Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Patsy Pettus, a cherished member of our community. Patsy is an extraordinary individual whose life has exemplified nothing short of the beauty in living life curiously.

Patsy is a passionate member of the Richmond community. Through her love of art and architecture, she has bettered the lives of everyone around her. Described by many as the ``role model for aging gracefully,'' her lively character has made her a beloved figure to all who have the joy of knowing her. Patsy's commitment to the local community leaves an indelible mark on our district and beyond.

Patsy's efforts as an advocate for art programs across the state will leave a legacy to inspire generations to come. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where she volunteered as a docent decades ago, has benefited greatly from her and her beloved husband Hunter's generosity and support. Her family's contributions to Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Institute for Contemporary Arts helped transform the creative arts programs at VCU. Ask anyone in Richmond's art scene and Patsy's name will bring a sparkle to their eyes--She has always been known as the life of the party.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in celebrating Patsy. Our community is eternally grateful for everything she and her husband Hunter have done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Marion Cockrell, a beloved member of Virginia's First District Republican Committee. It was with immense sadness that I learned of her passing late last week and would like to take a moment to highlight her many contributions to Virginia's First District.

Marion served as Chairman for the Northumberland Committee with strength, grace, kindness, and a truly exceptional sense of humor. All of us who have been privileged to know Marion can attest to her thoughtfulness and authenticity. I was blessed to know her and work by her side the past few years.

Despite her health challenges this Spring, Marion never stopped serving her committee and our party with integrity and conviction. She was an extraordinary woman whose positive effect on all of those who served alongside her will never be forgotten. Her efforts to serve others exemplify the very best of what it means to be a citizen of the Virginia Commonwealth and this great nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Marion Cockrell for her lifetime of service and dedication. On behalf of the people of Virginia's First District, I extend my deepest gratitude and admiration for Marion Cockrell and wish her family comfort and blessings during this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 58.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fauquier County and Vicinity Ministers' Coalition. Since their establishment at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Rectortown, Virginia in 1991 the coalition has focused on faith-based community service, advocacy, and leadership development. The coalition will mark 34 years of faithful service this year on March 8th, which offers us an opportunity to reflect on the Coalition's impact since the time of its founding.

The Coalition was created to unite local ministers in a biblically sound fellowship so they would be well-equipped to provide spiritual leadership throughout the region. The 18 member churches serve as a dynamic force for the Kingdom of God, and their dedication to the principle of unity as described in 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 reflects well on how they approach service and care for the people of Virginia.

The Coalition's commitment to leadership and service in times of challenge such as First Responder Outreach, Homeless and Prison Ministries, and Christian Fellowship Initiatives throughout the region is something I am proud to honor and represent here today. Their initiatives--ranging from community-wide events to spiritual and emotional support in times of crisis--demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the well-being of all residents.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring the Fauquier County and Vicinity Ministers' Coalition and to tell you how proud I am of the work they have done to address critical social and spiritual needs as they strive to build bridges and empower communities. I pray for Christ's guidance as they continue to carry out their mission.

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

Regan always served our office and our team well. Always a friendly face in the office, she was highly motivated and energetic about her work and her relationships. Regan was very committed to connecting with the wonderful people and beautiful landscapes of Virginia's First District, both of which featured heavily in her communications on behalf of our office.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in recognizing the service and accomplishments of Regan Hinson. 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 rise today to discuss the importance of studying the implementation of automated software tools that will improve and expedite the organ donation referral process.

The United States has one of the best organ donation and transplantation systems in the world. Still, over 100,000 Americans remain on the national waitlist for an organ transplant. Just one organ donor can save as many as eight lives, which is why we must ensure the process for identifying and evaluating potential deceased organ donors is as efficient and accurate as possible.

Hospitals are currently required to notify their collaborating organ procurement organization (OPO) of all imminent patient deaths in a timely manner to ensure they can maximize the number of organs recovered for transplant. The standard practice of hospital staff manually identifying patients to refer to donation, and then manually notifying OPOs of those patients, is not only time consuming and burdensome for busy hospital staff but increases the likelihood of human error missing a potential donor.

