Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Liz Martin on her retirement as President of the VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital. She wrapped up her time in June after an esteemed thirty-six-year career in healthcare.

Ms. Martin's commitment to improving the lives of countless physicians, nurses, and patients throughout her career is what sets her apart. She has served as President of the Tappahannock Hospital for the past twenty years, overseeing the hospital's transition from the Riverside Health System to VCU Health. Ms. Martin's guidance and vision enabled the Tappahannock Hospital to enter a new age of health services while maintaining exceptionally high standards of care.

During her time as President of the hospital, Ms. Martin invaluably aided in the development of the Dr. Jeffery Haskins Scholarship Fund for healthcare professionals committed to serving the Tappahannock area during their career. She also was instrumental in the creation of the Jeri Sibley VCU Health Tappahannock Cancer Care Fund, which helps to provide wellness and beauty services to cancer patients. She also briefly served in a leadership role for the Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester.

Beyond her calling as a healthcare leader, Ms. Martin remains a crucial leading light in her community, where she serves on the board of the Ledwith-Lewis Free Clinic and the Essex County Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she has also chaired the Essex County School Board and the Board of Aylett Country Day School. Throughout all her many roles, her colleagues have continued to recognize Ms. Martin as an uncompromising leader, visionary, and public servant.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Liz Martin for her years of tireless dedication to our healthcare system and community. I wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement, and pray for her success in whatever adventures come her way.

Mr. Chair, had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 180.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

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

Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment. In 2018, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities, otherwise known as the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, was signed into law.

In the years since, the bill has provided States and localities with the tools to combat the opioid crisis.

The crisis, the scourge of this Nation, as of 2024 has taken the lives of nearly 80,000 Americans. That is nearly 240 Americans every day last year. That is equivalent to a jet airliner crashing every day. If that were happening

every day, it would make the headlines. People would be up in arms, saying: What are we doing about air safety? We should be doing that. We should also be addressing issues with the opioid crisis.

While I am encouraged to see that number beginning to recede, it is still way too high. The drop in number in 2023 is a good direction, but there is still lots of work to be done.

That is why today I rise in support of an amendment to H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. This amendment would require the Department of Health and Human Services to convene a public hearing to improve awareness of, access to, and information related to funding opportunities related to mental health and SUD programs within SAMHSA, S-A-M-H-S-A.

This would be a review of not only current funding activities but future funding activities. These activities would increase much-needed awareness of important tools within States and localities.

Many times, there are tools there that people or local governments are not aware of. This is going to extend and make sure everybody is aware of the full scope of tools that are available to address the scourge of this fentanyl crisis.

By closing this knowledge gap, we are going to help patients, providers, and families with key access. Again, it is about getting treatment for this addiction. This is a very debilitating addiction. It is a biochemical addiction. It is something that takes a lot of effort in order to separate people from that addiction.

This effort saves lives. It makes a difference in families. Families that have been victimized by this addiction crisis will explain how debilitating it is not just to their loved ones but also to families. This crushes families in the things they have to endure and the folks that have this biochemical addiction to opioids.

Madam Chair, in closing, I urge support of this important amendment. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to my amendment, as well as the underlying bill.

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

Madam Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Dale W. Sisson, Jr., on his retirement from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), after a distinguished career dedicated to serving our nation.

Mr. Sisson's commitment to the Navy and to the advancement of our national defense is truly commendable. He has served NSWCDD with distinction for over two decades, culminating in his role as Technical Director, where he oversaw a $1.8 billion portfolio of research, development, test, and evaluation. His leadership of the 4,930-member NSWCDD workforce has been instrumental in ensuring the technical excellence of complex naval combat, sensor, weapon, and strategic systems, making Dahlgren a vital asset to our national defense and a source of pride for Virginia's First Congressional District.

Prior to his role as Technical Director, Mr. Sisson served as the Executive Director of the Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA) and Deputy for Weapons Safety, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). In these critical roles, he was responsible for providing executive and technical direction for all ordnance surety programs assigned to NOSSA and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our Navy and Marine Corps munitions through his work with the Department of the Navy's Weapon System Explosives Safety Review Board.

