Floor Statements

Madam Chair, first, I would like to focus on two of this bill's most important provisions as it relates to technical and tactical: first, cybersecurity, and, number two, space.

The bill makes significant investments in the variety of critical cybersecurity programs, a need highlighted by repeated attacks on the information technology systems of the Federal Government and private industry over the past year.

As cybersecurity evolves and intensifies, our intelligence community must be able to respond quickly and with the latest technologies available. The National Security Agency, which I'm proud to say is in my district, has already developed a number of technologies that are already helping to protect us against these threats; but we need to ensure that NSA and other intelligence agencies have the resources that they need to develop and deploy the defenses that will keep our networks running and information secure. This bill helps do that.

Second, this bill makes important investments in space. It supports the President's request to develop a new imagery capability. In addition, it supports the Senate proposal, which we must start funding to continue building upon our known capabilities.

These are critical investments, and we are prepared to see them through. We must keep major space acquisitions on budget and on schedule. We do not have unlimited resources and cannot afford to have these critical acquisitions spin out of control.

I am also pleased that the bill encourages the DNI and Director of the NRO to leverage commercial capabilities to the fullest extent possible. Commercial tools have significantly improved in recent years. Using these capabilities to complement government efforts will not only provide a cost-effective way of meeting our needs; it will support the revitalization of the long-struggling commercial space industry.

I also want to make just some response to my peers on the other side. The Intelligence Committee is a very important committee; national security is at stake. We must come together as citizens first. There are a lot of allegations--we understand there are some politics in whatever we do--but when it comes to national security intelligence, we have got to find a way to make sure we focus on the priorities. Those priorities are in this budget.

There are some things that we might not all agree with; but in the end, we vote on the bill that we feel is right for our Nation. And believe me, there is nothing that either side will do to help the terrorists; we will go after the terrorists with a vigor.

Madam Speaker, first, when it is not on one of its lifesaving missions, the USNS Comfort's home is in the Port of Baltimore. The virtual floating hospital has provided humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of patients all over the world.

The Comfort was deployed after Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf Coast, and has supported Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was activated on September 11, 2001, to provide meals, housing, medical, and psychological services to volunteer and relief workers at Ground Zero.

It was once again called into service after the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January that, at the most recent count, has claimed 150,000 lives.

As the representative of the Port of Baltimore, I have always been especially proud of the Comfort and its critical missions. I felt especially privileged to have the chance to board the Comfort to send off the men and women the night before they departed for Haiti.

It was a humbling experience to climb the steps aboard the Comfort and witness doctors and nurses training for what would help them on the shores of Haiti. I saw seamen practicing security drills, volunteers distributing blankets and pillows, and sterilizing medical equipment, and toured the operating rooms where so many lives would be saved by the military personnel of our U.S. Navy.

Huge cranes were loading truckloads of medical supplies onto its deck. In what should have been chaos, I saw the focus and precision perhaps capable only by our United States military.

Once in Haiti, these men and women faced choices unimaginable to those of us back here watching it all on TV. On their first day they felt tremendous frustration when the helicopter that would carry patients aboard had no place to land on shore.

They have delivered babies, treated patients who are paralyzed, missing limbs, and suffering from infections made worse by neglect. They have performed more than 600 surgeries in Haiti so far.

When the Comfort left, the Navy said they would be here as long as it took. One month later, these military personnel still remain in Haiti, away from their families, treating hundreds of patients each day. Because the ship is now over capacity, the workers are sleeping in shifts. And I know that most of them wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Amid the horror, the USNS Comfort, a mile out into the bay, is a beacon of hope for those still injured and untreated.

My heart goes out to the people of Haiti and their relatives throughout the United States. We are proud of the men and women aboard Baltimore's own Comfort who are saving lives with the vigor and skill, again, perhaps only capable of the United States military.

I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the teams for the world-renowned University of Maryland Shock Trauma who have also traveled to Haiti. My life was saved at Maryland Shock Trauma many years ago, and now the people of Haiti are benefiting from the skills and expertise of the world's top medical professionals.

The teams at Shock Trauma set up operating rooms on open ground, under tents, and are committed to remaining there until they can deliver health care on an ongoing basis.

I've heard stories from the team, and I know the conditions take an emotional toll, but their determination in the face of what may be, or what could be, considered a hopeless situation is a testimony to the American spirit.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the commitment of both the men and women of the USNS Comfort and Maryland Shock Trauma, and wish them luck at their missions.

And I also would like to say, this is the United States putting out to people in need throughout the world. We are all Americans. We have debates here on the floor, health care, all issues involving jobs, but we still have to remember we're all Americans, and we all can say that we should be very proud of what the United States military is doing with the USNS Comfort and the United States Navy and all the men working in that regard.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 4061, the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act.

I want to thank Chairman Gordon, Congressman Wu, Ranking Member Hall, and Congressman McCaul for your bipartisan effort. You know, this is truly an example of working together on behalf of our citizens. If we could only do this on other issues such as health care and whatever, we would be a lot better off as a country. So thank you for your leadership, and let's continue this bipartisanship effort.

