is once again reshaping the industry.

Throughout these changes, River City Marketing has continued to evolve to meet the needs of its clients. The company began by providing services including logo design and branding, marketing strategy, print collateral, direct mail, public relations, advertising, and audio and video production.

Today, its work is primarily focused on website design and development, Search Engine Optimization, Answer Engine Optimization, Generative Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click management, social media management, content development, and blogging.

Over the course of three decades, River City Marketing has served more than 1,000 clients, built hundreds of search optimized websites and generated more than 10,000 first page search rankings.

Its clients have credited the company's website development and SEO work with increasing their visibility, generating new sales opportunities, and strengthening inbound leads.

Despite the tremendous technological changes that have reshaped its industry, River City Marketing's mission has remained consistent: helping small businesses reach the right audiences, communicate their value, and glow.

As a family-owned business, the company has built its reputation on personalized service, responsiveness, creativity, and measurable results.

Thirty years of success in an industry defined by constant innovation and change is a significant accomplishment. As River City Marketing celebrates this milestone, it continues to embrace new technologies and approaches while maintaining the personal service and strategic focus that have defined the company since its founding.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Josh Fertel and the entire River City Marketing team on 30 years in business and wishing them continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents can't catch a break. They are paying more for groceries, electricity, housing, and healthcare, and President Trump's war of choice in Iran is making life more expensive.

In August, gas prices stayed above $4 a gallon, the most expensive August in American history. Every trip to work, every school dropoff, and every grocery run costs more because of this war.

Donald Trump promised to bring down prices on day one. He promised to keep America out of foreign wars. He broke both promises, and American families are paying the price.

End this war. Bring our servicemembers home. Put American families first.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the opening of Skyview High School in Herndon, Virginia, and to congratulate the students, educators, staff, families, and community members who will make up its inaugural school community.

The opening of Skyview High School marks an important milestone for Fairfax County. As the first new Fairfax County Public Schools high school to open in more than 20 years, Skyview represents both an investment in our growing community and an investment in the next generation of Northern Virginia students.

Skyview was designed with the future of learning in mind. Its campus includes bright and flexible learning spaces equipped with modern technology, outdoor classrooms, and an advanced robotics lab that will give students opportunities to explore, experiment, collaborate, and create. Students will also benefit from an aquatic facility, as well as a state-of-the-art auditorium, where future generations of students will take the stage for concerts, theater productions, presentations, and other performances.

Even Skyview's location offers inspiration. Situated near Washington Dulles International Airport, students will have a front-row view of

aviation in action, a fitting backdrop for a school whose students are just beginning to discover how high their own ambitions can take them. But what will ultimately define Skyview High School is not its facilities. It will be the students, teachers, staff, and families who bring those halls to life.

The inaugural students of Skyview have an opportunity that few students ever receive: the chance to help create a school's identity from the very beginning. They will establish its clubs and traditions, cheer for its first teams, celebrate its first performances and achievements, and create memories that will become part of Skyview's history. The traditions they begin today will be carried forward by generations of students who follow them.

The opening of Skyview High School reflects the dedication of the educators, administrators, school staff, parents, and community partners who worked to make this new school possible. Their commitment to providing students with outstanding opportunities strengthens Fairfax County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating this historic first year for Skyview High School and wishing its inaugural students, faculty, and staff every success. As they write the first chapter of Skyview's story, I look forward to seeing the traditions they establish, the discoveries they make, and the many accomplishments that will fill the chapters ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and celebrate the 100th birthday of my constituent, Mrs. Norma Wilson Gregory.

Norma was born on August 2, 1926, and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. She was the middle child of five, with older brother Walter, older sister Jeanne, and two younger brothers, Herb and Gordon. As a child, she was something of a tomboy to keep up with her older brother Walter who was only ten months older. She also was an avid reader, often taking a book and the family dog on a walk to climb and sit in a tree, reading for hours, with the dog sitting guard at the base of the tree.

The name Norma means ``hard working and vivacious'' in Latin, and those who know and love her say that is an incredibly apt description. Anything she puts her mind to, she can master. From hanging wallpaper, painting, and making braided rugs, to gardening, arranging flowers, and baking and cooking, she was a woman of many talents.