Today, automated electronic deceased organ donor referral systems exist at a select few hospitals. These systems automate the donor referral process, allowing hospital staff more time to focus on direct patient care, minimizing the risk of human error, and potentially increasing the number of organs available for transplant.

I am proud to have introduced the bipartisan Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act to help remove barriers to the national adoption of automated electronic organ donor referrals in health systems so we can give hope to patients waiting for the gift of life.

The Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act would authorize a voluntary study of the current use of automated electronic deceased organ donor referral technology across the Nation. This study will allow us to identify the best practices for the use of such technology and develop informed recommendations for its broad adoption.

The following organizations support the Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act: United Network for Organ Sharing, Association of Organ Procurement Organizations, National Kidney Foundation, American Kidney Fund, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, American Society of Transplantation, American Society of Nephrology, American Society of Transplant Surgeons, American Liver Foundation, American Nephrology Nurses Association, North American Transplant Coordinators Association, American Society of Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics, American Association of Kidney Patients, Waitlist Zero, Kidney Transplant Collaborative, LifeNet Health, Gift of Life Donor Program, Gift of Hope, Infinite Legacy, Association of Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation, Transplant Families, LifeCenter Northwest, Life Connection of Ohio, Lifebanc, HonorBridge, One Legacy, New Jersey Sharing Network, Lifesharing Donate Life Organization, LifeGift, LifeQuest Organ Recovery Services, and Lifeline of Ohio.

I would like to thank the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) for being a steadfast partner on this critical issue. UNOS is a mission- driven non-profit that has led the United States' Organ Procurement and Transplant Network for nearly 40 years. UNOS employees have a significant and consistent impact on the Greater Richmond Region area, and I am proud to have so many passionate constituents in my district who work every day to support our Nation's organ donation and transplant system. UNOS continues to lead efforts to improve the system, including advocating for the importance of automated electronic deceased donor referrals. I thank them for their work to promote the gift of life through organ donation and transplantation.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you rise with me to honor the work being done to advance the automatic organ donor referral programs across the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 300th anniversary of the King William County Courthouse, which stands as the oldest courthouse building in continuous use in the United States.

The King William County Courthouse was constructed in 1725 and was the heart of local self-government and much of the social, economic, and communal life of King William County. The Courthouse was used during the colonial period to elect members of the House of Burgesses, and it served as the designated polling place when the governor deemed other elections were necessary. During the early stages of the American Revolution, local patriots forming the county committee convened in the King William County Courthouse, where Carter Braxton, committee chair and future signer of the Declaration of Independence, received the news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

The King William County Courthouse is considered the best preserved of the Commonwealth's remaining colonial court buildings. The building was listed in the Historic American Buildings Survey in 1959, the Virginia Landmarks Register on November 5, 1968, and the National Register of Historic Places on October 1, 1969. The King William County Historical Museum and the King William Virginia 250 Planning Committee will hold a celebration on April 12, 2025, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the historic King William County Courthouse.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask that you rise with me in honoring The King William County

Courthouse on the anniversary of 300 years of continuous use.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Will Sroka and his service and contributions to Virginia's First District and the Nation.

Will earned his bachelor's degree from the reigning NCAA college football champions Ohio State University, where he majored in sociology. Will then held internship positions at a public affairs firm and in the office of former Congressman Pat Tiberi and then served as a Constituent Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives before starting his career on Capitol Hill.

Will joined my office as a Legislative Assistant after working for former Congressman Bob Gibbs, a member from his home state of Ohio, for five years. Will soon became my Legislative Director and has led my legislative team with distinction for the past 18 months.

As my Legislative Director, Will spearheaded numerous legislative efforts that delivered tangible results to the constituents of my district, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the country. Will worked to pass the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024, which was signed into law on December 23, 2024. He also led on the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, securing 150 bipartisan cosponsors and ushering the bill through the Committee on Ways and Means.

Will served as a mentor and leader for my legislative staff and the entire office, sharing his expertise and experience with the rest of my team. His counsel and guidance have shaped my staff into the most effective and successful team on Capitol Hill.

I would like to thank Will for his many contributions and dedicated service over the last two years. He has been an invaluable member of my team, and I wish him the best of luck as he moves on to the next chapter of his professional career at Ernst & Young.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Will Sroka for his service to Virginia's First District and the Nation.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 38.

