Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his eloquent remarks.

This legislation is a tribute to a giant of public service, a man whose legacy is written across Northern Virginia and across this institution.

Gerry Connolly believed deeply in public service. He believed in this institution, in the work of representative democracy, and in the responsibility that comes with the oath of office.

He knew that democracy doesn't sustain itself. It takes people willing to do the hard, unglamorous work of governing, legislating, organizing, compromising, and showing up for the communities they serve.

Gerry was a singular force for good in Fairfax, and for 11 years, I had the privilege of serving as his chief of staff. I saw up close how he poured his significant intellect, his integrity, and his energy into serving our community every single day. He is somebody who served the public with every fiber of his being until his last day.

He was widely respected here as one of Congress' most effective lawmakers. He was a champion for the Federal workers he represented, a champion for the Postal Service, a principled statesman who represented our Nation at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

I am confident he is the only person in history who will have served twice as president of the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations and twice as the president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Before he served in Congress, he shaped the Fairfax County that my constituents know and enjoy today.

He served on the board of supervisors from 1995 to 2008, including 5 years as chairman. He took enormous pride in that work and had a passion for the work of local government.

Under his leadership, Fairfax County invested in smart growth, in transit, in environmental stewardship, in libraries, trails, and affordable housing. It is the public infrastructure that has transformed Fairfax and Northern Virginia into an economic engine and a national model.

His legacy can be seen in the Silver Line metro extension, the Mosaic District in Merrifield, the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail, and the Oakton Library.

Gerry was an institutionalist in the best sense. He respected this House not as a monument but as a living instrument of democracy, one that must be used to hold power accountable, to protect the dignity of public service, to defend those who don't have a voice, and to stand up for our democratic values at home and abroad.

Mr. Speaker, Gerry had a heart as big as his intellect. He loved people. He loved animals. He loved our community. He loved a good conversation, a good story, and even good gossip, sometimes to the frustration of those who were trying to keep him on schedule.

Above all, Gerry was a family man. He loved his wife, Smitty, who is here with us today in the gallery, with a devotion that everyone around him could see. He was endlessly proud of his daughter, Caitlin, and welcomed his son-in-law, Mark, into that circle of love and loyalty that defined him.

For all of his accomplishments in public, the center of his world was always his family and the joy he took in

them. It revealed the same warmth and humanity that made him so beloved by those he represented.

For me he was more than a Member of Congress. He was a mentor, a best friend, and a formative figure. Because of him, I am a better public servant, but more importantly, a better husband, father, and friend.

I will carry his wisdom and his love for this community, for this institution with me for the rest of my life. Naming this post office for Congressman Gerald E. Connolly will ensure that generations of Fairfax residents are reminded of what public service looks like when it is rooted in integrity, vision, humor, and love of community.

We lost a giant last year, and we honor Gerry's legacy by continuing the work he loved by serving others, speaking the truth, defending democracy, and never forgetting those who sent us here.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6332, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Beyer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for his kind and eloquent words. I also thank Chairman Comer for his support of this legislation.

As I said, Gerry Connolly is somebody who loved this body. He loved Fairfax County. He loved the Postal Service. This naming of the post office on Page Avenue in Fairfax will mean a lot to his family. Just as importantly, it will mean a lot to our community, which recognizes his decades of dedicated and passionate service with the integrity that he provided.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, some of my Virginia ancestors are rolling over in their graves today, but I am very happy to be here to speak in support of H.R. 7809 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 201 East Grant Avenue in Georgetown, Ohio, as the Ulysses S. Grant Post Office Building.

Ulysses S. Grant was an American hero who helped lead the United States Army to victory against the Confederacy in the Civil War before serving as President of the United States.

After graduating from West Point, Grant served in the Mexican- American war under the leadership of General Zachary Taylor, who would later become the 12th President of the United States.

Grant initially resigned from the Army in 1854, but at the outbreak of the Civil War, he served as commander of a volunteer regiment and was quickly promoted to brigadier general.

Throughout the war, he fought and won numerous battles. His victories included the capture of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson and the defeat of rebel forces at Shiloh and Vicksburg.

As the war progressed, his military leadership played an instrumental role in enforcing President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and advancing the United States' commitment to ending slavery.