Her talents allowed her to thrive professionally, having a successful 30-year career as a realtor. She loved selling houses and had the wonderful ability to visualize how a couple could fix up a house and make it their own.

Away from work, she became an avid bird watcher, traversing the globe to see birds in Northern Africa and Belize. She still to this day watches the birds at her feeder, including four male goldfinches who often come to the feeder at the same time and put on quite a show. While bird watching started to spend time with her beloved husband, Jim Gregory, she continues to experience the joy it can bring to its enthusiasts.

Jim Holmwood Gregory was not just the one who introduced her to bird watching, he was her greatest love and husband of 54 years. Norma met James when she was living in Kansas City with her aunt, Muriel. One day she ended up having all of her wisdom teeth pulled, and Aunt Muriel decided a night on the town would take her mind off of her teeth. Sure enough, James and his colleagues were

in town on business and happened to be at the same local nightclub as Norma, and it was love at first sight. Eight months later, after a lot of visits and correspondence between the two, they were married in East Aurora, New York on May 24, 1947. They had a wonderful marriage and four children: Kim, John, Jamie, and Mark.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating Norma Wilson Gregory on her 100th Birthday. Cheers to countless memories and adventures, and cheers to many more.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jamie Bain Hedges upon her retirement as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax Water after 37 years of dedicated service to Northern Virginia.

Jamie began her career with Fairfax Water as an engineer and steadily rose through the organization. She became Director of Planning and Engineering in 2006, Deputy General Manager in 2019, and General Manager and Chief Executive Officer in 2021. Her career reflects both a deep knowledge of the region's water system and a longstanding commitment to public service.

Under Jamie's leadership, Fairfax Water has continued providing dependable, high-quality water service to communities across Northern Virginia. Today, the utility serves approximately 2.2 million people in the region. Her steady guidance helped the organization respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, severe weather, and the integration of the City of Fairfax and City of Falls Church water systems.

Jamie also understood that reliable water service depends on thoughtful planning and continued investment in the infrastructure that supports it. Throughout her tenure, she helped position Fairfax Water to meet the region's current needs while preparing for future challenges involving water supply, system maintenance, and environmental protection.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jamie Bain Hedges on her retirement and in thanking her for 37 years of service to Fairfax Water and the people of Northern Virginia. Her leadership has left the organization well prepared to continue serving our community for generations to come.

Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of Amendment No. 309 to the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act. My amendment would establish a pilot program to enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to more efficiently deploy modern cybersecurity solutions by accelerating the security verification of solutions that have already received FedRAMP High certification.

FedRAMP is a standardized approach to certifying and assessing the security of cloud computing technologies used across federal agencies, and a FedRAMP High certification is the strictest cloud security authorization level within FedRAMP.

This level of certification ensures compliance with the standards needed to securely handle and process the federal government's most sensitive unclassified information and data.

FedRAMP seeks to create a ``certify once, reuse many times'' model for cloud products and services that provides a secure and cost- effective approach to federal cloud service adoption.

The idea behind this concept of ``certify once, reuse many times'' or ``reciprocity'' as I like to refer to it, is that if a cloud service's security controls have already been certified at a basic level, multiple federal agencies should be comfortable with adopting the service for their own purposes.

For years, DoD has relied on its own assessment and verification process for cloud-based services, separate and distinct from FedRAMP-- however, both DoD's and FedRAMP's assessment and verification processes rely on the same NIST standards and have the same goal, which is to certify that a cloud-based product meets security standards for federal use.

What this means in practice is that both the government and our private sector partners must invest significant time and resources to verify security controls for cloud service deployment not just once, but twice if they hope to make that service available to both Federal Civilian and DoD customers.

Additionally, maintaining two parallel certification pathways has created bottlenecks in deploying modern commercial cloud capabilities, including critical cybersecurity tools, within the DoD--even when those solutions have already been certified for civilian agency use under the same NIST standards through the FedRAMP program.

