Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1644, the so-called Save the Internet Act.

This legislation seeks to restore the FCC's heavy-handed, stifling title II regulations of 2015 to govern the internet, the same antiquated regulations originally enacted to regulate wired phone companies of the 1930s.

The internet, which is the single most important invention in modern human history, has thrived precisely due to light-touch regulations. Reinstating heavy-handed, stifling title II regulations on the internet is just plain bad policy.

My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have supported these stifling title II regulations to ensure what they call net neutrality and prevent unreasonable discrimination practices of blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization.

While I agree with my colleagues that no business should engage in these types of unreasonable business practices, this bill is hardly neutral. It blatantly ignores ``edge providers,'' such as Facebook and Google. Just read the headlines about their great behavior. They have made headlines for things like blocking, throttling, and requiring paid prioritization of consumer internet services.

Additionally, in the 2 years following the FCC's 2015 order to regulate the internet under the stifling title II, internet investments regulations, those investments have actually declined for the first time and only time in U.S. history outside of a recession.

As a Representative of some of the most unserved rural populations of Virginia, I have heard from providers, both large and small, that these stifling title II regulations have hindered their ability to expand service to rural populations. This is particularly concerning, as unserved areas already face extreme challenges to gaining access to broadband. Reinstating these stifling title II regulations would only further increase the digital divide between urban and rural America.

I am a cosponsor of three bills offered by Ranking Members Walden, Latta, and Rodgers, all based on bipartisan approaches, which prohibit the practices of blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization. I believe all three of these bills provide a bipartisan, permanent solution to opening the internet.

I urge my Democratic colleagues to work with Republicans to solve this issue.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Bayliss Boatworks of Wanchese, North Carolina, a team who every day applies their experience and unique craftsmen touch in creating the perfect vessels for their clientele.

Bayliss Boatworks was established in 2002. The team was able to draw up a number of contracts to begin their brand-new shop to create their exquisite boats used for fishing, travel and entertainment. Each boat is custom made to fit the needs and preferences of each client. These boats begin as a jig until it surpasses benchmarks like the ``Whiskey Plank,'' hull rollover, and engine install. From there, the boats will have their cabins installed, flybridge and mezzanine build-out, interior cabinetry construction, paint, sea trial, and lastly, delivery to the client. The hard work of the employees can be seen on the water around the world. Since its establishment in 2002, Bayliss Boatworks have received mentions in magazines such as Marlin, being classified among the top builders in the world. It is a prestigious honor to be considered among the world's best boat craftsmen.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of Bayliss Boatworks as they celebrate 17 years in operation. May God bless the hardworking employees of Bayliss Boatworks, and I look forward to seeing their excellence for many years into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John Bayliss of Bayliss Boatworks from Wanchese, North Carolina. John is the leader of a team who every day applies their experience and unique craftsmen touch in creating perfectly crafted vessels for their unique clientele.

Bayliss Boatworks was established in 2002. With a fishing background, self-motivated John, and his team built the company from the ground up. John and friends were able to draw up a number of contacts from the sportfishing community to begin their brand-new shop to create their exquisite boats used for fishing, travel and entertainment. John turned his passion into a profession. Since the establishment of the company, Bayliss Boatworks has risen to become one of the premier boat craftsmen in the world. I am fortunate to have known John for many years and be witness to the dedication he has for his family, colleagues, and Bayliss Boatworks.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of John Bayliss as he and Bayliss Boatworks celebrate 17 years in operation. May God bless John and the operations of the Bayliss Boatworks, and I look forward to seeing their excellence for many years into the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Rebecca Tebbs Nunn, who was crowned Ms. Super Senior Virginia. This pageant recognizes the value and importance of senior women, exemplifying their wisdom, experience, and generosity.

Rebecca is not only a native from Lancaster County, but is also the Vice Mayor of Kilmarnock, an author of four published novels, and was a professional actress for over 20 years. Most notably, Rebecca had the privilege of performing with the Helen Hayes Reparatory Theatre on Broadway. She has even taught drama at both the high school and college levels.

