Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, happy holidays to everyone.

I rise because we have to do something about the nonimmigrant visa process right now. I have several constituents who want to see their families for the holidays, but, unfortunately, this administration has put in place a new social media policy for anyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa.

Essentially, they are scrubbing your social media to see if you agree with the President or not. That is essentially what is happening. It is not about dangers to our country. If it were, it would go a lot faster than the many months that it is taking right now.

I have one constituent, for instance, who traveled abroad for a consular appointment. When she tried to come back, she was notified that, because of this policy, they need 4 months to review her social media, including accounts that they had already deleted. As a result, she faces the possibility of losing her job. Her daughter, who is a U.S. citizen, is going to fall behind in school.

These are serious consequences for so many families across the country. We need to make sure we change this policy and make it better. Most importantly, we need to get these visas approved.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5810, the Federal Supervisor Education Act of 2025. The bill was reported favorably by the Oversight Committee unanimously on December 2 with bipartisan support.

The bill would require Federal agencies to create and implement training and development programs for agency supervisors. These programs will help improve their management skills, communicate with their colleagues, and mentor fellow employees. It will also help them when it comes to knowing what is prohibited when it comes to personnel practices, employee rights, and how those rights must be protected.

A lot of these Federal agency supervisors actually live in my district. Those supervisors should know that they won't have to do this annually. This is once every 3 years. This will be beneficial to our agencies and to the supervisors as well.

I thank the majority for incorporating feedback from the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Walkinshaw) and committee Democrats prior to the bill reaching the floor. Due to this, committee Democrats unanimously supported this legislation in markup.

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

Mr. Speaker, this is a great bill, and I support it. I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Brown), the sponsor of this legislation.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the extraordinary Air Traffic Controllers of Manassas Regional Airport. Despite challenging circumstances during the 2025 federal government shutdown, the dedicated Manassas Tower workforce worked arduously to ensure seamless airport operations. Manassas Tower is one of few towers to have zero staffing triggers throughout the shutdown, a testament to the unwavering commitment and efforts of its employees.

The Manassas Tower is a critical part of regional air traffic. As the largest regional airport in Virginia and ranked in the top 25 percent of busiest general aviation airports, it oversaw over 100,000 flights in 2024. In addition to prioritizing the safety of all flights moving through the airport, Manassas Tower is committed to providing mentorship and professional development for all its staff. Their impeccable training for controllers has equipped several employees with the skills and experiences to transition to major airport facilities.

Manassas Tower has historically prevailed against difficult circumstances. It has faced critical infrastructure issues yet maintained its role as a leader in air traffic control. As they prepare for commercial flights in 2026, they will continue to be a role model for perseverance and leading with purpose.

I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing and commemorating the efforts of the Manassas Air Traffic Control Tower team.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I have heard from a lot of my colleagues about a nationwide shortage in professional fields like teaching, nursing, and social work. Our communities have done a lot of work to address these shortages so we can keep our hospitals and clinics and schools open. However, between pay, student loans, and even threats on the job, this is a hard time to go into fields like nursing and teaching.

Yet somehow, this administration found a way to make our workforce shortages in these areas worse and make it harder for people in professional fields facing shortages.

The administration just announced a plan that would remove professions like nursing, teaching, and social work from their list of graduate professional degrees, making it harder for people entering these fields to access financial aid.

What message does this send to people deciding whether or not to enter these critical fields facing shortages? When we have more shortages in teaching and healthcare, what will happen to our schools and our hospitals?

Workforce shortages also raise costs, and the policies of this President will, once again, raise costs on Americans and make it harder for them to access healthcare, mental health resources, or even get a great education.

The next time we hear about workforce shortages or rising costs, remember that this administration made the problem worse with this move.

Homeownership Has Always Been the American Dream

Mr. Speaker, homeownership has always been a cornerstone of the American Dream. However, in my community in Virginia and in communities across the country, homeownership is slipping out of reach for many Americans.

Today, according to surveys, approximately half of potential home buyers cannot afford a downpayment anymore. The median age for a first- time home buyer was once in the late twenties and now it is 40 and continuing to rise. We need to put housing affordability front and center when we are talking about this affordability crisis.

I am proud to introduce the bipartisan First Home Savings Opportunity Act, legislation to support working Americans achieve their dream of homeownership.

The bill establishes first-time home buyer savings accounts, allowing future home buyers to save, with tax deductible contributions, for the downpayment and closing costs that often stand in their way.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill. Together, we can meet the affordability crisis head on and deliver real support for our constituents.

