Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) on, I think, a very good bill, controversial but weaving a lot of disparate sections together. I thank him and the others for the hard work and determined effort that went into the completion of this conference report.

I want to point out two sections in particular under my committee's jurisdiction which demonstrate the value we have gotten in adding flexibility to government contracting. First, we have the energy savings performance contracts that we make permanent in this legislation. Energy savings performance contracts, ESPCs, allow agencies to contract with energy service companies to upgrade and retrofit existing Federal buildings with modern, energy-efficient equipment. The agencies pay for this upgrade using the energy savings generated by the upgrade themselves.

These contract mechanisms enable the Federal agencies to improve energy efficiency of their facilities without depending on annual congressional appropriations for capital improvements. From 1988 to 2000, agencies using ESPCs to leverage an estimated $795 million in private sector financing for

energy improvements in Federal buildings, resulted in a 20-percent savings. This legislation makes ESPCs permanent.

I also want to describe a new acquisition authority granted in this legislation. This is the authority granted by the Department of Energy to engage in what are called Other Transactions in certain circumstances. Other Transactions, OTs, are contractual arrangements that support research and development without using standard procurement contract grants or cooperative agreements. They have been used successfully in the Department of Defense for a number of years.

Firms who are understandably hesitant to conduct research for the government because of government patent rules, accounting practices, and business requirements are willing to consider working with us under these arrangements. Some companies that have tried to work with the government under normal procurement rules have found it impossible to remain competitive in the private sector and contract under standard government restrictions and rules.

It is time to recognize the government needs the best, the most innovative research available. We need to become increasingly self- reliant in the energy field. We need to engage inventive firms that have until now refused to do business with the Federal Government because of arcane and inflexible standards.

This new flexibility is a major step toward harnessing the magic of America's research and development center in our quest for energy independence. I urge an ``aye'' on the rule and an ``aye'' on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 262, the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' Project, and to bring to the attention of my colleagues this wonderful, new national initiative to commemorate American patriotic music and the role it has played in our history. This new initiative will involve several exciting music-related patriotic programs over the next 3 years.

The National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project is designed to invigorate and inspire the American people to a greater appreciation of their patriotic musical heritage. Through this project, we will be able to renew our appreciation for the patriotic music that so movingly expresses our core national sentiments. The members of the National Association for Music Education, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution, and with support from the American Sportscasters Association, are already actively pursuing the laudable goals of the project.

The National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project includes a series of activities calculated to bring the music, words, and sentiments of the Anthem and our nation's patriotic songs to everyone-and to energize the participation of students and adults alike in this essential expression of patriotism. America's youth will give voice to our national anthem and be able to sing it proudly, accurately, and with a full understanding of its rich text. The American Sportscasters Association will be working to increase the emphasis on our national anthem at major sporting events, reaching many of those who otherwise would not have this musical experience. The National Association for Music Education will release a CD with patriotic music played by the Marine Band, complete with a history of this music's role in our nation's development. Teachers' guides will be distributed across the nation to help educators bring the practice and meaning of this music to our nation's students.

All of this activity will culminate on June 14, 2006, when the Smithsonian's National Museum of American's History unveils the newly restored Star Spangled Banner. This event plans to include history's largest performance of the National Anthem with millions of participants from around the country joining thousands of high school band and chorus members on the National Mall to celebrate the display of the restored Star Spangled Banner, the Flag that inspired the National Anthem.

Even more than producing these rousing patriotic events, the National Anthem ``SingAmerica'' project is a catalyst for all Americans to experience a greater understanding and appreciation of our patriotic music history. It will also remind us of the countless sacrifices made by so many and of the courage displayed by all Veterans' who have served our country with great honor and pride.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I am proud to introduce H. Con. Res. 262 and to honor the flag and the song that are the symbols of America. I call upon my colleagues for their unanimous support in passing the SingAmerica Act.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Master Nestor Folta on his 50th birthday and 20 years of successful Uechi-Ryu Karate study.