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Shirley Kenneth Jones, a cherished member of our community who sadly passed away on January 3, 2025. Shirley was an extraordinary individual whose life exemplified the values of hard work, service and compassion.

Shirley was a passionate member of the Mattaponi Baptist Church and served in many positions at the church. He was an avid carpenter and built the home when he and his loving wife of 36 years, Roberta Seward Jones, lived. Shirley was active with the Ruritans, the Mattaponi Crime Solvers, raised money for veterans in need of support, and the King and Queen County Republican Party. Shirley loved all his animals and raised peacocks on his property. Shirley's commitment to the local community left an indelible mark on our district and beyond.

Shirley will be remembered not only for his accomplishments but also his kindness, humility, and unwavering dedication to family, friends, and neighbors. Shirley's efforts as an advocate for community programs have left a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In addition to Shirley's professional achievements, he was deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his children, grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

As we remember Shirley Kenneth Jones today, let us honor his life by carrying forward Shirley's values and aspirations. Shirley's memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in extending our deepest condolences to Shirley's family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life. May they find comfort in knowing that Shirley's legacy will live on in the lives he impacted.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the extraordinary achievements and contributions of Major Mansfield, a cherished member of our community and a native son to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through Major's exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to service and community, he has made an indelible impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Major has devoted his energies to the Mechanicsville Tea Party (MTP) since the organization was founded in 2004 and served in all leadership positions on the MTP. With Major's direct participation in our cherished electoral process, he assisted individuals seeking public office and once elected, Major would hold them accountable to the U.S. Constitution. When it comes to elections, Major held that all citizens have a duty to actively participate in their government. This included voting, holding office, and engaging in public discourse. Major understands this active involvement as essential to safeguarding liberty and preventing tyranny.

In his private life, Major worked for Mars Candy for twenty-five years and Campbell's Soup for ten years. Major never missed a day of work. He played college football at the University of Richmond and rebuilt two churches. Major graduated Army Ranger School and was in the Army Reserves for seven years. Major leaves a lasting impression on everyone who has had the privilege of working with or knowing him. His efforts exemplify the very best of what it means to be a citizen of the Virginia Commonwealth and this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to recognize Major Mansfield for his lifetime of service and dedication. His legacy serves as an inspiration to all of us and a reminder of the profound difference one person can make in the lives of others. On behalf of the people of Virginia's First District, I extend my deepest gratitude and admiration to Major Mansfield and wish he and his family continued success in all future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for my bill, H.R. 207, the Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and Enhanced Dialogue Act, also known as the SHARKED Act. As a lifelong recreational fisherman, I am particularly passionate about this bill.

Picture this: A charter boat fisherman takes an excited group of anglers 90 miles off the coast in hopes of reeling in a bluefin tuna, tarpon, or other big game species. One of the individuals hooks the first fish and starts to fight to reel it in, but before the fish ever gets to the boat, sharks have bitten and eaten the fish. This phenomenon is called depredation, which occurs when sharks interfere with fishing activities. It is essentially a massive impact on the coastal recreational fishing industry, especially the charter industry.

Shark depredation is accepted as a natural part of fishing, but it has become a widespread issue in our waters and has increased rapidly in recent years.

During the House Natural Resources Committee hearing for the SHARKED Act last year, we heard from experts discussing the impact of this phenomenon.

According to the American Sportfishing Association, 52.4 million people went fishing in the United States in 2023, supporting 826,000 jobs and contributing $129 billion to the economy.

The American Sportfishing Association also found that 87 percent of charter guides surveyed said they experienced depredations with clients, resulting in negative impacts on their business.

Anglers are losing their catch and tackle to sharks at alarming rates, and they are understandably becoming increasingly frustrated by it.

I introduced the SHARKED Act to study this issue and evaluate how we can improve sportfishing conditions for anglers while protecting sharks.

This bill establishes a fishery management task force to focus on identifying research opportunities, recommending management strategies, and developing educational materials for fishermen. The task force's membership would be appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and include representatives from the Regional Fishery Management Councils, marine fisheries commissions, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and State fish and wildlife agencies, as well as folks who enjoy recreational fishing.

