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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the remarkable work of Sewa International, both in Virginia and around the world.
Founded less than 25 years ago, Sewa International is a global humanitarian organization committed to serving those in need.
Their mission focuses on several things, including disaster relief, rehabilitation, family services, women's empowerment, health, and education.
In Virginia, Sewa works hand in hand with local organizations to strengthen our communities. They support the big September 11 National Day of Service which will be happening again this year.
They offer after-school programming, provide meal service at local shelters, and help the next generation get involved, engaging high school students and volunteer work.
I am thankful for all Sewa International does for our communities. Supreme Court of Virginia Prevented a Toll Hike on Dulles Greenway
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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, last week our community got a major win. The Supreme Court of Virginia upheld a bill that I had passed, one that prevented a 40 percent toll hike on the Dulles Greenway, maybe more. Without this bill tolls would have jumped from at least $5.80 to $8.10 each way.
For regular commuters like me, that is $1,150 back in their pockets at least. This is a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together to take on tough fights, including for families facing high costs. This was a bipartisan initiative because across Virginia and across the country families are feeling the squeeze.
Housing costs are up, childcare is expensive, and utility bills are rising. In Loudoun County, tolls add an extra burden to the cost of getting to work.
This win is a step toward lowering costs for all families and a step towards addressing the broader affordability crisis.
I am committed to continuing this work in Congress and fighting to lower tolls even further and pushing for policies that put more money back in the pockets of working families. Honoring the Life and Memory of Supervisor Bob Weir
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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I also rise today with profound sadness to honor the life and memory of Supervisor Bob Weir, who served the Gainesville District on the Prince William County Board of Supervisors starting in 2023.
A husband and a father of three, Bob dedicated the past two decades to serving his community. He served terms on the Haymarket Town Council and Planning Commission and over 2 years on the County Board of Supervisors, all focused on empowering his constituents in Prince William County to demand the best from their elected officials.
Bob cared deeply about his constituents and serving them. He was known for personally following up with residents and addressing their concerns. He prioritized transparency, once saying: You don't have to ask me where I stand on issues because I am usually pretty clear about it. I am not going to sit there and obfuscate up there. If I don't like something, I will tell you I don't like something and why.
Bob's memory and legacy will live on through the lives that he touched. Our hearts go out to all of his family. Our prayers go with him as well. May he rest in peace. Commemorating Korean War Veterans Armistice Day
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Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate Korean War Armistice Day and to honor the millions of servicemembers who fought during the Korean war.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of Proclamation 8399, a proclamation to establish National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.
I am proud to have introduced legislation in this Congress to help reunify families who remain divided from the war. I look forward to continuing to work to support our veterans.
I thank the Korean American Grassroots Conference and partner organizations like the Council of Korean Americans, the Korea Economic Institute, The Korea Society, the Korean American Institute, and Remember 727 for organizing this week's event.
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