Congratulating Loudon County High School's Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Loudon County High School's football team, led by Head Coach Matt Reidenbaugh, on making it to the State championship. They have put together a pretty impressive season, and they will be taking on the Varina Blue Devils. We wish Coach Reidenbaugh and the team the best of luck this weekend.

Go Captains.

Congratulating Kettle Run High School Cougars

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Kettle Run High School Cougars, led by Head Coach Delmar Christian, on making it to the State championship in football. They put together an amazing season. They will take on Lake Taylor this weekend. We wish Coach Christian and the team the best of luck as they make Fauquier County proud.

Go Cougars.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the newly consecrated bishop, Michelle C. Thomas, a community leader in northern Virginia.

In 2006, Bishop Thomas became the first African-American female pastor to establish a church in our county, Loudoun County, Virginia. She has delivered invocations for numerous dignitaries and heads of state. Now, she is the first female bishop in the history of Loudoun County.

Perhaps the most remarkable accolade is reflected in the lives that she has changed. Faced with her own nightmare in the loss of her son, Fitz, Bishop Thomas went on to inspire countless others, serving as an active role model and advocate for her son's friends and community.

Her work continues to uplift those around her, and I congratulate Bishop Michelle C. Thomas on officially being consecrated to the office of bishop.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of John Howard Eisenhour

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of John Howard Eisenhour, a devoted public servant, veteran, and proud Virginian who, unfortunately, passed away on November 10.

John lived a life rooted in service and civic responsibility. He served our Nation as a tank commander in the United States Army at Fort Hood and went on to a distinguished career in Federal service. John held key roles at the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Defense, the American Embassy in Thailand, and the National War College. Even after retirement, he continued to lend his expertise as a consultant to the Federal Government.

Locally, John was active in civic life for many years, giving his time and energy to local Democratic politics and community service. John's legacy lives in all of the lives and communities that he touched.

My heart goes out to his family, and may he rest in peace.

Corruption and Controversy at Fannie Mae

Madam Speaker, for decades, Fannie Mae has played a critical role in supporting home buyers and renters and has employed many of my constituents.

Madam Speaker, under this administration, it has taken a turn toward corruption and controversy. This year, Fannie Mae's ethics watchdogs have been fired.

A senior Fannie Mae executive shared confidential mortgage pricing data with a competitor at the direction of Bill Pulte, the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. In his brief tenure, Director Pulte has weaponized his office to target Democrats with allegations of mortgage fraud.

Earlier this year, Fannie Mae has terminated hundreds of my constituents, as well, over charitable donations, without any due process to them. Months later, Fannie Mae has still not answered my letters or provided these employees with any meaningful explanation for their dismissal.

Instead of confronting the housing affordability crisis, Fannie Mae has turned to advancing the political interests of this administration, turned against the people who worked for them and served them for so many years, and turned against the American people.

Good and Bad News for Social Security

Madam Speaker, we had some good news this week.

One of my constituents was finally able to get an in-person appointment to receive at least an interview about her Social Security benefits. You would think that we would be delighted that appointment is going to happen in a couple of days, but this is also bad news because she had actually reached out to our office in February and is

now getting an appointment in January.

That is 11 months since she reached out to our office. She was probably trying to reach out to the Social Security office much longer. After repeated requests from our office, we didn't really hear back until finally getting her that appointment on December 3.

This is because there have been cuts to the staff in that particular office of Social Security. Sixty percent of the staff at that particular office have been cut. This is a huge issue in our community right now.

Social Security offices across the country are seeing that more people are now being forced to come in person to do these appointments and interviews, yet there are fewer appointments that are able to be had for them.

This is a huge concern, and we have to address it. Right now, this administration is going the wrong way when it comes to administering Social Security benefits.

Mr. Speaker, I am so happy to be back. This is our first week back in a long time, and it is great to see all my colleagues since the House was closed during this entire shutdown.

I was so excited when I started hearing from the President and the other side of the aisle that we are going to start working on lowering costs and that we are going to address affordability in America. Finally, after 10 months in this administration, and, yes, one of the first bills that we voted on, H.R. 1949, actually increases Americans' utility bills by even more, by hundreds of dollars, in fact.

So, once again, we are back here, and we are doing things that actually raise costs on the American people. So with tariff policies that promote monopolies or policies that simply raise costs directly on the American people, this Congress, this leadership continues to raise costs and not actually address affordability.

We have tons of legislation that are stuck in committees that have not gotten a fair hearing or gotten to this floor that will address the cost of utility bills, healthcare, and so many other things head-on. Instead, the leadership on the Republican side continues to raise costs on the American people.