Mr. Sisson's prior leadership roles at NSWCDD, including his tenure as Head of the Electromagnetic & Sensor Systems Department and his detail as Director of Systems Engineering within the office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, Test, & Evaluation (DASN (RDT&E)), further demonstrate his dedication and expertise. His contributions to the Navy's development of laser weapons, recognized with the Department of the Navy's Superior Civilian Service medal in 2015, exemplify his innovative spirit and technical prowess.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Dale W. Sisson, Jr., for his years of dedicated service to our Nation and in wishing him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. He has made a significant and lasting impact on our national security, and we are deeply grateful for his contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Julianne Heberlein and her service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation.

Julianne served as a mentor and leader for the communications team and the entire office, sharing her expertise and experience with the rest of my team. Her counsel and guidance have shaped my staff into the most effective and successful team on Capitol Hill. Julianne was highly motivated, thoughtful, and energetic. In a role that demands precision, skill, and the ability to respond swiftly, she consistently rose to the occasion. Julianne's genuine kindness allowed her to build lasting relationships throughout the office, creating a positive and collaborative environment that will be missed. Through her tireless work she leaves behind a legacy of excellence.

I would like to thank Julianne for her many contributions and dedicated service over the last two years. She has been an invaluable member of my team, and I wish her the best of luck as she moves on to the next chapter of her professional career with Senator Fischer. May the Lord bless her as she embarks on a new challenge, and I look forward to seeing her continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Julianne Heberlein for her service to Virginia's First District and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement of Darrell S. Tremblay.

Darrell S. Tremblay first joined the fire service in February of 1987 as a volunteer fireman in Stafford County, Virginia. From 1991 to 1995, he spent time as a professional fireman in the Naval District Washington Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Darrell graduated from Washington D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department Recruit Class 315 on August 8, 1995. His first appointment was to Engine 30 before his appointment to Truck 17. On March 30, 2005, Darrell Tremblay was appointed to the Marine Division within Special Operations.

During his time on the Fire Boat, Darrell was promoted to Marine Operator, Assistant Marine Pilot, and then to Marine Pilot, also earning his 200-ton masters license as a Merchant Mariner from the United States Coast Guard. Serving the citizens and visitors of the district from the water was Darrell's passion. His time spent working on the Fire Boat included maintaining the department's fireboat fleet, training with municipalities around the region to hone his skill set, and performing countless rescue operations.

In the 20 years served on the Fire Boat, Darrell has earned commendations to include a Class II Unit Citation for Valor, Armed Forces Expeditionary Ribbon, the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation, and many others. After 30 years in the DCFD, and a commendable service record, Darrell Tremblay is retiring on July 12, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing Darrell S. Tremblay for his service to the Nation. I am proud to join him in celebrating this remarkable achievement. May the Lord bless him as he embarks on his next challenge, and I look forward to seeing his continued success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to rise with me to celebrate the graduation of Seth Cella from Fork Union Military Academy. Seth Cella, born in 2007, is graduating with honors later this month. Raised by his father, Paul Cella--a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and national security entrepreneur--Seth comes from a proud, multigenerational legacy of military service. His grandfather is a former U.S. Marine. one great- grandfather served in the U.S. Army, and another in the U.S. Navy.

Despite early challenges, Seth emerged with a resilient and compassionate spirit. Seth faced academic barriers that were exacerbated by pandemic-era school closures and insufficient support from public education systems. By the end of his sophomore year, he was struggling both academically and personally--until he made a decision that would alter the course of his life: to attend Fork Union Military Academy. Seth served on the varsity swim team, mentored peers, and rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant, becoming third in command of the entire Corps of Cadets.