In March 1864, President Lincoln designated Grant as the general-in- chief of the U.S. Army Forces, ultimately leading to a Union victory in April 1865 with the surrender of Confederate General Lee at Appomattox in Virginia.

After the war, Ulysses S. Grant served two terms as President of the United States. During his time in office, he pushed forward the Reconstruction agenda, advocating for civil rights and protection from political violence for Black Americans.

I encourage my colleagues to join us in honoring the life and legacy of President Grant by naming this post office in his hometown of Georgetown, Ohio, after him.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, since the Transportation Security Administration was created after the 9/11 attacks, the agency has been working to deploy the latest innovative security screening technology to ensure prohibited items carried inside bags and on individuals do not make it past a security checkpoint and onto an aircraft.

However, with thousands of TSA screening lanes across the country in need of technology, Congress has at times struggled to provide funding to recapitalize technology expeditiously across all airports.

H.R. 8770, the SAFEGUARDS Act, would ensure there are increased dedicated funds available to TSA to procure the latest screening technology so that the agency can replace aging technology deployed at airports at a more rapid pace.

Although speeding up the deployment of new screening technology is an important goal, I do have some reservations about the bill. The increased investments in technology are not paid for, and I am concerned that these increases could result in cuts to funding for TSA workforce salaries and benefits if TSA's overall budget does not increase.

Although the bill does contain language reinforcing the sense of Congress that diversions of passenger security fees away from TSA's coffers should end, the bill does not actually do anything to end those diversions sooner than already scheduled under current law or otherwise to bring in more money to TSA.

House Democrats have long been supportive of investments in new and innovative security technologies, but we must also make sure that we are supporting the workforce that operates those technologies.

To start, the House should take up Ranking Member Thompson's bill, H.R. 2086, the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act, which would codify fair pay and collective bargaining rights for this critical workforce. This bill has more than 185 bipartisan cosponsors, and the Republican majority should bring it to this floor.

In the meantime, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as our colleagues in the Senate, to ensure that the SAFEGUARDS Act, if enacted, drives investments in technology without causing cuts to pay, benefits, or staffing at TSA.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I am prepared to close when the chairman is prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 8770 will help ensure TSA's frontline staff get more of the tools they need to keep travelers safe, and at a faster pace.

I look forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure there are no unintended consequences for TSA's workforce if this bill becomes law.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9328, the Improving Travel for Military Members Act.

Our military servicemembers and their families are required to travel regularly, uprooting their lives to move to new locations.

Last year, TSA initiated a pilot program at select airports to provide Active-Duty military and their families front-of-line access to security screening.

H.R. 9328 would cement TSA's ongoing pilot program and codify requirements for appropriate security protocols.

Expediting wait times for servicemembers and their families makes travel a little bit easier and a little bit less stressful for them, and I support advancing this effort.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, military servicemembers and their families make sacrifices for our Nation every day. We owe it to them to make their lives easier in ways big and small wherever and whenever we can. This bill represents a step toward easier travel for Active Duty military and their families.

I thank the gentlewoman for her work on that, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter) for his work on this legislation. I also thank the chairman for his work.

UASI grants have played a critical role in my region, the D.C. metropolitan region, in protecting Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, including this Capitol complex. This bill that will improve transparency, strengthen congressional oversight, and ensure that important security investments made over many years are not lost is a wonderful piece of legislation.

Passage of H.R. 8874 will ensure that Congress has the information needed to understand the impact of UASI transitions and help preserve the critical Homeland Security capabilities our communities rely on. It will strengthen oversight, support our local partners, and help ensure that years of Federal investment and preparedness are not lost.

I applaud Congressman Carter for his leadership on this issue and strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 8874. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9391, the Reimbursable Screening Services Program Extension Act of 2026.

The TSA Reimbursable Screening Services Program, or RSSP, is a pilot program that permits TSA to conduct passenger screening outside primary airport terminal screening areas under reimbursable agreements with up to eight TSA-regulated entities, such as an airport operator.

RSSP facilities are located at airports across the country, including in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York City, and the newest location recently opened in Boston.

The pilot program is set to expire at the end of September 2026. H.R. 9391 would extend the pilot program until the end of September 2031 and expand the number of pilot program locations to 14 to allow the program to grow and bring new RSSP concepts online.