After Rebecca was crowned Ms. Senior Virginia in 2016, she has continued to give back to her community by performing at nursing homes and other assisted living centers. She has also conducted acting workshops for children from all over the country and abroad. I am extremely proud to say that Rebecca is the first Virginian to receive the Ms. Super Senior award.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognition of Rebecca Tebbs Nunn. The Commonwealth is fortunate to have someone with such determination and tenacity. May God bless Rebecca Tebbs Nunn and I look forward to seeing her continued success for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Chief Warrant Officer Veronica G. Wormly. As a member of the United States Military and current resident of Toano, Virginia, Veronica Wormly plans her summer 2019 retirement after a total of 34 years of service.

Born in Texas, educated in the Midwest, and now residing in our First District, Veronica Wormly's career has taken her across this nation. After enlisting in the United States Army on February 29, 1984, Ms. Wormly quickly rose through the ranks. Beginning as a private in that same year, she soon became sergeant just four years later while remaining a Personnel Administrative Specialist in Oklahoma City. After a brief time as a Drill Sergeant in Winston Salem, North Carolina, Ms. Wormly began work for the 388th Medical Battalion in Kansas. In 1997 she was commissioned as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves after 13 years of active duty service and received a Liberal Arts degree at Fort Hays State University in 1998. Two years later she would also finish a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from that same university.

With her degrees in hand, now-Chief Warrant Officer Wormly became a Military Personnel Technician for the 89th Regional Support Command until 2005, then moved to Germany as a Human Resource Technician. She then served as a Senior Leader Development Officer for both the 4th and 5th Command Chief Warrant Officers of the Army in Crystal City and Fort Belvoir. Today, Ms. Wormly is the Senior Warrant Officer Advisor to the TRADOC Deputy Commanding General at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

As an active and reserve member of the U.S. Army, Ms. Wormly received multiple decorations, service medals, and badges. These include the Kuwait Liberation Medal in 1991, the Army Reserves Overseas Training Ribbon in 1997, and the Meritorious Service Medal w/5 Oak Leaf Cluster in 2012. Along with her two degrees, Ms. Wormly has completed numerous officer training courses pertaining to our national security, and the wealth of information she has gained over the years is invaluable.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the bounty of Veronica G. Wormly's accomplishments as she enters retirement, as her family also rejoices in the recognition of her lifetime of dutiful service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the active duty retirement of ITC(SW) Michael S. Hammer, a brave and honorable man who dedicated his life to the U.S. Navy.

ITC(SW) Michael S. Hammer enlisted in the Navy in 1994 and shipped out the day after graduating high school. His first overseas deployment was with the Commander Submarine Group Seven in Yokosuka, Japan. There he supported telecommunications to deployed and shore based units. ITC(SW) Hammer then went back to school but soon returned to Japan on his assignment to the Commander Seventh Fleet which embarked on the USS Blue Ridge. ITC(SW) Hammer then served a shore duty assignment with the Naval Security Group Activity, as a computer network analyst and an assistant Command Master-at-Arms in Fort Meade.

His third tour took ITC(SW) Hammer back stateside to the Naval Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic, where he served as both the Joint Forces Tactical Operations and Communications Officer and Operations Administrative Leading Chief. He next was deployed back out to sea on the USS Mahan as the leading Chief for the Radio Division as well as the Command Information Assurance Manager. ITC(SW) Hammer spent his following shore duty at the Navy Yard, serving as the Field Support Activity. Finally, ITC(SW) Hammer was deployed on his last tour on the USS Truxtun with the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East and Mediterranean. While there, he performed the duties of Radio Leading Chief and the command's Information Systems Security Manager.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the incredible accomplishments of ITC(SW) Michael S. Hammer. Words alone cannot express our gratitude for his service. May God bless ITC(SW) Michael S. Hammer and the U.S. Navy.

Madam Speaker, I was not present for Roll Call Vote No. 130 on ordering the previous question of H. Res. 252 and Roll Call No. 131 on adoption of the rule, H. Res. 252. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 130 and No 131.

Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained due to illness. Had I been present, I would have voted ``YEA'' on rollcall No. 132.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Change of Command of Commander Damon B. Loveless, a brave and honorable man who has dedicated his life to the U.S. Navy.