Today, Seth graduates not only with academic honors but with an uncommon level of maturity, humility, and strength. He will attend West Virginia University in the fall of 2025 to study kinesiology, with interests in health sciences, athletics, and service.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I have had the honor and privilege to know Gerry Connolly for over three decades. He and I served in local government together for years. We were part of the Virginia Association of Counties.

Gerry had a deep passion for Fairfax County, for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and for this Nation. You wouldn't find anybody who had a deeper knowledge of issues, knew more about what was best to be done, and knew more about trying to find a place to agree about getting things done.

There was really something special about Gerry. I remember us having discussions back in the day when we just started out in local government. We both learned from each other. He came from a big county there in Fairfax County. I came from a small county. I live in a town with a population of 350. We couldn't have been any more different in how we reflected on the counties that we represented, but do you know what? We had a deep commitment to doing what was right.

I learned a lot from Gerry and his perspective on Fairfax, but also his perspective on the Commonwealth and perspective on the Nation.

Gerry was always looking to find solutions. He was always very passionate about people, about making sure he understood the policies. He understood how to get things done. Gerry was always committed to doing that.

Gerry's legacy is going to live on forever in all of us. It will live on forever in his family and live on forever in the things that he has done for Fairfax County, for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and for our Nation.

We will miss Gerry, but we will remember his legacy through the things that he has done and through what he did to reach out to others and to look for common ground to get things done in the best interest of not only his constituents but of our Commonwealth and our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 128 (H.R. 2243) and YEA on Roll Call No. 129 (H. Res. 352).

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring the 2024 Class 4 VHSL State Champions Atlee Varsity Raiders baseball team. Led by head coach Michael Morris, this team made history by winning the school's first ever Regional Championship and first ever Virginia State Championship. That accomplishment is a testament to their hard work and dedication to each other as teammates and as brothers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Darin Coward who worked for 23 years at Colonial Williamsburg. He was beloved by all his co-workers and many guests over the years due to his hospitality and welcoming nature. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. I include in the Record the following poem:

a spirit of 76

In these the days of our lives, there are those who to us

such warmth provide.

All in their thoughts and deeds realized.

Filling our hearts up so deep inside.

Darin was such a man of warmth and caring.

Imbuing The Sprit of 76 in all his sharing.

Born in Michigan in 1976, later to cross the heartland for a

career to pursue.

To work in one of our forefather's bastion of freedom true.

Colonial Williamsburg of that old red, white, and blue.

A lover of history, why she called out to his heart there was

no mystery.

Like all the great Inn Keeper's of old, he too was a shining

example of hospitality to behold.

Treating his guests like gold, to warm all of their hearts

and souls.

With that kind of smile from across the room heart's would

hold.

Humble as the day was long, all a part of his life's and our

Lord's song.

As year after year, visitors walked up to the front desk

hoping he'd appear.

Creating bonds of friendship throughout all those years.

And why it hurts so bad, knowing what a wonderful friend we

once had here.

Who never let power go to his head, rising up the ranks in

what his fine life to all had said.

The kind of boss every worker wishes by to be led.

Now, proving only the good die young with tear in eye, now in

heaven in The Army of our Lord an angel on high.

And in the coming years, as I walk the paths of all

magnificent patriots of the past so here.

All have met Darin will remember him and all those patriots

and shed a tear.

All one in the same, great American Patriots who once walked

the streets here.

Tonight across Michigan and Williamsburg as you lay your

heads down to rest.

There comes a gentle rain, are but our Lord's tears from up

in Heaven to ease your loved ones pain.

And they will hear Darin on the wind, and when they wake will

feel him next to them where he's been,

Watching over them, until one fine day up in Heaven they meet

again.

And won't have to cry no more.

Our moments are fleeting, so it's our time on Earth which

surely shows our worth in our greetings.

All over our Nation so many have been touched by Darin

meeting.

For his kindness and his caring this spirit of 76 with them

sharing.

Like Frost said, ``I have miles to go'' before I rest.

Life is short so like Darin always give your best.

Rise . . . rise up to heaven Darin with tears in yours eyes,

for our world you have blessed.

