[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H4267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         OLMSTEAD DECISION MEMO

  (Mr. Subramanyam of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, as the Senate looks to confirm or not 
confirm Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, I want to point to the 
body a recent DOJ memo on the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision which 
threatens to turn back the clock decades to a time when Americans with 
disabilities were offered less choice, less freedom, and less care.
  This memo means that DOJ will not require States to serve people with 
disabilities in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs. 
That means people with disabilities would be isolated from their 
families and from their communities.
  Families with a disabled loved one now fear that their only option is 
institutionalization. That is what Olmstead did. It prevented 
institutionalization of people with disabilities, and the DOJ is trying 
to turn back the clock now.
  They must reconsider this opinion. This is not just about where 
people with disabilities live. It is about dignity, equality, and the 
belief that every person deserves an opportunity to belong.
  It is on all of us in this body to push back against this 
discriminatory policy.


                           Civil War in Sudan

  Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, the ongoing civil war in Sudan has 
displaced millions of people, and 400,000 people have died. That is 
over half the population of Washington, D.C. On top of that, 19 million 
people are facing acute food insecurity there.
  The war in Iran and its disruption to the supply chain has made it 
even harder for assistance to reach Sudan. I offered an amendment to 
the State Department funding bill to evaluate our current funding 
levels to Sudan, get them the help they need, and craft a plan to 
increase funding levels to meet these gaps.
  Unfortunately, those amendments were rejected. We need to do more to 
support the people suffering in Sudan. I urge my colleagues to come 
together and provide lifesaving assistance to them. We cannot stand on 
the sidelines as lives continue to be lost.


                     Recognizing Academy Appointees

  Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
outstanding group of young leaders from our community who have earned 
my nomination as well as appointments to our Nation's service 
academies.
  Earning an appointment is no small feat. These students have shown 
excellence in the classroom, leadership in their communities, and 
dedication to everything they do. However, what stands out most is 
their willingness to serve.
  Last week and early this week, all 19 are reporting for their first 
days at the academies, beginning with basic cadet training, induction 
day, and more as they take the first steps in a lifetime of service.
  At a time when they could choose many different paths, they have 
chosen to build one instead that is built on sacrifice, discipline, and 
responsibility. Wherever their path takes them, our country will be 
better off because they chose to serve.
  On behalf of our community, congratulations to the 19 who are 
reporting for their first day. We are proud of them, grateful for them, 
and we are excited to see their accomplishments.


                       Honoring Student-Athletes

  Mr. SUBRAMANYAM. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
student-athletes in our community who have won State championships in 
the spring 2026 season.
  A total of nine varsity spring sports teams in our community achieved 
this goal. There were so many that I couldn't do nine different 
speeches. I wanted to do one for all of them.
  The teams include: Freedom High School boys' tennis, Independence 
High School boys' lacrosse team, and Independence High School girls' 
soccer. Riverside High School boys' lacrosse and girls' lacrosse both 
won the State championship this year. Other State championship teams 
include: Rock Ridge boys' tennis and Tuscarora High School softball. 
Woodgrove and Battlefield baseball teams both won. They could really 
help our baseball team on the Democratic side.
  It is not easy to compete at such a high level while also balancing 
classes and personal lives. I commend these student-athletes for their 
commitment to excellence. Many of them are going to go to college and 
continue to play.
  It is safe to say that Northern Virginia is the home of stars both in 
the classroom as well as on the field.

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