Passing this bill would provide important clarity for a program that has been operating under repeated short-term extensions.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, this bill ensures the RSSP at TSA can continue to operate and develop additional passenger screening locations at airports across the country to improve the travel experience.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9388.

TSA's one-stop pilot program enables passengers arriving from certain foreign airports to be exempt from rescreening by TSA prior to connecting to domestic flights.

The one-stop program requires those foreign airports to meet certain standards deemed comparable to TSA's, which helps improve aviation security at those airports.

As more international airports start participating in the program, H.R. 9388 will ensure the program can continue to operate until December 2032, while Congress evaluates and makes any necessary changes to improve the program for the traveling public.

These changes will help advance this pilot program to improve the travel experience for passengers.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Carter), who is the Democratic co- lead on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will continue operations for this growing TSA pilot program, helping to improve the travel experience for inbound passengers on international flights. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kennedy), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Representative Kennedy's leadership on this bill, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3106.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8897, the Improving Travel for American Families Act.

Every day, thousands of families across our Nation take to the skies, many of them with small children who are not always the easiest of travel companions. I can attest to that.

Any parent knows that long lines at checkpoints can make a long day of travel even worse for a kid.

That is why since last year, the TSA has started pilot programs at select airports with special lines reserved for families which help decrease wait times while keeping screening efficient for other travelers, as well.

H.R. 8897 would codify the ongoing pilot program and ensure appropriate security protocols are upheld. The bill would help advance this initiative to help traveling families.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the airport experience is difficult enough for young families. This bill will help improve that experience while upholding security standards, and I urge support.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 8168, the Major Non-NATO Ally Terror Threat Assessment Act.

This bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to provide an assessment of the threats to the United States posed by foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists present in countries that the State Department designates as ``major non-NATO allies.''

The assessment required under the bill will give Congress a more comprehensive view of terrorist threats to the homeland, which will inform Congress of authorities and resources needed to combat those threats.

Mr. Speaker, I support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the new member, Mr. Van Epps, on this legislation. I support H.R. 8168, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 8535, the bipartisan Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act, is based on the nonpartisan research and recommendations of the Government Accountability Office, which last year examined the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to detect, deter, and seize illicit fentanyl.

GAO identified critical gaps in DHS efforts against fentanyl trafficking: a lack of coordination, information sharing, and measures to assess DHS' effectiveness.

As a result, GAO made three straightforward recommendations: first, establish a program to collect data and measure effectiveness; second, ensure access to information across DHS components; and, third, develop performance goals and measures aligned with DHS' strategic objectives. Our bill simply would put into law those commonsense recommendations.

Fentanyl remains one of the most devastating public safety and public health challenges facing our Nation. The scourge of fentanyl trafficking is sobering. CDC data showed that fentanyl accounted for over 69 percent of all drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2025. Last year alone, in the D.C. metropolitan region, there were nearly 1,000 deaths due to fentanyl overdose.

With lives, resources, and time on the line, it is important for DHS personnel to not only work hard in the fight against illicit fentanyl but to also work smart against this enormous challenge. That requires collaboration and the ability to assess how their operations are having an impact.

Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. McCaul, who was my co-lead on this legislation. I thank the chairman, Ranking Member Thompson, and Mr. Correa, as well, who worked hard on it.

As I said, this bipartisan legislation would put three GAO recommendations for combating illicit fentanyl into law. It would require the establishment of a program to collect data and measure the effectiveness of current efforts to counter illicit fentanyl, ensure information sharing across DHS components, and require the development of performance goals and measures.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 8535, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, engagement with State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement is essential to the Department of Homeland Security's mission to secure the homeland. State and local law enforcement partners must have clear points of contact within DHS to maximize information sharing and collaboration on issues like emergency and cybersecurity incident response.

H.R. 7574 aims to ensure this by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to realign the functions and personnel within the Office of Intelligence and Analysis' Engagement, Liaison, and Outreach office.

Madam Speaker, while it is important for State and local officials to have clear points of contact at DHS for information sharing and collaboration, H.R. 7574's requirement to identify redundancies at the Office of Intelligence and Analysis should not, I hope, be viewed as a pretext to reduce I&A's workforce.

I&A is charged with delivering timely and actionable intelligence to our law enforcement on the front lines and unnecessarily slashing their capacity could unintentionally create security gaps and make our communities more vulnerable to cyber terror attacks and other threats.