This legislation will help fishermen and -women understand which species of sharks have higher rates of depredation and where you are most likely to run into that species. It will also serve as the first major step in improving communication and coordination among fisheries managers in addressing shark depredation nationwide.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 207.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his leadership, and I thank him for yielding, and I thank the ranking member, too, for the incredible work that they have done in a bipartisan way.

As this year ends, we face a tired and turbulent world in dire need of leadership, vision, and strength. However, Americans should celebrate that there is good reason to be hopeful about the future.

Russian forces are debilitated, and an elimination of the Syrian dictatorship dealt a blow to Iranian influence in the Middle East, a crucial win for our ally Israel.

Nevertheless, make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, our national security pacing threat remains China and their drive to challenge the world order, a world order that is the bedrock of our economic prosperity and has not in any way, shape, or form waned.

We can't afford to project weakness. We must not tolerate China's rising aggression. This bill refocuses our national security priorities while taking care of our servicemembers.

For example, the NDAA expands the Pacific deterrence initiative and expands prohibitions on Department of Defense contracting with Chinese civil-military companies. It retains needed aircraft needed to deter potential Chinese conflict. It also accelerates urgent reform in the Joint Strike Fighter program to drive efficiencies, and it provides a generational 14.5 percent pay increase for our military's junior enlisted.

I am pleased with these outcomes. They are imperative to maintaining an operationally effective and strategically relevant force.

I also thank Ranking Member Don Norcross, who has been an incredible leader. We have worked in a bipartisan way. He is a great teammate in these efforts and equally values our goals to deter future conflict.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I believe in the old Roman adage: Pray for peace, and prepare for war.

It is as relevant today as it was almost 2,000 years ago. I intend therefore to support the National Defense Authorization Act, and I believe its passage is essential to our national security.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Rogers for his leadership in delivering this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Steve Yeakel, who is retiring as President and CEO of the Virginia Association of Community Banks (VACB) after 13 years of distinguished service to Virginia's community banking industry.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Yeakel has been an unwavering advocate for Virginia's community banks, which serve as the economic backbone of our local communities. Under his leadership, VACB has grown to represent more than 100 community banks and vendor partners, providing essential financial services to families and businesses across the great Commonwealth of Virginia. Mr. Yeakel's commitment to excellence was recognized by his peers when he received the 2021 CEO Award of Excellence by from the Virginia Society of Association Executives. His leadership style, emphasizing relationship-building and collaborative problem-solving, has strengthened the voice of community banking in both Richmond and Washington. During his stewardship, VACB successfully navigated serious challenges in the industry, from regulatory changes to technological transformation. Mr. Yeakel has been able to achieve such impressive accomplishments particularly due to his ability to foster productive dialogue between VACB members and Congressional delegations over the years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in recognizing Mr. Yeakel's significant contributions to Virginia's banking industry and the communities it serves. His legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service will continue to benefit Virginians for years to come. I wish him and his family all the best in his well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for his leadership on the committee and for his efforts to make sure that the America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act comes before this body and ultimately gets signed into law.

The act is better known as the ACE Reauthorization Act, and ace it definitely is. It is the ace that we need in our hand to make sure we are there on the side of our natural resources across this Nation.

This pivotal piece of legislation signifies our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of our great Nation while promoting sustainable practices for future generations. As a lifelong outdoorsman, I am committed to ensuring all Americans have the opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, from the Pacific Ocean to our wonderful national treasure, the Chesapeake Bay.

This legislation, which has been amended to contain my House Natural Resources-passed companion language, provides authorization for some of the most effective conservation programs in the history of this Nation.

This bill would reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, which protects waterfowl, fish, and wildlife resources across this Nation and, most importantly, preserves critical wetland habitat, which is disappearing at an alarming rate.

It supports local economies that depend on outdoor recreation, tourism, and agriculture. It also preserves American traditions, such as hunting, fishing, bird-watching, family farming, and cattle ranching.

Mr. Speaker, this is one of the most successful public-private partnerships in the history of this Nation. This program leverages more than $2 of private money to $1 of public money. All of these dollars come from sportsmen, whether it is through buying a duck stamp to go hunt waterfowl or just to enjoy doing bird watching, which we know our colleague from Virginia enjoys quite a bit of.