CDR Damon Loveless attended the U.S. Naval Academy where he received a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and was commissioned an Ensign in 2001. He earned his Wings of Gold in April 2003. Commander Loveless reported to the VF-101 Grim Reapers in Virginia Beach, VA where he qualified in the F-14 Tomcat. He completed his first deployment with Carrier Air Wing SEVEN on USS George Washington in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later supported Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2007, CDR Loveless transferred to the VFA-122 Flying Eagles in Lemoore, CA where he served as Instructor Pilot, Air-to-Ground Syllabus Phase Head and a Program Model Manager. In 2009, CDR Loveless was selected to serve in a Department of Defense Legislative Fellowship with Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01), in Washington, D.C. Then, CDR Loveless was transferred to Commander Carrier Strike Group EIGHT in Norfolk, VA where he served as the Flag Lieutenant to the Commander.

CDR Loveless reported to the VFA-115 Eagles for his Department Head tour in NAF Atsugi, Japan in 2012. He served as Safety Officer, Administrative Officer, Operations Officer, and Maintenance Officer and embarked on USS George Washington. After, CDR Loveless reported to the Pentagon as a Branch Chief on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs' of Staff in the J-6 Directorate. He later attended Joint Forces Senior Staff College in Norfolk, VA, graduating in March of 2017. CDR Loveless joined the Tomcatters of VFA-31 in Virginia Beach, VA, as the Executive Officer in 2018.

CDR Loveless has accumulated more than 2,700 flight hours with over 600 carrier arrested landings His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the incredible accomplishments of Commander Damon Loveless. Words alone cannot express our gratitude for his service. May God bless Commander Damon Loveless and the U.S. Navy.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to use this time to recognize the Lions Club of Montclair, Virginia. The club will celebrate their forty-first year anniversary in June 2019. The Montclair Lions club was founded in 1979 at the Montclair Country Club and elected their first president, Mr. Ron Milam, soon thereafter. As part of the June 2019 celebration, the one remaining active charter member, Mr. Terry Tallent, will be assuming the role as the club's 41st President.

Over the past forty-years, the club has raised upwards of a half million dollars and provided hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours in support of various charitable organizations and community service projects within the First District. The Montclair Lions Club has supported the Old Dominion Eye Bank, training of leader dogs for the blind, high school scholarships, Action in Community Trough Service (ACTS), Boys and Girls Club of Prince William County, little league baseball teams, the Boy Scouts of America, Special Olympics and many more.

The men and women of the Lions Club of Montclair exemplify the best of the spirit of the First District. Their lives of patriotism, service, and selflessness stand as an example to the ideals founded in the Lions Clubs motto ``We Serve.'' Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing this momentous occasion for the Lions Club of Montclair and to wish them the brightest future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Harrison ``Smitty'' Milton Smith, Jr., who passed away at the age of 83 years old on February 12, 2019.

Harrison's service to our nation spans 20 years, including time in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force and active duty service overseas during the Vietnam War. After his military career, Smitty worked for the U.S. Postal Service and retired after 21 years. He was a member of the Fredericksburg Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

Harrison is survived by his wife Donna Lee Smith, five children, Elizabeth Terry Thompson and her husband Paul, Mike Smith, Don Smith and his wife Virginia, Rosie McCauley and her husband Dave, Harrison Smith III and his wife Melissa; one sister, Theresa Willis; 20 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in remembrance of Harrison ``Smitty'' Milton Smith, Jr. Words alone cannot express our gratitude for his life of service. May God bless Smitty and his family during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Dr. Elizabeth (Sissy) Crowther as President of the Rappahannock Community College. After 15 years as President, Elizabeth will be leaving the College a better, stronger institution of higher education and learning.

A Northern Neck native, Sissy grew up on Bruington Farm in Northumberland County. Her late father, Rudolph Prosser Crowther, Sr., was president and then chairman of Lillian Lumber Company in Northumberland County, and served on the Rappahannock Community College local board in the 1980s. After graduating from St. Margaret's School in Tappahannock, Crowther attended Virginia Tech where she received both a bachelor's and master's in English. After college, she moved to Richmond, where she began a career in financial services. She aided J. Sargeant Reynolds and John Tyler community colleges with providing educational programs for their employees. Crowther was inspired by the change and inspiration she saw, shifting her career from banking to working in the community college system.