In loving memory of Darin Coward.

by Albert ``Bert'' Carey Caswell

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing Mr. Vernon L. Michael for his 40 years of outstanding Federal service both as a military member of the United States Navy, and as a civilian for the Department of the Navy (DON) Office of the General Counsel (OGC).

Mr. Michael enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1984 under the delayed entry program and began his active-duty naval career in January 1985. Upon completing basic training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Florida, he successfully completed Yeoman ``A'' School, graduating with honors, followed by his first duty assignment to the pre-commissioning unit for USS Missouri (BB 63) for which he became a plankowner. Over the next 23 years, Mr. Michael served in a variety of operational and staff assignments including sea tours aboard USS Duluth (LPD 6) and USS Seattle (AOE 3). Staff/shore assignments included Personnel Support Activity Detachment, San Antonio, Texas; the Office of the Secretary of Defense; the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition); and DON OGC. Throughout his naval career, Mr. Michael served in numerous leadership positions and was awarded multiple personal, service, and unit awards. He retired from active duty in August 2008 in the grade of Chief Yeoman (E-7).

In December 2008, Mr. Michael was appointed to the position of Special Assistant for Administrative Matters in DON OGC. In this role, he directly supports the General Counsel of the Navy (GC), a Presidentially Appointed, Senate-confirmed official, and the Principal Deputy General Counsel (PDGC). He is the recognized subject matter expert on all DON and Department of Defense administrative matters and functional areas to include oversight of correspondence and the electronic records programs, personnel and physical security, and protocol. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Michael consistently exceeded expectations and provided unmatched support to nine GC's, seven PDGCs, and various other senior executives within the DON and OGC. For his contributions, he received two DON Meritorious Civilian Service awards.

For these reasons, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Mr. Vernon L. Michael as he retires from Federal service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act, known as the FACT Act. I introduced this bill in January, and I have been pleased to see it advance through committee and now onto the House floor.

First, I thank Chairman Guthrie, Chairman Hudson, and the entire Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing this bill, and Leader Scalise for bringing it to the floor today. Additionally, Representatives Stefanik, Kean, Castor, and Khanna have been strong partners in garnering support for this legislation as cosponsors. I also thank my staff as well as those fellow cosponsors on the Energy and Commerce Committee and in leadership for their diligent work on this important bill.

I also applaud the administration for taking the CCP's threat to our national security seriously. Communist China is using every tool at its disposal to conduct a coordinated campaign to surveil and collect information on Americans. We should all be deeply concerned about that. China is not our friend.

China looks to defeat us both economically and strategically. This is one of many means that they are using to accomplish that. They are infiltrating our telecommunications networks and technology sectors for the sole purpose of doing harm to the United States and its friends. Despite this clear threat, far too many companies with ties to the CCP and other foreign adversaries still hold authorities to operate in the United States, often without the public's knowledge. That is absolutely unacceptable.

While companies like Huawei and ZTE are well known, others controlled by the CCP continue to fly under the radar. They are doing this purposely. They are creating entities that are third- and fourth-order separates from these main organizations to be able to obfuscate those connections back to the CCP.

That is where the bipartisan FACT Act comes in. It would require the Federal Communications Commission to publish a list of these companies that hold FCC authorizations and have any ownership by foreign adversarial governments, including our adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

This transparency is critical. Americans deserve to know which companies inside our tech and telecommunications markets are linked to hostile regimes. Shining a light on this malign influence is the first step toward a stronger action to defend our communications infrastructure and our national security.

We know what these threats are. We have seen them develop. We have seen them accelerate. We have seen what China's intent is. The FACT Act will mark real, bipartisan progress in achieving these efforts. It is a necessary step to protect Americans from surveillance and infiltration by foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party.

I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation, and I look forward to continuing to work together to defend American sovereignty and security.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor Sergeant Major Andrew Brown for his exemplary and distinguished 22 years of service to our Nation. A native of Lubbock, Texas, Sergeant Major Brown has represented the great state of Texas and the city of Lubbock with honor, dedication, and distinction throughout his remarkable military career.

