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US CONGRESS · FORMER

Gerald E. Connolly

Representative for Virginia · Democratic · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

She has been involved in a remarkable breadth of important legal matters related to veterans' benefits, striving to ensure that veterans, their families, and caregivers get the benefits to which they are entitled.

CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGE365 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

She has been involved in a remarkable breadth of important legal matters related to veterans' benefits, striving to ensure that veterans, their families, and caregivers get the benefits to which they are entitled.

CONGRATULATING MARY ANN FLYNN ON HER RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Founded in 1990, Homestretch has served more than 2,500 families, providing not just shelter, but the comprehensive tools and support needed to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

CREC-2025-04-30-PT1-PGE366-2 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

Founded in 1990, Homestretch has served more than 2,500 families, providing not just shelter, but the comprehensive tools and support needed to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOMESTRETCH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

While he ended up spending the majority of his career in Washington, he spent 17 years with Cahners Publishing Company, editing magazines in the industrial supply, electronics, and systems integration industries. He also worked in weekly and daily newspapers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

CONGRATULATING TOM TEMIN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

On April 30, 1975, the world watched as the city of Saigon fell. For many, it marked a day of loss, of country, of family, and of home. Yet it also marked the beginning of a remarkable story of resilience, strength, and hope.

RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF SAIGON · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

The complete record

Every one of 66 lines we hold for Gerald E. Connolly, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 2 of 2.

  1. Homestretch measures success not simply by whether a family finds shelter, but by whether they emerge with the ability to maintain stable housing, meet their basic needs, and chart a course toward economic mobility. For someone experiencing homelessness, knowing you are part of a community that cares and will give you the assistance necessary to get back on your feet can help ease the burden of your plight. In a county as economically prosperous as Fairfax County, it can be easy to forget there are still citizens who go without the most basic necessities. Organizations like Homestretch are helping to make sure that we bring everyone to the table and providing all with a path towards economic success and independence.

    RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOMESTRETCH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  2. A majority are survivors of domestic violence, individuals with disabilities or no work history, and many face high debt, damaged credit, and language barriers. Roughly 60 percent of those served are people of color, and one-third are refugees or seeking asylum. Despite these challenges, Homestretch helps families not only secure housing, but also access education, develop a career path, find childcare, secure reliable transportation, and improve their physical and financial health. Their model is comprehensive and long-term. Participants work toward degrees and certifications, learn financial literacy, improve their credit, save for the future, and gain the tools to provide for themselves and their children.

    RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOMESTRETCH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  3. Founded in 1990, Homestretch has served more than 2,500 families, providing not just shelter, but the comprehensive tools and support needed to achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Their mission is deeply rooted in the belief that with the right resources, even the most vulnerable families can overcome the devastating cycles of homelessness and poverty. We are in the midst of an unprecedented affordable housing crisis, both nationally and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Since 2020, homelessness in Virginia has increased by 10 percent, with family homelessness alone rising a staggering 17 percent between 2021 and 2022. The work of organizations like Homestretch has never been more vital. Homestretch serves families in the most challenging of circumstances. 90 percent of the adults in their program are single mothers.

    RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOMESTRETCH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  4. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E366] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOMESTRETCH ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Homestretch, an extraordinary organization based in Northern Virginia that has transformed the lives of thousands of families facing homelessness and poverty.

    RECOGNIZING THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF HOMESTRETCH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  5. She has been involved in a remarkable breadth of important legal matters related to veterans' benefits, striving to ensure that veterans, their families, and caregivers get the benefits to which they are entitled. Her contributions to developing and evolving the practice of veterans' law will have a lasting legacy and merit special recognition. As Ms. Flynn embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that she will recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the outstanding contributions she has made to the United States Navy, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and veterans of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Ms. Mary Ann Flynn for her years of service to our armed forces and our Nation. I congratulate Ms. Flynn on her retirement. May her life be filled with health and happiness.

    CONGRATULATING MARY ANN FLYNN ON HER RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  6. Flynn progressed from a staff attorney to Deputy Assistant General Counsel, then Principal Deputy Assistant General Counsel, and finally Chief Counsel of OGC's Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Litigation Group, an appellate litigation office of over 125 attorneys representing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Her career in public service is a testament to the importance of selfless service to others. For the vast majority of her legal career, Ms. Flynn provided guidance and legal counsel to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in cases before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

    CONGRATULATING MARY ANN FLYNN ON HER RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  7. Flynn began her distinguished legal career in the United States Navy, where she served on both active duty and in the Navy reserves as an attorney. As a Captain, she served as a military judge on the United States Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals. Following her time on active duty, Ms. Flynn joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in its Office of General Counsel (OGC), where, with the exception of a short period when she served as the Deputy Director for Policy and Procedures for the Veteran's Benefits Administration's Compensation Service, she spent the bulk of her more than 32 years of service. In OGC, Ms.