She was accepted into a doctoral program at the College of William & Mary, becoming friends with a colleague who encouraged Crowther to apply to her first job at Rappahannock Community College. She then advanced to positions at Lord Fairfax Community College and Blue Ridge Community College, ultimately returning to Rappahannock as President. Since 2004, Crowther has provided leadership and oversight for College and community initiatives. They include growing the Educational Foundation's assets from $1 million to $11 million; completing facility renovations at both the Glenns and Warsaw campuses; adding satellite sites in Kilmarnock and New Kent; expanding partnerships with community organizations, agencies, and businesses including the establishment of LEAD Northern Neck; and providing focused resources on relevant programs.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Dr. Elizabeth Crowther's accomplishments as she ends her tenure as president of Rappahannock Community College. We hope she enjoys her new life back on the family farm near Reedville, pursuing personal interests and traveling with her family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John Otho ``Jack'' Marsh, Jr., who passed away on February 4, 2019. John was 92 years old.

Jack was known for his love for the community and his years of public service. At the age of eighteen, Jack enlisted in the United States Army during World War II in Germany. From 1954 to 1976, Jack served in the Army Reserves and the Virginia National Guard 29th Division. Not long after his service, Jack earned a law degree and began a career in politics. From 1963 to 1971, he served four terms for what was then the 7th District of Virginia. Choosing not to seek a fifth term, he continued his career as a Counselor in President Gerald Ford's cabinet and eventually as the Secretary of the Army for the longest time in our nation's history. From 1989-1994, Jack served as Chairman of the Reserve Forces Policy Board, a position he was appointed to by former Secretary of Defense Cheney.

Congressman Marsh served for over two decades on the Advisory Council of the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences (VIMS) and received the VIMS Pathfinder Award. Much of their amazing work impacts my very own district, as they work to meet the issues facing the Chesapeake Bay and the coastal ocean. Jack also served on the Board of Visitors at Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and is one of the few honorary alumni of VMI. Jack was honored with the prestigious VMI New Market Medal, for his public service and role in the preservation and interpretation of the Hall of Valor. The Commonwealth not only lost a public servant and community leader, but also a patriot who has dedicated his entire life to serving our great nation.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in remembrance of John Otho ``Jack'' Marsh, Jr. Words cannot express our gratitude. May God bless Jack and his family as his legacy lives on through his service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act.

Mr. Speaker, this bill signifies a strong bipartisan consensus and commitment to protecting our Nation's public resources, including parks, wildlife, habitat, and access to the outdoors.

Today's vote will help preserve thousands of acres of public land so that Americans can visit, explore, fish, hunt, and enjoy wildlife in the outdoors for generations to come.

I am particularly proud of the measure which will provide long-term sustainability of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I am also proud to see the important sportsmen's titles included in this bill that will expand access for recreation, fishing, and hunting on public lands.

I would like to thank Ranking Member Bishop and Chairman Grijalva for their tireless work to help make this bill a reality.

As a lifelong sportsman and supporter of our Nation's refuges, parks, and public lands, I urge every Member of this body to support this legislation so that we can provide permanent stability for the Land and Water Conservation Fund to improve access for sportsmen and to conserve wildlife habitat for future generations.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Assistant Director David L. Elswick who will retire after nearly ten years of distinguished service at NCIS and nearly 40 years of dedicated service to our nation.

Mr. Elswick began his federal service in 1977 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps after graduating early from College Park High School. He went on to become a Drill Instructor in the Marine Corps where he held the important responsibility of ``making Marines.'' Throughout his 21- years of service as a U.S. Marine, Mr. Elswick's assignments took him and his family to California, Texas, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and finally, Quantico, Virginia. Mr. Elswick's awards and decorations include: The Presidential Service Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement

Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Commendation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Before joining NCIS, Mr. Elswick held assignments of increasing responsibility with several government agencies including the Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Library of Congress and the Department of Homeland Security. Continuing his career at NCIS, Mr. Elswick held the leadership positions of Deputy Assistant Director for Planning and Evaluation, Assistant Director of the Manpower, Planning and Support Directorate, Chief of Staff, and retiring after serving as the Assistant Director of the NCIS Administration and Logistics Directorate.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing the tremendous accomplishments of David L. Elswick. Words alone cannot express our gratitude for his service. May God bless him and his family as they transition into retirement.