While I understand that H.R. 7574 seeks to improve DHS relationships with law enforcement agencies by establishing clear communication protocols and centralizing points of contact for law enforcement engagement, I urge DHS to consult with Congress on the implementation of this bill and before any staffing changes or reductions are made. We need to strengthen, not undermine I&A's ability to protect the homeland.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's and the committee's work on H.R. 7574, and it sounds like, I think, that we are in alignment. I just want to be sure that the language in the bill referring to redundancies isn't used to defund the I&A at the Department of Homeland Security. It sounds like the gentleman and I are on the same page.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel Jose Manuel Pizarro Matos upon his retirement from the United States Army after 37 years of distinguished service to our Nation.

Throughout his remarkable and decorated career spanning nearly four decades, Lieutenant Colonel Pizarro Mates dedicated himself to advancing military medicine, protecting the health of our service members, and strengthening the Army Medical Department through scientific research and innovation. His work has directly contributed to the readiness and well-being of the men and women who serve our Nation.

A deeply respected scientist and Army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Pizarro Matos earned national recognition within his field through decades of research, mentorship, and professional achievement. His contributions include extensive scientific publications, oversight of major research programs, and expert guidance to countless military and civilian professionals whose work continues to benefit the Armed Forces and the broader medical community.

His service has been recognized through numerous military awards and honors, including the Order of Military Medical Merit, multiple Meritorious Service Medals, and designation as a leader in Army medical research and development. These accomplishments reflect a career defined by genuine excellence, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Lieutenant Colonel Jose Manuel Pizarro Matos on his retirement and in thanking him for his extraordinary service to the United States Army and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievement of the Fairfax Connector maintenance team and to congratulate them on securing first place at the 2026 Virginia State Bus Roadeo.

Technicians Jerry Salgado, Matthew Bender, and Martin Lopez earned top honors at this year's statewide competition, marking the fifth consecutive year that Fairfax Connector has claimed the championship. The Virginia State Bus Roadeo brings together transit professionals from across the Commonwealth to test their skills in real world scenarios, including vehicle inspection and troubleshooting challenges.

This continued success speaks to the high level of expertise, preparation, and consistency demonstrated by this team. Their performance reflects both the technical knowledge and attention to detail required to maintain a safe and reliable public transit system.

As a result of their first-place finish, the Fairfax Connector maintenance team will represent the Commonwealth of Virginia at the American Public Transportation Association International Bus Roadeo this month in Salt Lake City, Utah. This event brings together top transit maintenance teams from across North America for a premier showcase of technical skill and precision.

While their work often takes place behind the scenes, the impact of their efforts is felt every day by the thousands of riders who rely on Fairfax Connector. This achievement offers

a well-earned opportunity to celebrate their skill, dedication, and the vital role they play in keeping our community moving.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Jerry, Salgado, Matthew Bender, and Martin Lopez on their state championship and in wishing them continued success as they represent Virginia on the international stage.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Volunteer Fairfax and express my sincere appreciation to recipients of the 2026 Annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.

Established 50 years ago, Volunteer Fairfax matches the skills and interests of thousands of volunteers with the needs of local non-profit organizations. The success of this model and its impact on delivery of the services needed is beyond question; Volunteer Fairfax has been rated as one of the most effective community service organizations in the Nation.

Each year, Volunteer Fairfax selects a few exceptional individuals, groups, or organizations to receive special recognition. I include in the Record the following names of the 2026 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards honorees:

Barbara Pearson: Braddock District Champion

Great Falls Trailblazers: Dranesville Community Champion

Leah Lamba-Skidmore: Franconia District Champion

Rosa Simon: Hunter Mill District Champion

Nancy Moy: Mason District Champion

Mary Paden: Mount Vernon District Champion

Greater Oakton Community Association: Lauren Crum & Shelley

Deutch: Providence District Champion

Arnie Daxe: Springfield District Champion

Evan Braff: Sully District Champion

Craig Dubishar: Gerald E. ``Gerry'' Connolly Lifetime

Achievement Award

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Volunteer Fairfax for its decades of outstanding community service. I congratulate the recipients of the 2026 Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards and thank them and the thousands of other local volunteers for their incredible contributions to our community. Their selfless dedication is worthy of our highest praise and is one of the main reasons that our community is often ranked as one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family.