This amendment would save the federal government time and resources by encouraging reciprocity between the parallel FedRAMP and DoD cloud security assessment processes.

It establishes a pilot program to accelerate the DoD's assessment of cloud-based cybersecurity solutions that have already been authorized under the same underlying NIST standards that the Department's existing assessment process relies on.

In doing so, this pilot will help deliver innovative commercial cybersecurity capabilities to the warfighter more quickly, at a time when cyber threats from our adversaries are growing more sophisticated.

I urge my collegues to support this amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered by the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers).

The en bloc amendments were agreed to.

Amendment No. 316 Offered by Mr. Grothman

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of John Patrick Dwyer, a devoted husband, father, Navy veteran, labor advocate, and longtime community leader whose service and dedication left a lasting impact on Northern Virginia and all who knew him.

Born in the Bronx, New York, John lived a life defined by service, hard work, and a deep commitment to the people and causes he cared about. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966 aboard the USS Mitscher and continued his service in the Naval Reserves.

Following his military service, John pursued a career as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration. A strong believer in the rights and dignity of working men and women, he became deeply involved in the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization and remained a steadfast advocate for organized labor throughout his life. His commitment to workers and unions reflected his broader belief that communities are strongest when people stand together in support of one another.

John later made Northern Virginia his home, where he established a successful printing business in Alexandria and became a familiar and respected figure throughout the community. Through his business and civic involvement, he built enduring friendships and earned the admiration of many for his integrity, generosity, and unwavering loyalty.

John was also a dedicated supporter of civic engagement and public service. For many years, he remained actively involved in local political and community organizations, believing deeply in the importance of participation in our democratic process and in giving back to the community he loved.

Above all else, John was devoted to his family. He shared 45 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Kathy, and took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Those who knew him will remember his storytelling, his quick wit, and his ability to bring people together with warmth and humor.

Mr. Speaker, John Dwyer's life was one of service, friendship, and dedication to others. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his memory and extending our deepest condolences to his wife, Kathy, his family, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable example.

Mr. Chairman, America's strength in the world has never been that we are perfect. It is that, unlike our adversaries, we have consistently aspired to lead by example and with our values.

Building the capacity of a local community abroad to combat deadly diseases like malaria, Ebola, tuberculosis, and HIV is not just the right and just thing to do. It serves American interests. Disease outbreaks do not respect borders, and investments in global health protect Americans at home.

That is why the dismantling of USAID is so dangerous. USAID isn't a charity. It was boots on the ground, a force multiplier for the CDC and our broader national security efforts.

Let's be honest. Slashing foreign aid will not balance the Federal budget. Anyone with a calculator knows you are not going to address the skyrocketing deficit by cutting programs that amount to a rounding error in Federal spending. This is about American values and American security.

Mr. Chairman, that is why I cannot support this bill. It ignores the reality of what has already been lost.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 35th Anniversary of the Sully District, the westernmost supervisor district in Fairfax County, Virginia, which includes communities such as Centreville, Chantilly, Oak Hill, Oakton, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Established following the 1990 Census, the Sully District has grown into a vibrant and diverse community that reflects both the history and future of Northern Virginia. Over the past three and a half decades, the district has experienced significant growth and development while maintaining a strong sense of community and commitment to quality of life for its residents.

The Sully District has long been shaped by thoughtful leadership at the local level. The district's first supervisor, Michael Frey, served from its creation through his retirement after more than two decades in office. During his tenure, he helped guide the district through a period of rapid population growth and transformation, playing a key role in advancing infrastructure, expanding public safety services, supporting youth programs, and preserving community assets. His leadership helped establish the foundation upon which the Sully District continues to thrive today.

Today, the Sully District is represented by Supervisor Kathy Smith, who continues to build on that legacy through her tireless service to the residents of the Sully District. Her leadership reflects an ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of a growing community while ensuring that residents remain connected to local government and services.

As the Sully District marks its 35th anniversary, residents come together to celebrate not only its history but also the people and partnerships that have contributed to its growth and success. This milestone reflects decades of dedication to building a community where families can live, work, and thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Sully District on its 35th anniversary and in recognizing its continued contributions to Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Claire Kim for her role as President of the Korean-American Next Generation Council.

