What Eugene Simon Vindman said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mount Olive Baptist Church of Culpeper, Virginia, as it celebrates 155 years of faithful service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Culpeper and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Amy Reardon on her selection as the 2027 Region 3 Teacher of the Year. This prestigious award honors teachers who represent the very best in education across the Commonwealth of Virginia and recognizes the extraordinary impact they have on their students, schools, and communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ms. Beverly Wharton, my Constituent of the Week, for her more than 43 years of service as a registered nurse at the UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Zella Brown and to recognize her extraordinary contribution to civil rights and public education in Prince William County, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Culpeper County Public Schools division superintendent Dr. Tony Brads. He has been recognized as Superintendent of the Year for the Northern Virginia Region of the Commonwealth.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my Constituent of the Week, Tim Healey, on his retirement as principal of Charles J. Colgan Senior High School in Prince William County, the first and only principal since Charles J.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my Constituent of the Week, Anita Crossfield, on being named a recipient of the 2026 President's Award for Woman of the Year.”

“Constituent of the Week, on her appointment as head coach of the U.S. Women's Cyber Team. A dedicated cybersecurity teacher at Spotsylvania High School, Kristi will guide and mentor cyber experts as they prepare to compete on the global stage.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my Constituent of the Week, Dr. Michael Sidebotham, on being recognized in the inaugural class of the Virginia Department of Education's Principals of Distinction.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Dayle Ellis for 36 years of Federal Service and his commitment to the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA).”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Madison County, Virginia, as our Nation commemorates the 250th anniversary of America's independence. Madison County sits at the intersection of some of the most historically significant sites of American history critical to the foundation of our country.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an individual who is brave, strong, proud, tough, and most importantly, loving: my hero, my dad. At the age of 47, my dad, a widower, decided to uproot his life and bring his family to the United States in order to provide us an opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Sheriff's Office and to recognize one of its distinguished members who has received a Merit Award: Deputy Michelle Hand.”

“Firefighter Steve Hailey. While today we recognize Firefighter Hailey, this award reflects the commitment to duty, professionalism, and public safety that defines the entire department. As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Valor Awards, we are proud to celebrate this tradition that has stood as the highest recognition of courage within the Dumfries Volunteer Fire Department.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) for receiving several Valor Awards, recognizing the exceptional bravery and selfless service demonstrated by the department's officers.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Fire & Rescue Department Valor Award recipients, recognizing the extraordinary bravery and selfless service demonstrated by the department's firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Department of Public Safety Communications Valor Award recipients, recognizing the extraordinary dedication of those who serve as the critical first line in emergency response.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Occoquan Police Department and to recognize one of its distinguished members who has received a Communications Award: Police Officer Alex Budd.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Dale City Volunteer Fire & Rescue Valor Award recipients, recognizing the extraordinary bravery and selfless service demonstrated by the department's firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Joseph James Callahan, Jr., a United States Army veteran who dedicated more than 20 years of service to our Nation.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate my Constituent of the Week, Chief Rebecca Davis Nelson, on her appointment as chief of police for the town of Orange. Prior to her promotion, Chief Davis Nelson was the longest serving officer in the department, a testament to her deep commitment and steady leadership.”

“Mr, Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Thomas Tutwiler, a profound music educator with over 30 years of serving students. Mr. Tutwiler built a remarkable career rooted in dedication, excellence, and deep passion for music education.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 208th anniversary of the Mount Olive Baptist Church in Stafford County, Virginia. Mount Olive Baptist Church has a rich history that is marked by resilience and courage.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Ms. Sheyna Burt, an accomplished attorney, President of Youth Orchestras of Prince William, dedicated violinist, and most notably a community leader.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank my Deputy District Director, Marc Rabourdin for his service to the people of Virginia's Seventh Congressional District with distinction for more than four years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Carol Kitman, a stalwart supporter, a trusted friend, and a maternal figure whose presence has been a constant in my childhood, my life, and my family.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Vince Smithers on his 40 years of federal service. Throughout his career, including at the Office of Personnel Management within the Healthcare and Insurance arena--Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Avery Wise, a fearless 17-year-old leader from Woodbridge, Virginia, who has already committed his life to serving others. At just 17 years old, EMT Wise volunteers weekly with the Occoquan- Woodbridge-Lorton (OWL) Volunteer Fire Department, where he responds to 911 emergency calls, provides medical assistance to patients, and administers appropriate medical treatments.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Sallie Chew Baker also known affectionately as ``Dear Mama.'' Born in 1885, Mrs. Baker was a respected businesswoman, educator, and spiritual leader who left a lasting impact throughout the Caroline County Community.”

“Alongside her late husband, Dansberry Abraham Lincoln Baker Sr., she raised six children--Judge, Napoleon, Druscilla, Dansberry Jr., Proft, and Lloyd. However, she didn't just stop there, she opened her home to children across the community, creating a safe, nurturing environment where everyone felt welcomed and cared for.”

“United States Marine Corps Colonel whose extraordinary life of service spans three defining conflicts in our Nation's history: World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I honor my Constituent of the Week, Pranav Vedula, of Stafford County, Virginia, for winning the Seventh Congressional District's App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages students to explore STEM, coding and computer science by creating original software applications.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate my constituent of the week, Curry Roberts, on his retirement from serving as the president of the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance at the University of Mary Washington.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Scott Foster for his 31 years of outstanding service in law enforcement. Sheriff Foster began his career in 1994, advancing from the rank of deputy to captain.”

“Mr. Speaker, much has been said about the President's war in Iran. He has not made the case clear to the American people about what he is looking to achieve.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mrs. Laura McKie. a proud constituent of Woodbridge, Virginia as she celebrates her 90th birthday on March 21, 2026.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and thank Donna Wright-Sheldrick for her extraordinary career in public safety and her steadfast commitment to the people of Stafford County, Virginia Donna Wright-Sheldrick began her distinguished service in August 1978 with the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy as a Staff Instructor.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mrs. Terry Lein, a proud constituent of Woodbridge, Virginia, as she retires from the United States Navy after 29 years of extraordinary service in the Navy Nurse Corps.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Jenkins Donelson Foundation (JDF) located in Stafford, Virginia for their decade of service to the communities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an exceptional member of my staff who is moving on to his next chapter. Marc Rabourdin, my deputy district director, has served the people of Virginia's Seventh Congressional District with distinction for more than 4 years.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Candi Mundon King on her appointment as Virginia's Secretary of the Commonwealth. Born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia, Secretary Mundon King is a proud graduate of Norfolk State University and has been a lifelong champion for the people of Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Alexandra Vakos on being named the 2025 Distinguished Assistant of the Year in a medium-sized office by the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate my constituent of the week, Professor Anand Rao, on launching the Center for AI and the Liberal Arts at the University of Mary Washington.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my commitment to peace in Ukraine, a peace that acknowledges the massive sacrifice of the Ukrainian people and that secures perpetual sovereignty, not just a temporary reprieve that the Russians will use to rearm and reattack.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christine Culberson of Spotsylvania County as Virginia's Seventh District Constituent of the Week. Christine was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association for good reason.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Miss Candis King. Candis was a lifelong resident of Prince William County and the beloved daughter of my friend, Delegate Candi Mundon King, and Deputy Sheriff Joshua King.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Brian Layton on his retirement from the Fredericksburg Police Department after more than three decades of dedicated service. Over 30 years ago, Chief Layton joined the Department and has served with honor since becoming Chief in January 2020.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Scott Foster for his 31 years of outstanding service in law enforcement and his commitment to the safety of the Fredericksburg community.”

“Mr. Speaker, given the President's disturbing and counterfactual defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today, I feel compelled to speak up on behalf of Mr. Khashoggi and his family and the American people.”

“Prince. The American people and the Khashoggi family deserve to know what was said on that call. If history is any guide, the receipts will be shocking. I call on the President to release that transcript.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Neabsco Baptist Church located in Woodbridge, Virginia for their extraordinary commitment to serving families in need. During the height of pandemic, the church created the Food Giveaway Program to help members from the congregation put food on their tables.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a historic moment in our community--the installment of Rev. Dr. Sandra K. James as the first woman senior pastor in the history of First Mount Zion Baptist Church (FMZBC) located in Dumfries, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishment of Madison County High School in Madison, Virginia, for being selected as one of the Top 25 schools nationwide--and the only school in Virginia--in T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights competition.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lydia Larimore, an outstanding school counselor at Neabsco Elementary School in Prince William County Public Schools, who has been named the 2025 Virginia School Counselor of the Year and selected as one of five national finalists for the 2026 American School Counselor of the Year Award.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. David Cattler for his extraordinary career and over 30 years of federal service to our country. Mr. Cattler is set to retire from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) on September 30th.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mrs. Aroostine Sheston and her student, Nam Nguyen, of Brooke Point High School in Stafford County, Virginia, for their outstanding participation in the 2025 Young People's Continental Congress.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Women Inspiring Women Leaders Chapter of American Business Women's Association (ABWA), charted in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on July 31, 2021, and to celebrate American Business Women's Day.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Edie Brooks on being named Teacher of the Year by the Virginia Business Educators Association. Edie is a business and IT career education teacher at Post Oak Middle School.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Ms. Cynthia Lee for her remarkable 44 years of federal service with the Department of the Army. Ms. Lee began her journey at Virginia State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the brave civilians and first responders who answered the call 24 years ago on September 11 and the servicemembers who died in the ensuing wars that followed.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and welcome His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C. He serves as the spiritual leader and Primus inter Pares (First among Equals) of Orthodox Christianity worldwide, a Church of 300 million people.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Robert Upton, a Culpeper native who is training to join the U.S. Navy Submarine Force. Robert is currently a student at the Naval Submarine School, training to serve as a sonar technician.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize this week's constituent of the week, Ernisha Hall, on her work as cofounder, president, and CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Tonya Lacey for her 33 years of service in the city of Fredericksburg, Virginia. A proud graduate of James Monroe High School here in Fredericksburg, Mrs.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Lewis Brown--an exceptional scholar from my district. He is a rising senior at Gar-Field High School located in Woodbridge, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Dr. Shamira A. Brown--a dedicated researcher, a passionate toxicologist, and a trailblazer in the field of environmental work. Dr.”

“Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate my constituent of the week, Dale Sisson, on his retirement from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. A native of King George, Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, as the vice ranking member of the Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development Subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture, I rise today in support of both the CLARITY and GENIUS Acts.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. Charles Jameson of Culpeper County, Virginia--a veteran, educator, historian, and lifelong servant to our community. Although his education, military service and extensive career took him all over, Mr.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the exceptional work of the Marine Corps Attack Drone Team based in Quantico, Virginia, for their groundbreaking achievement in conducting the first-ever armed First-Person View (FPV) kinetic strike demonstration by the Marines in the continental United States.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize my district's 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner, Kaitlyn Anthes as my Constituent of the Week. Kaitlyn's charcoal drawing, titled To Light and Guard, will hang in the U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Epsilon Sigma Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, based in Prince William County, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to congratulate my constituent of the week, Dr. Janet Gullickson, as she retires from her post as president of Germanna Community College.”

“In 2017, Dr. Gullickson became the first woman to serve as president in the history of the college. Throughout her tenure, Germanna has been praised for its quality education and professional development opportunities.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the exceptional leadership of Fredericksburg City Public School Superintendent Dr. Marci Catlett. Dr. Catlett has been a trailblazer in implementing forward-thinking strategies to strengthen her students' well-being.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Fire Department Valor Award recipients, recognizing the extraordinary bravery and selfless service demonstrated by its firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Department of Public Safety Communications Valor Award recipients, recognizing the extraordinary dedication of who serve as the critical first link in emergency response.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Police Department Valor Award recipients, recognizing the exceptional bravery and selfless service demonstrated by its officers.”

“Sheriff's Office and to recognize one of its distinguished members who has received a Valor Award: Deputy Mackenzie Miller. While today we recognize Deputy Miller, this award reflects the commitment to duty, professionalism, and public safety that defines the entire Sheriff's Office.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department Valor Award recipients, recognizing the extraordinary bravery and selfless service demonstrated by its firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the extreme cuts to Medicaid and SNAP being pushed by extreme Washington Republicans. Last month, I spoke with Shannon, a mother whose son relies on Medicaid for lifesaving care.”

“Mr. Speaker, today during National Police Week, I rise to commend the bravery of law enforcement officers across Virginia's Seventh Congressional District. In early April, tragedy struck Spotsylvania County when a mass shooting left three people sadly deceased and three others injured.”

“Mr. Speaker, we have all seen the recent news on Ukraine: Zelenskyy is set to meet Putin. Putin must immediately agree to a 30-day cease-fire. To force that, the United States and President Trump must increase the pressure on Putin.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Marine Corporal Joseph Donald for his incredible service to our country and to recognize his recent approval to receive the Purple Heart.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and service of Diane Raulston, a devoted public servant, community leader, and advocate for education in Prince William County, Virginia.”

“Madam Speaker, during this Small Business Week, it is my honor to recognize Joe Clontz on his receipt of the John L. Stanley Award from the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, on National Teacher Day, I rise to recognize Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine as this week's Constituent of the Week. Mayor Devine also spends her time as a history teacher in Stafford County.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize May 2 as Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia Awareness Day. NKH is a rare genetic disorder, and there are only 500 kids in the world living with it, four of them calling the Commonwealth of Virginia home.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, I join my colleagues in commemorating a somber moment, the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and Black April. Today is a moment to recognize and reflect on the courage of the Vietnamese people and their fight against a Communist dictatorship.”

“Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate someone truly special, a person whose presence has touched so many lives at the University of Mary Washington. After 30 years of dedicated service to the dining team, Dora Whiting is retiring.”

“Mr. Speaker, history has taught us time and time again that appeasement in the face of aggression and evil only invites more aggression. We saw it in the 1930s, and we are seeing echoes of it in the Trump administration's actions today.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exceptional work of the officers of the Prince William County Police Department in the recent arrest of a top MS-13 leader in Virginia's Seventh District.”

“Under manager Jake Lowery's leadership, the team made a thrilling late-season run and delivered a dominant performance to win the championship. Standout prospects like Seaver King and Travis Sykora showed incredible talent, while veteran leaders brought unity and heart to the clubhouse.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate this week's Constituent of the Week, Rick Sherman, on being named Businessperson of the Year by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Representative for 72,000 veterans and tens of thousands of Active-Duty personnel who live in the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia. As a 25-year Army veteran, former Army JAG prosecutor, and National Security Council staff adviser, I can say this: Imminent strike approval and mission launch times are highly classified.”

“Mr. Speaker, Signalgate is real. Protecting the details of ongoing military operations is a critical and basic requirement to ensure our national security and the safety of our military personnel.”

“Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Mr. Jimmy and Mrs. Dottie Dillard for their remarkable dedication to serving their community and exceptional volunteer efforts at the Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, as a veteran, I cannot support a budget that would cut $23 billion from care for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances during their service to our country.”

“Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 62. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I had to miss votes today to travel back to Illinois.”

“Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago this week, Russia launched an unprovoked invasion on Ukraine. We are entering the fourth year of war in Ukraine and 11 years of war on Ukraine since the invasion in Crimea and the Donbas.”

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to address the House as we have just marked the third anniversary of the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. February 24, 2022, the date of the largest land grab in Europe since World War II, joins an ignominious list of others as a day of infamy, but this month, it is also notorious for something else.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend John C. Egertson, County Administrator of Culpeper County, Virginia, on his retirement after a remarkable career in public service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Honorable Joyce Connery, a dedicated public servant who retired from the Federal Government on January 31, 2025, after an illustrious career spanning several decades.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Curtis O. Porter, for his leadership and countless contributions serving our children, youth, and families across the Nation. Mr. Porter began his professional career as the Special Program Coordinator for the 31st Judicial District Court Service Unit in Manassas, Virginia.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and extend my deepest gratitude to the courageous firefighters of Prince William County, Virginia, who exemplified extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the aftermath of the recent tragic accident between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S.”

“Mr. Speaker, today, we celebrate a victory for military families. After introducing my bipartisan Support Military Families Act, the administration has heeded our call and granted an exemption to the return to in-person work order.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bipartisan bill, the Support Military Families Act, that upholds our commitment to both our Federal workforce and the families of those who serve our country in uniform.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Oratorical Contest, hosted by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.”