Master Folta is a civil engineer with the U.S. Department of Energy. He resides in Oakton with his wife and two children. For years, he has dedicated notable time and energy to the study and teaching of Uechi- Ryu Karate.

Uechi-Ryu is traditional Okinawan Karate, developed by Master Kanbun Uechi and his son Kanei Uechi. Uechi-Ryu has its origin in the ancient Chinese tradition of martial arts. Today, it is the only form of Okinawan Karate that remains in its original Soke, handed down from father to son from generation to generation.

Master Folta is a seven-time world champion of Uechi-Ryu and an inductee in the martial arts hall of fame. He has demonstrated a strong aptitude for and commitment to the study of karate.

The Academy of World Champion Nestor Folta (AWCNF), located in Fairfax County, carries on the Uechi-Ryu tradition. Through the study of Uechi-Ryu Karate, over 100 AWCNF students learn self-defense, self- discipline, and self-respect. Uechi-Ryu encourages the formation of high personal standards and respect for fellow men and women. The AWCNF's mission is to use Uechi-Ryu to help students become positive, successful, respected, contributing members of society.

Each year, AWCNF tuition raises an estimated $25,000 for Fairfax County. In addition, the AWCNF has raised over $20,000 for 9/11 victims.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to recognize Master Folta's efforts to better himself, his students, and his community through the practice of Uechi-Ryu. I wish him a happy birthday, commend 20 years of success, and extend him all of my best for the years to come. I call upon all my colleagues to join me in applauding Master Folta.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize LTC Harris David Arlinsky (retired) for 50 years of service to our country.

This past June marks the 50th anniversary of when he volunteered for the Army National Guard at 17 years old. He did so proudly. After serving in the regular Army for a few years, Colonel Arlinsky attended college at the University of Arizona. He set his sights on being an Air Force pilot; unfortunately, his blurry vision made this impossible. Upon graduation and accepting a commission in the U.S. Army, then- Second Lieutenant Arlinsky attended training for the newly created U.S. Special Forces. The Special Forces, also known as the Green Berets, are the best of the best and have been instrumental in countless conflicts. Colonel Arlinsky knew he belonged with the elite forces and passed their extremely difficult tests to gain the coveted Green Beret.

As a Green Beret, he commanded a ``B'' Team for the Fifth Special Forces Group in Pleiku, Vietnam. He served two tours and was involved in pushing back Vietcong forces during the Tet Offensive. After the Vietnam War, Colonel Arlinsky continued to serve our nation through various Special Forces projects. Eventually, he left active duty to serve the civilian intelligence services, maintaining reserve status.

During the Reagan administration, Harris Arlinsky worked directly for Vice President George Bush as the Special Intelligence Advisor for the National Narcotics Border Interdiction System for the southwest U.S. border region. While in the region, he also commanded a U.S. Special Forces ``B'' team with five ``A'' teams in Texas and New Mexico. Upon completion of the assignment, he returned to Virginia to assist with other national intelligence agencies.

Today he is enjoying his retirement as a college professor, spending time with his wife, Kathleen; his children Beth, Abra, and Michael; and his grandson, Elias.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to commend COL Harris Arlinsky for his service to our Nation. He nobly has dedicated his life to the safety and well being of the United States of America. As COL Harris Arlinsky continues to celebrate his 50th anniversary of his first month of service to us, let us thank him and all our soldiers for their sacrifices. I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting COL Harris Arlinsky.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the 40th Anniversary of Data Systems Analysts, Inc. (DSA).

In 1963, a team of software engineers aspired to provide people across the globe with sophisticated, technology-based, communication systems. Out of this objective, an information technology company, DSA, was born. Soon afterward, the company landed its first contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Since then, DSA has remained committed to providing innovative defense solutions. This commitment most recently was demonstrated during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Today, DSA provides secure information and communication systems for governments and businesses in over twenty countries around the world.

DSA is a major regional employer, continuously providing jobs for Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania residents. Moreover, through one of the nation's longest running Employee Stock Ownership Plans, DSA is one hundred percent employee owned.

These employees have thrived in a corporate culture of integrity and trust, working together to strengthen DSA's customers' businesses and national security. For example, in an effort to protect our nation's children, DSA brought business, management, and information technology experts together to assist the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Committed to keeping the United States on the leading edge of technology, DSA has taken an active role in bridging the ``digital divide,'' making it possible for those with limited resources to pursue an education in technology. In this endeavor, DSA is one of the founding members of the successful non-profit organization, the Open Door Foundation.

DSA also has been honored as developer of the award-winning U.S. Army Knowledge Center and recently was named a ``2003 New Jersey Finest'' by the newspaper NJBIZ.

I want to make a special note that Ms. Frances R. Pierce has been with DSA for 32 of its 40 years, serving the last 12 as chairman, president, and chief executive officer. I would like to recognize and thank Ms. Pierce for her contributions.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to congratulate DSA on 40 years of success in providing information technology solutions and wish them my best for the years to come.

I call upon my colleagues to join me in saluting Data Systems Analysts, Inc. as it celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation has a number of component parts, concurrent receipt. It has a $500 million human capital performance fund that will reward civil servants for outstanding performance, something we have never had before. It has a services acquisition reform act element that will reform the way we buy and purchase services which can save literally billions of dollars for America's taxpayers, and it has a national security personnel system that we have created that will allow the Department of Defense to shed the shackles of its 50-year-old civil service structure, because when it comes to our civil service, the tradition of preserving traditions has become a tradition. It is time for that to change.

Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have come up with some statements on this that I think are off the mark. They have noted that this bill makes a mockery of labor-management relations. This conference report includes chapter 71, the labor-management relations in the list of nonwaivable chapters in title V of the U.S. Code. The agreement sets up an extensive collaborative process that requires the Department to work side by side with the unions and employee groups in setting up the human resources management system for the Department of Defense. The agreement sets up an extensive collaborative process that requires the Department to work side by side with the unions in setting up the process in which management and labor work together in the future.

The second and third requirements are new to Federal law. No other agencies are required to coordinate with their employees, a good precedent.

Another gentleman said that the bill eliminates overtime pay for civilian employees. That is absolutely false. Overtime pay is not eliminated. The agreement, in addition to having $500 million in a human capital performance fund for civil servants who perform in an outstanding fashion, the agreement provides the Department the authority to improve the current provisions in law relating to overtime pay for some of the Department's most valuable employees. It asks for this language not to scrap overtime pay; instead, they are asking for authority not to be bound by the voluminous restrictions and requirements in title V that dictate how, when, and where DOD is authorized to administer overtime pay. This will allow the Department of Defense to move into the modern age.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the Henry S. Reich Building of the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, JCCNV.

The JCCNV, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is a social service organization dedicated to enriching lives through spiritual and cultural Jewish programs. The center is open to all, yet aims specifically to meet the needs of the local Jewish community by preserving and promoting the heritage and values of Judaism.

In 1977, an impressive 5,000-person turnout at the First Hanukah Happening revealed both a need and support for a Jewish Community Center in Northern Virginia. The following March of 1978, the JCCNV first opened on Dorr Avenue with Adele Greenspon as Executive Director, a part-time Program Coordinator, and a part-time secretary.

In 1980, the newly established JCCNV Board Of Directors voted to purchase the Commonwealth Christian School on Little River Turnpike to house the Center until a permanent facility could be built. Several years later in 1986, Jeffrey Karatz was appointed the second Executive Director of the JCCNV. Then in the spring of 1989, construction began for the Henry S. Reich building we are celebrating today.

Upon completion in 1990, Governor Douglas Wilder dedicated the Henry S. Reich building. This building since has provided a home for cultural, educational, recreational, and social programming for all ages, faiths, and nationalities. More than 150,000 visit the Center each year, making the JCCNV a key part of the ever-growing Northern Virginia community.

There is a myriad of programming available at the Center including: early childhood, elementary, teen, adult, new immigrant, and senior programs; camping programs; sports, fitness, and aquatics programs; art exhibits; and a JCCNV International Film Festival. The Henry S. Reich building also houses Gesher, the only Jewish Day School in Northern Virginia; The Center Company, the only Jewish professional theatre company in Northern Virginia; and an office of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

In addition, the JCCNV has a history of cooperative ventures with synagogues, local and national Jewish organizations, and Fairfax County schools and hospitals. The overwhelming JCCNV popularity motivated the Center to establish satellite programming in the western suburbs of Reston, Herndon and Springfield.

All things considered, from modest beginnings in 1977, the JCCNV has experienced great success. Its founders envisioned a center of culture, spirituality, learning, exercise, and entertainment; the Henry S. Reich building has helped make this vision a reality.

Through commendable drive and dedication, the JCCNV certainly has made a lasting impact on the Jewish and greater community of Northern Virginia.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia on 13 years of success in the Henry S. Reich building. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding their efforts to uphold Jewish tradition and serve their community.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the 30th Anniversary of the Korean Central Presbyterian Church.

On November 4, 2003, Rev. Yoon and several initiate members founded the Korean Central Presbyterian Church (KCPC). Since then, the congregation steadily has increased from a dedicated few to 4,666 registered households. To meet the needs of this growing congregation, the KCPC, having previously shared a facility with the Lewinsville United Presbyterian Church, moved into its own church in Vienna, Virginia.

Over the years, the KCPC has had many successes, including the establishment of the Central Missionary Foundation, a Children's Ministry, an Educational Building, a Senior Center, a D.C. Community Center, and the Culpepper Prayer House. The church has been well served by three pastors: founder Rev. Yoon, and senior pastors Rev. Won Sang Lee, and Rev. Chang Soo Ro.

Members of the KCPC congregation also have made significant accomplishments. Many have been ordained as deacons and elders. Twelve members of the KCPC have become missionaries, dedicating their lives to serving their community and God.

For the past thirty years, the founders, leaders, and congregation of the KCPC have demonstrated great commitment to their church and community. This dedication has enabled the church to emerge from humble beginnings to become the thriving religious, learning, and service center it is today.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Korean Central Presbyterian Church on this special occasion. I commend them on 30 years of success and wish them continued success in the future. I call upon my colleagues to applaud their achievement.

Madam Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Madam Chairman, I join my friend from Michigan in opposition to this amendment, which would apply a radical domestic source restriction to the acquisition of main propulsion diesel engines for use in Coast Guard vessels. This could have a devastating effect on the Coast Guard's ability to buy the best propulsion engines at reasonable costs to support its critical anti- terror missions.

We talk about taxpayers. We are asking taxpayers to pay more money to subsidize a private company. Despite the high sounding ``Buy America'' language, this is basically an earmark for a company. This goes against everything we stand for.

What about the American companies that sell abroad? This invites retaliation, so American companies selling abroad today would be retaliated against and could lose those contracts. One has to remember that 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States.

Restrictive provisions such as these run counter to our efforts to create an open, flexible, responsive and impartial competitive acquisition system that will enable all government agencies, including the Coast Guard, to acquire from the world markets, the best products available at fair and reasonable prices for American taxpayers.

At the end of the day, this is about American taxpayers and getting them the best deal. As the gentleman said, they went through a lengthy procurement process where this was all analyzed, and the taxpayers won out in this contract. It is trying to be reversed here on the House floor.

I hope my colleagues with will join the gentleman from Michigan and myself in opposing this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing a bill that would name a portion of the U.S. courthouse located at 2100 Jamieson Avenue, in Alexandria, Virginia, as the ``Justin W. Williams United States Attorney's Building.'' On August 31, 2003, Assistant United States Attorney Justin W. Williams, Chief of the Criminal Division in the Eastern District of Virginia, died tragically at the age of 61 from a heart attack as he jogged along the Potomac River in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. Williams's untimely death marked the end of a career of a truly remarkable public servant who was loved and respected by all of his colleagues and those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Mr. Williams's distinguished career as a federal prosecutor began on May 11, 1970. During the ensuing 33 years he was either directly involved in or supervised every major federal prosecution in the Eastern District of Virginia, including the prosecutions of Aldrich Ames and Robert Hanssen, both of whom were convicted of spying for the Soviet Union. During his career, Mr. Williams was appointed Acting United States Attorney on two occasions, June 1979 to November 1981 and January 1986 to June 1986, during which time he served with distinction. He was also at various times First Assistant United States Attorney, Senior Litigation Counsel, and for most of his illustrious career Chief of the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. His many accomplishments and awards, far too numerous to list, included the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Furthering the Interest of the United States National Security (2002), as well as three Director's Awards for Superior Performance as an Assistant United States Attorney.

Mr. Williams was a mentor and role model for all those who served in the U.S. Attorney's Office during his tenure, as well as those in law enforcement who worked with him. His illustrious career was a testimonial to courage, conviction, fairness, and decency. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Williams, and their two children, Andrew Grant Williams and Caitlin Grey Williams. He is also survived by his mother, Edith Williams. I urge all of my colleagues to support this fitting tribute to a truly remarkable public servant.

Mr. Speaker, S. 926, the Federal Employee Student Loan Assistance Act, would raise the annual and aggregate amounts that federal agencies can offer a qualified employee to assist in repaying a student loan. This legislation would raise the annual repayment amount for an employee from $6,000 to $10,000, and the aggregate repayment amount from $40,000 to $60,000.

The purpose of raising the annual and aggregate repayment caps is two-fold. First, higher education tuition costs have increased dramatically in recent years and are considerably higher than they were when the original statute was passed on November 5, 1990. Second, as the federal government works to recruit and retain the best and the brightest, an attractive student loan repayment program should be an effective recruitment tool to help government agencies compete with the private sector.

I would like to commend the Senate sponsors of this legislation for introducing this important legislation, and I would also like to commend the House Civil Service Subcommittee Chairwoman for introducing companion legislation in the House.

I urge all Members to support S. 926.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 409, and to join my colleagues in repudiating Dr. Mahathir Mohamad for his recent comments made to the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

It is distressing to me that an individual such as Dr. Mohamad--often portrayed as a moderate Muslim leader--would feel the need to issue what I view as a call to arms to the Muslim world. In doing so, his characterization of Jews as vast cabal that ``rules the world by proxy'' serves no constructive purpose whatsoever. Rather, it merely perpetuates hateful and destructive millennia-old sterotypes that have long made Jewish people scapegoats for any number of societal ills.

I call upon my colleagues to join me in condemning the anti-Semitic comments of Dr. Mohamad, and I echo the language of H. Res. 409 in calling on the European Union to also repudiate these remarks. I thank Mr. Blunt for his leadership in bringing this timely resolution to the floor, and urge my fellow members to give it their full support.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my respect and gratitude to Mr. Thomas N. Kuhn for 44 years of military and civilian service to his country.

Mr. Kuhn enlisted in the United States Army on July 22, 1959, and served on active duty for over 25 years, attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. While on active duty, he served overseas in Germany, Vietnam, Korea, and Italy, and in the United States at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Monroe, Virginia; Fort Lee, Virginia; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Mr. Kuhn retired from active duty in October 1984.

Upon retiring, he was appointed Deputy Director of the Field Artillery Proponency Office at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he previously had served as Sergeant Major. In January 1986, Mr. Kuhn then joined the Department of the Army Personnel Command Task Force in Alexandria, Virginia. Next, he became Branch Chief of the Combat Service Support Branch of the Army Occupational Survey Division in the Soldier Support Center--National Capitol Region.

Mr. Kuhn continued civilian support for his country nearly 20 years, holding numerous leadership positions such as: Deputy Chief of Staff for Operation, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command; Deputy Director, Casualty and Memorial Affairs Operations Center; Adjutant General Directorate, U.S. Total Army Personnel Command; and Acting Director.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Kuhn has been recognized with both military and civilian honors. For his military service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal with Eight Awards. For his civilian service, he was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award and the Commanders Award.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I wish to honor Mr. Kuhn's exceptional dedication to his country. I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Mr. Kuhn on 44 years of military and civilian service to the United States.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the 20th anniversary of Paul VI Catholic High School on October 12, 2003.

Since opening in September 1983, Paul VI has been committed to graduating well-educated, responsible, and moral young adults. The Diocese of Arlington purchased the old 1934 Fairfax High School building to be administered by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales according to the teachings of the Gospel of St. Francis de Sales. Paul VI quickly established an excellent academic reputation, helping it grow to its 1,200-student capacity; yet it is especially important to note that the school's mission extends far beyond academia. Faith, outreach, and extracurricular activity also have helped make Paul VI a unique, popular, and admired school community.

Spiritually, students are supported by an active Campus Ministry program which offers Masses, liturgies, and retreats, as well as opportunities for students to meet in healthy social situations. As many as 100 students a year have signed up to be part of the Campus Ministry Team, known for planning activities such as World Hunger Day in order to better empathize with others.

Service plays an equally large role at Paul VI. In 1999, the school was recognized as one of only three Virginia Service Learning Leader Schools. Freshmen and sophomores are required to donate time to helping their school, parish, or community. Juniors and seniors must choose a volunteer project of direct service to the poor, homeless, elderly, or dispossessed. In addition, senior government classes encourage students to volunteer for political candidates and become responsible American citizens.

Paul VI also has taken a leading role nationally as one of the first three Catholic schools in the nation with a program of modified inclusion for developmentally disabled high school students. Through another unique program, Paul VI students became the first high school students ever allowed to work with hospice patients in the Washington, DC, area. In a pilot program run by Hospice of Northern Virginia, seniors taking the Paul VI Death and Dying class are paired with Hospice patients to establish relationships and compile life histories for patients and their families.

Many clubs, sports teams and student organizations add yet another dimension to life at Paul VI. The school newspaper, yearbook, and literary magazine are rated in top categories among scholastic publications. Paul VI offers a successful athletic program with a number of sports teams and an extensive intramural program. Both girls and boys cross-country teams have won state championships; girls volleyball won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championships the past 4 years, and boys basketball won the WCAC title in 2003. Students at Paul VI also select a different charity each year to support. Their pledges greatly have helped organizations such as the Hospice of Northern Virginia, the Northern Virginia Training Center, and the American Heart Association.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Paul VI Catholic High School on 20 years of excellence. With its alumni spanning the far comers of the world involved in the Peace Corps and armed services and holding a variety of other noble positions, Paul VI seems to be living out the words of its patron, Saint Francis de Sales, ``Do Ordinary Things

Extraordinarily Well.'' I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the Paul VI and its dedicated administration, faculty, staff, and students.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the 50th anniversary of Garfield Elementary School on October 16, 2003.

Garfield Elementary School, located in the heart of Springfield, currently serves approximately 335 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. In 1952, the Garfield School was established to meet the educational needs of the rapidly emerging Springfield area of Fairfax County. First staffed with only seven teachers, Garfield conducted classes on the grounds of Franconia Elementary School under the supervision of then Franconia principal, Mr. James Robinson. The following year, in September 1953, Garfield opened its own school on Old Keen Mill Road, staffed with 18 faculty members and with Mr. Robinson as its first principal.

Since then, Garfield School has been renovated twice in order to better meet the needs of its students. First, in 1967-68 the library was refurbished, administrative offices were added, kindergarten and primary classes were created and a gymnasium was built. Later in 1989, a fresh look was added to the front of the building. And most recently in 2001, new state of the art windows were installed to help reduce the noise created by the ever-widening Old Keene Mill Road.

For the past 50 years Garfield has demonstrated great commitment to providing a high-quality learning environment for the students of Springfield. By placing emphasis on literacy, hands-on experience, critical thinking, cooperation, and cultural sensitivity, Garfield has exceeded all standards set by the Virginia Department of Education. Today, Garfield embraces a richly diverse cultural population and is known statewide for its language arts program. From humble beginnings, Garfield most certainly has emerged as an exemplary elementary school.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to congratulate Garfield Elementary School on their 50th anniversary and wish them continued success for the future. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding their dedication to excellence in the field of education.