It is incredibly impactful for this Nation to understand that also, on the public side, these dollars from duck stamps are matched with sportsmen who are passionate about these resources, whether it is the waterfowl, the shore birds, or the wetland habitats, and organizations like Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl. Those organizations work tirelessly to raise these dollars, and all of these go to preserving that critical habitat.

We know today in our Nation these wetland habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate. Our ability to set aside these lands in our national wetlands inventory through our National Wildlife Refuge System is incredible. We use all kinds of tools to do that. Whether it is through purchase of the property or whether it is through purchase of development rights, conservation easements, they are really effective tools to make sure we preserve this critical habitat.

The other part of the ACE Reauthorization Act is reauthorizing the National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act. We know our States do a wonderful job of focusing on critical fish habitat and working to preserve those. This bill allows them to do even more with Federal partners to make sure they are working in unison with local governments and local organizations to do even more to preserve that critical habitat.

Also, as co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Task Force, I know how crucial it is to protect our national treasure, the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay is not only the largest estuary in the United States but also a critical ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and provides economic benefits to millions of Americans.

In fact, I would argue many folks here in the Washington, D.C., area on a daily basis enjoy the wonderful natural resources from the Chesapeake Bay. If you go to a restaurant and happen to order a crab cake or an oyster, it most likely came from the Chesapeake Bay.

I am proud that this bill also reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program, a successful Federal and State partnership that coordinates efforts to reduce pollution in the bay.

Mr. Speaker, if there is a poster child for a Federal role under the Constitution, it is the Chesapeake Bay Program because it truly is an interstate program. It is about getting all the States to work together to make sure we are in unison in improving water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. This is, indeed, that constitutional direction on interstate cooperation that is allowed under the Constitution to achieve what is critical not just to this Nation but also to our natural resources.

The Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network Act is also a critical part of this. It supports efforts to improve the conditions of habitats and enhance public access to the bay and its rivers. We know what an incredibly important economic engine the Chesapeake Bay is. This enhances the ability for folks to enjoy the Chesapeake Bay, to learn more about it, and to have those opportunities there that not only create richness in life for the people who enjoy the bay but also for the communities that seek their livelihood from the bay.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense Act, another part of the ACE Reauthorization Act, helps local entities rehabilitate

fish and wildlife habitats throughout the bay watershed.

This ACE Reauthorization Act is truly a testament to our commitment to future generations and to the treasure of the natural resources that this Nation has at its avail. It ensures that our children and grandchildren will inherit a world that is as rich in biodiversity and natural beauty as the one we cherish today.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for yielding me time again.

It is incredibly valuable, I think, for folks across the Nation to understand that America's Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act is really one of those efforts where we take a lot of separate bills which by themselves do a lot of good, and we bring them together to do even a greater good. With that, we also are able to look at how these programs relate to each other. Our effort at this level is to make sure that we coordinate and that we look at how do we utilize resources.

These bills are critically important because it is not just about utilizing Federal resources. In fact, I would argue, with these bills it is actually more about leveraging the opportunities and the resources we have at the State and local levels because these bills are incredibly important to localities across the Nation. They are incredibly important to the experience that we all have as Americans in enjoying these natural resources. That is why the ACE Reauthorization Act, I think, has such far-reaching impacts on our Nation.

It is great that today we can come together in a bipartisan way and say we are in favor of this. This is one of the places where we know working together we can get things done that are in the best interests of our communities and the best interests of our States and Commonwealths across the Nation.

We understand, too, that as much as sometimes people focus on the things that we disagree on, there are some pretty significant things that we agree on.

Today is one of those days where we look at this, and we say these bills are all about a greater good. They are really about enhancing the quality of life in our communities. They are about achieving things that we look to do in common with each other. We look for the private sector to leverage the dollars that are there, people that want to participate in these programs that have really been shown to be a success across the spectrum through the years and that leverage resources.

We look today at the challenges we face in the Nation about a deficit in resources that come in versus the resources that go out. This is one of those programs where it really is a success story about how we take a small amount of Federal dollars that come from sportsmen that voluntarily pay for these dollars, and they leverage it with private dollars. What a great example of a successful program.