So we have the ideas. If the President wants to work with us or anyone else on the other side wants to work with us, then we are ready to do that to lower costs for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, on Roll Call No. 297 on H. Res. 888, I am recorded as voting NO, but I intended to vote PRESENT.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to give a huge thank-you to all of the food pantries, food banks, and nonprofits that helped so many families during this past shutdown, and really all year, with food insecurity. They have been giving out hundreds of thousands of meals, very rarely ever turning away anyone.

The ones in my community include ones like Dulles South Food Pantry, Haymarket Regional Food Pantry, Mobile Hope, Northern Virginia Food Rescue, Creating Foundations for Hope, House of Mercy Food Pantry, and, of course, Loudoun Hunger Relief. They did so much: fresh produce, sweet treats, pantry essentials, and even Thanksgiving meals coming up next week.

Some saw up to a 500 percent increase in new families asking for food, and this is still going to be a big issue. We saw the SNAP cuts over the summer. All of them told me that that is going to be a big issue.

We need to continue to address food insecurity in America, and I thank those organizations for stepping up when we needed them most.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Cheryl Tates Macias Hamby, a devoted public servant, community leader, and an example of what it truly means to live a life of service.

Whether working in Congress or the executive branch, she approached every challenge with integrity and the belief that public service is about improving the lives of others.

Cheryl's commitment to service extended far beyond her professional life. In Prince William County and across Virginia, Cheryl was a tireless volunteer and civic leader through her work with the Rotary Club, the Scouts, and numerous community organizations.

Cheryl also served as the chair of the Prince William County Democrats and brought people together, built bridges, and inspired others to lead with heart.

Cheryl's legacy and memory will live on through all of the lives that she touched and the communities she strengthened. My heart goes out to Cheryl's family. May she rest in peace.

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of J. Hamilton Lambert

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of J. Hamilton Lambert, a devoted public servant, a steady leader, and a Virginian who made lasting difference.

Through his many years of service, J. Lambert focused on making local government work better for the people it serves, and his service continued long after his government career.

Through his work with the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, he helped create opportunities for young people, especially those training for careers in medical fields. Thousands of students have benefited from programs that he helped to grow, giving them the skills they need to build a brighter future.

Mr. Lambert carried himself with humility, sharp insight, and a quick sense of humor. He always, always put the people around him first.

Mr. Speaker, his legacy will live on in the people who he helped; the programs that he strengthened; and the communities across Virginia, especially in Loudoun County, that are better because of his service.

Congratulating Brentsville High School Girls Flag Football Team

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Brentsville High School girls flag football team on winning the inaugural flag football championship.

This fall marked the first year for girls flag football as a club sport in Prince William County, and girls flag football is part of a growing trend. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.

Mr. Speaker, 12 Prince William County high school teams competed in an eight-game season and a post-season tournament.

On Saturday, the Brentsville Tigers defeated Patriot High School 15- 6, completing a perfect 11-0 season.

This victory for Brentsville High School reflects their teamwork and determination. They are really good. I actually checked out some of their highlights on YouTube. I encourage everyone to go to a game next year.

I congratulate the girls and Coach Baltimore on their undefeated season. They have made Brentsville and our entire community proud.

Hope and Opportunity for Syrians

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a critical moment of hope and opportunity for the Syrian people.

For the past decade, Syrians have experienced civil war, mass destruction, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and millions of displacements. With the fall of the Assad regime and the transition to a new administration, today we have a window of opportunity to support the Syrian people as they seek to achieve a free and democratic future: a future defined by economic stability, a future strengthened by a robust infrastructure, a future fueled by thriving business, and a future free from repression.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support legislation that offers sanctions relief for Syria, opening the door to new investments from partners around the world. It is my hope that, together, we can turn this moment into a brighter future for the Syrian people and for Syrian Americans.

Congratulating Lightridge High School Marching Band

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Lightridge High School marching band for being invited to march in the 2027 London parade.

This is a huge honor. This is a really big deal, and they were actually the first to be announced as being a part of that parade of all of the high schools.

They are really good. Actually, I had a chance to hear them perform live and be there when they were awarded this honor. They even played ``Golden'' from KPop Demon Hunters. My kids listen to that on repeat, and so I appreciate them doing that.

I appreciate them representing our community so well. I congratulate Dan Adams and the entire Lightridge community.

Good luck in 2027.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, do you know what people hate more than seeing their costs go up? It is seeing their costs go up while corrupt politicians line their pockets with taxpayers' money. That is what they really hate, yet that is what this bill does.