As President of the Korean American Next Generation Council, Claire Kim has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to civic engagement, cultural advocacy, and the development of the next generation of community leaders. Through her vision, dedication, and collaborative leadership, she has worked to strengthen connections within the Korean American community while fostering meaningful relationships with the broader Northern Virginia and DMV communities.

One of Claire's most notable contributions has been her leadership in organizing and supporting major cultural events, including the annual Kimchi Festival. This signature event celebrates Korean heritage through traditional food, music, performances, and educational programming while promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among people of diverse backgrounds. By helping coordinate volunteers, engaging community partners, and supporting event planning, Claire has played an important role in ensuring the festival continues to serve as a welcoming space for cultural exchange and community building.

In addition to the Kimchi Festival, Claire has been actively involved in several large-scale community outreach initiatives, including the KORUS Festival and George Mason University's AANHPI Heritage Month celebration. Through these events, she has helped organize educational exhibits, coordinate volunteer teams, and facilitate community engagement activities that highlight the history, contributions, and experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. Her efforts have helped create opportunities for cultural education, dialogue, and increased visibility for the Korean American community across the region.

Recognizing the importance of encouraging the next generation to become informed and engaged citizens, she has actively supported local political leaders through campaign volunteer efforts, canvass launch events, voter outreach initiatives, and special election activities. By introducing young volunteers to the electoral process and encouraging civic responsibility, she has inspired greater participation in public service and democratic engagement. Beyond volunteer efforts, Claire has facilitated meaningful conversations between emerging young leaders and elected officials, including state senators and members of the House of Delegates. These discussions have provided participants with valuable opportunities to learn about the legislative process, ask questions about public policy, and better understand how local and state government directly impacts their communities. Through these engagements, she has helped bridge the gap between government and young constituents, empowering future leaders to become active participants in civic life.

I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the hard work of Ms. Claire Kim. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to empowering others, promoting cultural understanding, and inspiring the next generation to become engaged, compassionate, and effective leaders. She continues to serve as a role model whose contributions extend beyond individual events, leaving a positive and enduring legacy of community engagement and public service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Cherry, a constituent from Springfield, Virginia, upon joining the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, widely regarded as one of the most celebrated dance companies in the world.

Founded on March 30, 1958, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater was established by choreographer, dancer, and visionary Alvin Ailey to uplift the African American experience while transcending the boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. Recognized as a vital American Cultural Ambassador to the World, the company has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents.

With a repertoire that boasts close to 300 works by more than 100 choreographers, it stands today as the largest modern dance company in the United States. To join this company is among the highest honors a dancer can achieve, and it is an honor that Michael Cherry has earned through years of exceptional dedication, training, and artistry.

Michael is a graduate of George Mason University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with a minor in Arts Management. George Mason has long been a launchpad for professional artists, and Michael's career is a testament to the quality of training and mentorship he received there.

Michael's path to Ailey has been one of extraordinary rigor and breadth. During his training and early career, he had the opportunity to perform in works created or set by an impressive roster of renowned choreographers, including Rafael Bonachela, Camille A. Brown, Rena Butler, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Doug Varone, among others.

He further honed his craft at highly competitive national programs, including the Juilliard Summer Dance Intensive, the Complexions Summer and Winter Intensives, and the LINES Ballet Summer Program.

Prior to joining Ailey, Michael danced for two seasons with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, where he continued to grow as a versatile and technically sophisticated performer.

Behind every great artist stands a community of love and support, and Michael is no exception. I want to take this opportunity to extend heartfelt recognition to his mother, Susan Cherry, whose steadfast love, sacrifice, and encouragement have been a constant source of strength throughout Michael's life and career. Equally deserving of recognition is Michael's brother, Brandon Cherry, whose steadfast support and brotherly encouragement have meant the world to Michael throughout this journey.

Mr. Speaker, Virginia's 11th Congressional District is home to remarkable individuals who reflect the very best of who we are as a Nation. Michael Cherry is one of those individuals.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Michael Cherry on this tremendous achievement, and in wishing Michael a career filled with brilliance, purpose, and joy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Centreville as it celebrates its annual Youth and Young Adult Day and honors the graduates of the 2025 to 2026 academic year.

Youth and Young Adult Day is a meaningful tradition that recognizes students who have reached important academic milestones while encouraging younger generations to pursue their own educational goals. This year's celebration honors graduates from high schools, colleges, and graduate programs across Northern Virginia and beyond.

I include in the Record the names of this year's graduates in recognition of their achievements:

High School Graduates: Dylan Cherry, Prince William County,

Gainesville High School; Faith Afolabi, Prince William

County, Battlefield High School; Laila Jones, Prince William

County, Patriot High School; Wayne Henderson, III, Manassas

City, Osbourn High School; Xavier Williams, Fairfax County,

George C. Marshall High School; and Zachariah Teague, Loudoun

County, John Champe High School.

College and Post-Graduate Graduates: Tristan Marcellus

Anderson, Fairfax County, Frostburg State University,

Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Exercise and Sport

Science; Jaelen Elizabeth Barker, Prince William County,

Temple University, Bachelor of Arts in Cinematography; Nia

Michelle Bradley, Fairfax County, William & Mary, Bachelor of

Arts in Government; Jarrett Dalton Carolina, Prince William

County, Virginia State University, Master of Business

Administration; Yuri Crenshaw, Prince William County, Spelman

College, Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a Minor

in Visual Arts; Ajani Nyle Evans, Virginia Commonwealth

University, Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and

Development; Marquis Cetrel Freeman, Culpeper County,

University of Northwestern Ohio, Bachelor of Business

Administration; Nicholas Myles Hamm, Loudoun County, Virginia

Tech, Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and Analytics;

Darius Hill, Fairfax County, George Mason University,

Bachelor of Science in Biology; Tori Hudspeth, Fairfax

County, George Mason University, Master of Science in

Environmental Science and Policy; Malani Kathleen Johnson,

Manassas Park, Virginia Commonwealth University, Bachelor of

Science in Marketing with a Concentration in Product and

Brand Development; Marie Johnson, Fairfax County, Regent

University School of Law, Master of Arts in Law and Financial

Planning; Matthew Hayden Leverette, Prince William County,

Denison University, Bachelor of Arts in Journalism; Dr.

Fahren Auriel Nipple, Prince William County, Oklahoma State

University, Doctor of Forensic Science with a Concentration

in Forensic Psychology; Alissa Northan, Prince William

County, Virginia Commonwealth University, Bachelor of Science

in Forensic Science with a Concentration in Physical Evidence

and a Minor in Chemistry; and Jasmine Wigington, Prince

William County, Virginia Tech, Bachelor of Science in Human

Development.

In addition to recognizing this year's graduates, the church's Scholarship Committee continues its longstanding tradition of supporting educational advancement through scholarship assistance and recognition programs. This year's awards include the Youth Ministry Monetary Award, Men's Ministry Monetary Award, Erin Peterson Award, Fairfax Central Baptist Sunday School Union Scholarship, Lucy Cole Scholarship, Cameron Dudley Memorial Scholarship, and the Mt. Olive Baptist Church Scholarship.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mt. Olive Baptist Church of Centreville for its continued service to our community and in congratulating the graduates of the 2025 to 2026 academic year. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the support of their families, friends, and educators.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and to reaffirm our shared commitment to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing compassionate support for those affected by mental health challenges.

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has served as an opportunity to increase understanding and encourage early support for those living with mental health conditions. It also highlights the importance of making care accessible to individuals and families across the country.

Mental health is a critical part of overall well-being. It shapes how people navigate daily life, respond to challenges, and connect with others. Each year, millions of Americans experience mental health conditions, yet many still face obstacles when seeking care.

In communities across Northern Virginia, dedicated providers, advocates, and organizations are working every day to expand access to care and support those in need. Their efforts help ensure that individuals and families receive the services, understanding, and respect they deserve.