    CONGRATULATING MARY ANN FLYNN ON HER RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  8. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E365] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING MARY ANN FLYNN ON HER RETIREMENT ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate a dedicated professional with the Department of Veterans Affairs on the occasion of her retirement. Ms. Mary Ann Flynn is an exemplary public servant who has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism serving our Nation's veterans. Ms.

    CONGRATULATING MARY ANN FLYNN ON HER RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  9. The event makes contributions to the Federal Employees Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA), Friends of Patients at the NIH, and the U.S. War Dogs Association. Throughout his career, Tom has been a speaker and moderator at events staged by groups such as AFCEA, the Association for Federal IRM (AFFIRM), and ACTIAC. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Tom Temin on his retirement. I wish him the best in all of his future endeavors and hope he enjoys retirement with his wife, children, grandchildren, and his Harley-Davidson Motorcycle. ____________________

    CONGRATULATING TOM TEMIN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  10. There he oversaw the content of GCN, Washington Technology--also a Jesse H. Neal award winner--and several other properties. For the past 16 years Tom has hosted Federal Drive with Tom Temin, weekday mornings on Federal News Network (FNN) 1500 AM. The show covers a range of topics, such as legislation, federal IT, oversight, and the federal workforce, His guests are often federal executives, members of Congress, think tank experts, and attorneys with subject matter expertise on a myriad of federal issues. Podcasts of Federal Drive broadcast interviews garner some 50,000 downloads per month, and Tom has conducted approximately 10,000 interviews over the course of hosting the show. In addition to his show, Tom organizes and stages a Motorcycle Ride for Charity each year with FNN's support.

    CONGRATULATING TOM TEMIN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  11. While he ended up spending the majority of his career in Washington, he spent 17 years with Cahners Publishing Company, editing magazines in the industrial supply, electronics, and systems integration industries. He also worked in weekly and daily newspapers in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Once in D.C., Tom immersed himself in the federal government market. He has held numerous leadership roles in this space, including editor- in-chief of Government Computer News (GCN) for 15 years, then the most- read and highest revenue business-to-business publication in the market. The publication won several Jesse H. Neal awards from the American Business Media (ABM) editorial program. After the Washington Post Company acquired GCN, Tom became executive vice president, editorial, at the newly formed PostNewsweek Tech Media Group.

    CONGRATULATING TOM TEMIN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  12. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E364] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING TOM TEMIN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Tom Temin on the occasion of his retirement after nearly 48 years in journalism. Tom has had a storied career in journalism that began with a bachelor's degree in photojournalism from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He also completed the Stanford Professional Publishing Program.

    CONGRATULATING TOM TEMIN ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  13. Illinois, Virginia, California, and Indiana's Senate have passed permanent legislation designating the month as well. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the contributions of Arab Americans and hereby declare April 2025 to be recognized as National Arab American Heritage Month by Virginia's 11th Congressional District. We encourage our citizens to join us in this special observance. ____________________

    RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  14. The first known Arab immigrants arrived in 1527, before the founding of United States, and have helped shape and strengthen modern America to be the great nation it is today. Their resilient family values, strong work ethic, dedication to education, and diversity in faith and creed add strength to our great democracy and enrich our society. The celebration of Arab American ancestry and cultural heritage educates our fellow Americans, counters misconceptions and harmful stereotyping, promotes diversity and equality in our society, and acknowledges the valuable contributions and heritage of Arab Americans in this country. In 2023 and 2024, President Biden made official proclamations recognizing the month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month.

    RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  15. During the month of April, the Arab American Foundation formally recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Arab Americans, embraced by cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations nationwide. Since migrating to America, men and women of Arab descent have shared their rich culture and traditions with neighbors and friends, while also setting fine examples of model citizens and public servants. The Arab American Institute estimates there are roughly 3.7 million Arab Americans living in the United States, contributing to virtually every aspect of American society: in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, and culture.

    RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD

  16. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 30, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E363] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing April as National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM).

    RECOGNIZING APRIL AS NATIONAL ARAB AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH · 2025-04-30 · READ IN THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD