Congratulating Virginia's 10th District Congressional Award Medalists
Floor Speech
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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the winners of this year's Congressional Award medalists from Virginia's 10th District. These young men and women put in 400-plus hours of volunteer work and 200-plus hours of personal development, as well as 200-plus hours of personal fitness activities.
The winners of the Congressional Award's gold medal this year are Sabrina Lu of Riverside High School, who designed handmade cards and spread cancer awareness; Jason Jayanth of Academies of Loudoun and John Champe High School, who tutored students and volunteered at animal shelters while also playing on the basketball team; and Caitlyn Murphy, a sophomore at James W. Robinson Secondary School, who swam, played violin, and created and delivered more than 800 cards for seniors in local retirement homes.
I congratulate these very accomplished young individuals on their Congressional Award gold medals, and I thank them for their service. Celebrating Gainesville High School Baseball Team
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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to recognize the Gainesville High School baseball team's historic State championship victory.
In just their fourth season--they have only been a high school for 4 years--the Cardinals won their first State title, capping off the season with a 23-5 record.
The championship game itself came down to the wire. With two outs and the tying run in scoring position, the Cardinals recorded the final out and sealed the win.
I congratulate Gainesville High School on its historic championship- winning season and on all the hard work and hustle along the way. Making Federal Government Cost-Efficient
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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, one of the things I get asked is why the Federal Government can't be as fast and cost-efficient as the private sector.
Take a pen like this. If you are trying to buy a lot of them in the private sector, you can just go to Staples and Amazon to purchase them right there, really quickly, and for a pretty good cost.
In the public sector, there are a lot of rules and regulations in place to buy things like pens or staples. It is even harder to do this with technology tools that can help people get their Social Security payments faster, renew passports, or help people access Medicare or Medicaid.
That is why I am introducing the bipartisan FIT Procurement Act today with my colleague Congressman Burlison. The FIT Procurement Act would raise cost caps and allow the Federal Government to buy more innovative tools without going through the needless bureaucracy.
What we are trying to do is help agencies not have to jump through so many hoops to get innovative tools to help people and help them serve people. It will make it easier, as well, for small businesses to sell to the Federal Government.
Our bill makes commonsense fixes that we can all support on both sides of the aisle. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this bill that will save American taxpayers money, support small businesses, and spur economic innovation. Recognizing Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy
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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy as it celebrates 30 years of service to our community.
An organization initially founded by 3 individuals has now grown to over 600 volunteers. The conservancy has led the charge on habitat conservation, environmental education, and advocacy in Loudoun County, everything from stream monitoring to bird and animal counting.
The Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy reminds us that conservation isn't just about nature. It is about community, resilience, and quality of life. I know my wife and I are big fans and supporters of them.
I congratulate Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy on all its years of service to the community, and I thank all the volunteers.
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