In 2003, Sergeant Major Brown enlisted as an Air Defense C4I Operator, later reenlisting as a Theater Missile Warning Operator, a member of the Defense Attache Service, and most recently, a Legislative Liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives. Sergeant Major Brown is a graduate of Troy University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in International Politics. He also holds an advanced professional studies degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University. Sergeant Major Brown served with unparalleled distinction throughout his career in various Senior Noncommissioned Officer leadership and staff positions, demonstrating his expertise and leadership across the Joint, interagency, and intelligence community.

His leadership assignments included the Office of the Space Commandant, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command; Delta Battery, 5th Battalion, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. Sergeant Major Brown's staff assignments are equally impressive, including serving as a Defense Fellow for Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY- 21); Operations NCO and Missing Persons Project Manager, U.S. Defense Attache Office, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Training and Evaluation NCO, for the Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS), among many others.

Sergeant Major Brown has deployed in support of numerous national security operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Spartan Shield. For his service, Sergeant Major Brown has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (7), U.S. Department of State's Meritorious Honor Award (3), and others. He also earned the Master Space Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge and was awarded the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Sergeant Major Brown for his selfless dedication, unwavering leadership, and steadfast commitment to our country. As he concludes his 22 years of honorable service, I extend my deepest gratitude to him, his wife Lindsey, and their daughters, Claire and Ana Lisa, for their sacrifices and contributions to the strength and security of our Nation.

I wish them all the best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, and I know that Sergeant Major Brown will continue to be an inspiration and source of pride for Texas and our entire Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 70th wedding anniversary of a beloved couple. I ask you to join me in honoring Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Majikesa, Sr., of Ashley, Pennsylvania, as they celebrate this important milestone.

The couple was married in St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Creek Catholic Church in Wilkes-Barre by the late Very Rev. Gregory Szeyko on Feb. 19, 1955. Mrs. Majtkes is the former Elizabeth ``Betty'' Chmil, daughter of the late Mary (Gulick) and John Chmil. Mr. Majikes is the son of the late Theresa (Hughes) and John Majikes. The Majikes's are the parents of four sons, Charles J. Jr. and his wife, Mary, Larksville; Paul, Sr. and his wife, Ann, Hanover Township; John and his wife, Kim, Apex, North Carolina, and Matthew, Sr., and his wife, Linda, Richmond, Virginia.

They are proud grandparents of Kristen and her husband, Adam Scali, Hanover Township; Jacob, Gaithersburg, Maryland; Alison and her husband Bryan Riviello, Old Forge; Charles J. III, and his wife Kylee, Ashley; Keri and her husband Nick Carnes, Durham, North Carolina; Paul, Jr. and his wife, Alyson Klush, Richmond, Virginia; Mark and his wife Adele, Larksville; Matthew, Jr., Richmond, Virginia, and Daniel, Richmond, Virginia. Also, great-grandchildren Charles IV, Jack, Charlotte, Alex, Joe and Preston.

Mrs. Majikes is retired after working in the shoe industry and as a waitress in local restaurants. Mr. Majikes, a USMC Korean War Purple Heart Veteran, was employed at Eberhard Faber in Mountain Top for more than 30 years and continued employment at Wyoming Valley Health Care Systems until his retirement at age 78. To mark their 70th wedding anniversary, blessings were given to the couple by the Rev. Michael Lepa, their nephew the Rev. John Chmil, and the Rev. Vincent Dang.

Family is their mantra. Their marriage is a role model to their family as their boys and family's 11 marriages total over 250 years married together, and they have helped to build a wonderful family with 31 lives celebrating over 1,000 years. Now that's a Wonderful Life. A family dinner party was held in their honor at Patte's Sports Bar in Wilkes-Barre and was hosted by their family.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize the Majikes family on this momentous occasion. May they continue to find joy to one another as they inspire generations to come.