Republican Senators slipped into this bill a legal pathway for them to personally receive millions of dollars of taxpayers' money for being investigated after January 6. My colleagues on the other side talk about fiscal responsibility and say that there is no money for healthcare, but somehow there is taxpayer money for Republican Senators. This an ethics violation. This is a breach of trust, and it calls into question the very legitimacy of this institution.

Mr. Speaker, I put forward an amendment to reject this corruption, but

committee Republicans voted it down last night. They said that they knew that it was corrupt but that there was nothing that could be done and that the system didn't work.

Republicans are the system, and House Republicans promised a vote on this next week as a standalone bill. There is no guarantee that the Senate will act. In fact, they probably won't act. The majority has the power to join us in righting this wrong today. Let's take out this ridiculous kickback. Otherwise, a vote for this bill is a vote for corruption.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Bishop Leslie Patterson, Jr. and Co-Pastor Dr. Francene Patterson on the occasion of their 30th Pastoral Anniversary at First Baptist Church.

Under their leadership and guidance, First Baptist Church has grown into a flourishing ministry rooted in service, fellowship, and community. Together, they have transformed lives, strengthened families, and built a legacy grounded in compassion, responsibility, and faith.

Bishop and Co-Pastor Patterson have shown exceptional dedication to the Northern Virginia community through their ministry's outreach and impact. They have nurtured over one hundred children through the church's childcare center, provided food assistance to more than 5,000 families through the Manna from Heaven Food Pantry, and hosted a COVID- 19 vaccine clinic during a time of great need. Their partnerships with small and minority-owned businesses, schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations have created lasting connections that continue to uplift lives across the region.

Mr. Speaker, Bishop Leslie Patterson, Jr. and Co-Pastor Dr. Francene Patterson exemplify what it means to lead with faith and purpose. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating them on this milestone anniversary and commending their outstanding service to their congregation and the broader community.

Mr. Speaker, Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world, and this month, millions of Americans will come together to celebrate Diwali, or Deepavali, the festival of lights.

Diwali, symbolizing unity and renewal, marks the victory of light over darkness and is a significant cultural and spiritual celebration, observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and others in the United States and across the globe.

Virginia, and the United States as a whole, is home to a vibrant and thriving Hindu community. Hindu Americans contribute meaningfully across sectors, including business, law, government, technology, medicine, science, education, and philanthropy.

Several states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia, have passed legislation to officially proclaim October as Hindu Heritage Month.

I encourage residents across the Commonwealth and the country to join in celebrating Diwali and take this opportunity to learn more about Hindu American civic engagement, history, traditions, and culture.

In this spirit, I join those across the country in celebrating October as Hindu Heritage Month. May this Diwali bring joy, light, and prosperity to all those who celebrate.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate El Salvador's Independence Day, a day marking the end of Spanish colonial rule 204 years ago.

This week, El Salvadorans across the globe celebrated with music, parades, and cultural traditions. I celebrated with food. I am honored to represent a vibrant and growing El Salvadoran community in Virginia.

``God, Union, Liberty''; ``Dios, Union, Libertad.''

Happy Independence Day to El Salvador.

Expressing Concern Over Violence Against Minority Communities

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express deep concern over the recent reports of violence against minority communities, including Hindus in Bangladesh.

In the aftermath of Bangladesh's change in government, we have heard, including from my constituents, accounts of looting and vandalism of homes and damage to religious sites like temples.

These acts represent a pattern of violence against communities around the world. While we continue to work toward stability in places like Bangladesh, we simply have to acknowledge what is going on and not turn a blind eye to it.

Mr. Speaker, America is the richest country in the world. Yet, we have 700,000 homeless people including tens of thousands of veterans. Getting Americans housing and mental health services needs to be a national priority.

It is alarming to hear that instead of solving the problem there are some rightwing media commentators who want to execute mentally ill homeless people. I think the words they said were to just kill them. This was followed by a lackluster apology. It makes me think that maybe they meant it.

I don't think this is the position of the rightwing or the Republican Party. What this administration is doing is banning encampments with no long-term strategy and cutting funding for community services to those individuals.

Out of sight and out of mind is not a solution to homelessness. We cannot sweep homelessness and the homelessness crisis under the rug. We have been talking about violent rhetoric recently. Let's apply that to homeless people, as well.

Since these comments, there were two mass shootings at Minnesota homeless encampments. Our words do matter. We need to come together to solve the homelessness crisis in our country and not incite violence against them.

Mr. Speaker, let's work together in a bipartisan way instead of continuing that kind of rhetoric.