Mental Health Awareness Month also reminds us of the importance of building strong, supportive communities where individuals feel safe seeking help. By promoting awareness and investing in mental health services, we can help ensure that no one faces these challenges alone.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month and in supporting continued efforts to improve mental health care, expand access to services, and promote the well-being of individuals and families across our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the South Lakes High School Freshmen Girls and Boys Basketball teams for their remarkable achievements during the 2025 to 2026 basketball season.

The South Lakes Freshmen Girls Basketball team completed an outstanding season with a record of 14-2, setting a new milestone as the winningest freshmen girls team in South Lakes High School history. Their success reflects the passion, teamwork, and determination displayed by these student-athletes throughout the season.

The South Lakes Freshmen Boys Basketball team also delivered an extraordinary season, finishing with an impressive record of 15-0-1. The team's undefeated season will stand as a benchmark for future South Lakes teams.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the leadership, mentorship, and dedication of the coaches and volunteers who support these teams. I commend the entire coaching staff, parents, and the many individuals who give their time and energy to help these young athletes develop their skills, build character, and learn the value of teamwork.

The success of these teams is a source of great pride for South Lakes High School and the broader Fairfax community. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to fellow students and demonstrate the value of hard work and perseverance.

I am honored to represent a district that is home to such exceptional student-athletes. I commend them for the dedication they have displayed to their school and teams. Their accomplishments both on and off the court continue to make our district proud.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the South Lakes High School Freshmen Boys and Girls Basketball teams on their exceptional 2025 to 2026 seasons and in wishing these talented student-athletes continued success in the years ahead, both on and off the basketball court.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the English Empowerment Center (EEC) and to honor the volunteers, instructors, students, community partners, and others who will be recognized at the 64th EEC Recognition Ceremony.

The mission of EEC is to teach adults the basic skills of reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English in order to empower them to participate more fully and confidently in their communities and in society as a whole. EEC serves low-literacy and limited English language proficient adults with a selection of low-cost, moderately intensive courses to help them transition into the workforce or other educational opportunities.

EEC provides the crucial first steps of language and literacy proficiency for workplace, citizenship, and community integration to help adults make measurable improvements in their lives. This past year, they have served over 2,000 adult learners with the help of over 600 volunteers who gave over 27,000 hours of service.

Each year EEC recognizes students and members of the community who have contributed their time, energy, and resources to achieving the mission of EEC. EEC will also award the prestigious Patricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship, and the inaugural Gerry E. Connolly Empowerment Award. I include in the Record the following names of the 2026 EEC honorees:

Community Partners: Amazon; Bailey's Crossroads/Culmore

Place-Based Initiative; Dulmore United Methodist Church.

Volunteers of the Year: Chris Axarlis; Mary Pat Paris;

Marie Tibor.

Student Speakers: Henry Herrera; Fatima Pena.

Patricia M. Donnelly Merit Scholarship Recipient: Patricia

Ramirez Sejas.

Gerry E. Connolly Empowerment Award: John V. Thomas.

Also, I include in the Record the names of the volunteers who are celebrating service anniversaries with EEC.

Volunteer Service Anniversaries:

25 years: Jan Auerbach, and Susan Stillman.

20 years: Nancy Newman, and Naomi Witherspoon.

15 years: Banhi Bhattacharya, Michael Boito, and Janna

Unterzuber.

10 years: Christopher Axarlis, Janet Barsy, Paul Cantrell,

Elena Gonzalez, Diane Jensen, William Nye, Susan Rose, Karen

Rosenthal, Jean Samuel, Sharon Steen, and Gail Zimmerman.

5 years: Brian Brooks, Debby Chrisensen, Robin DeRosa, Leo

Dillon, Lisa Esler, Teresa Fralish, Alan Kadrofske, Jill

Martin, Mary Anne McDonald, Megann Mielke, Alana Morton, Emma

Refuerzo, Elizabeth Stone, CK Tong, and Sari Warren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending the English Empowerment Center and in thanking and congratulating each of the honorees of the 64th EEC Recognition Ceremony. I wish all of them great success in their future endeavors.