Cyber networks power almost everything we do, from our computers and cell phones and iPods to the electrical grid that allows us to turn on our lights. They also operate the classified military and intelligence networks that keep us safe and provide critical data to our troops in combat.

As a member of the Intelligence Committee and chairman of the Technical and Tactical Subcommittee, which oversees the technical aspects of cybersecurity, I know that protecting our cyber networks is a top economic and national security priority. We are under attack each and every day. These attacks have cost the U.S.A. $1 trillion last year, and also put classified information in the hands of our enemies.

Cybersecurity is a tough challenge because the government does not own the Internet. In fact, 85 percent of cyber is held privately. We have to get the public and private sectors on the same page, and this bill does that. This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the measurement laboratory for our Nation, based in Maryland, to develop international cybersecurity technical standards. It also charges NIST with creating education campaigns for the public, a critical component to meeting this challenge.

This bill also helps to ensure that we have the workforce in place to meet the new demands by providing scholarships to students who agree to work as cybersecurity specialists after graduation. The bill also funds faculty and curriculum development at U.S. colleges and universities to help with the shortage of qualified cyber professors.

I also support the amendment proposed by my Maryland colleague, Congressman Kratovil, to establish a National Center of Excellence for Cybersecurity to consolidate our resources into one cyberclearinghouse. Protecting our Nation's network is not a Democratic or Republican initiative; it is USA first.

Let's pass H.R. 4061 and make sure our own cybernetworks don't become a new weapon in our enemies' arsenals.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Dr. Hans R. Wilhelmsen, 33 Degree Sovereign Grant Inspector General, for his distinguished service to the principals of the Masonry, Scottish Rite, and Grand Lodge.

Dr. Wilhelmsen was raised as a Master Mason in December 1982. He received the 32 degree in the Scottish Rite, Valley of Baltimore in the Spring Class of 1983. In 1991, he became an Honorary Past Master of Pythagoras Lodge and received the Knight Commander Court of Honor in 1995. Dr. Wilhelmsen was coroneted a 33 degree mason in 1997.

During the early years of his Masonic journey, Dr. Wilhelmsen's time was devoted mainly to plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is a 1959 Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. Inspired by the lectures of Dr. Milton Edgerton, Professor of Plastic Surgery, Wilhelmsen matriculated to the University School of Medicine. In 1963, Dr. Wilhelmsen obtained his medical degree in General Surgery. He completed Plastic Surgery training in 1965 at the University of Pittsburgh.

While much of his time was dedicated to plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Wilhelmsen dedicated the spare time he had to Masonry. In 1995, he was appointed to the Scottish Rite Holding Company. Wilhelmsen progressed to assisting the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, Dr. Bernard E. Rothman. In 2003, he was coroneted Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Maryland and Active Member of the Supreme Council. Three years later, Dr. Wilhelmsen was awarded the highest honor that is given by the Grand Lodge of Maryland for his contribution to masonry in the State of Maryland. A portrait of him is now mounted in the Pillars of Charity Portrait Gallery at the House of Temple in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Wilhelmsen's medical and personal philosophy emphasizes treating all people with respect and dignity. He is a tireless worker for his patients, whose lives have been enriched by his professional manner and surgical ability. Though his profession left little time for extracurricular activities, Dr. Wilhelmsen has remained actively involved in Masonry.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Dr. Hans R. Wilhelmsen for his commitment to Masonry, Scottish Rite, and Grand Lodge. Dr. Wilhelmsen's enthusiasm and commitment is a remarkable asset to the Masonic organization.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of Lieutenant Colonel Juanita Warman who died honorably serving her country.

Since 2008, LTC Warman has volunteered with the Maryland National Guard's reintegration program, a program designed to help soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with a variety of issues. She served a year overseas at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, the Army facility where those injured in Afghanistan and Iraq are treated before being sent stateside for further medical care. She regularly volunteered for round-trip flights to Iraq to care for soldiers being sent to Landstuhl. Warman was preparing for deployment to Iraq at the time of her death.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Warman was a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner whose military career spanned more than two decades in active duty and Army reserves. Prior to her exceptional work with the Maryland National Guard, LTC Warman had a civilian practice at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She was an expert in post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Warman also worked at a Veterans Administration facility in Perryville, Maryland.

I commend LTC Warman for her extraordinary commitment to both our country and her fellow service members. She touched the lives of many due to her outstanding sense of volunteerism, unwavering bravery, and dedication to making a difference.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the life of Lieutenant Colonel Juanita Warman. The distinguished service Lieutenant Colonel Warman has shown to our country will forever reverberate in our memories. It gives me great pride to honor one of our nation's fallen heroes.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Pastor Willard L. Saunders, Jr. and Delicia W. Saunders for their 15 years of outstanding, dedicated service to the Created For So Much More Worship Center.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Pastor Saunders earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Frostburg State College and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Loyola College in Education Administration. He went on to serve as a Vice Principal in the Baltimore City school system.

In 1994, after the passing of his father, the late Willard L. Saunders, Sr., Saunders was appointed Pastor of Created For So Much More Worship Center. Pastor Saunders immediately began to implement the vision he so clearly saw for the Created For So Much More Worship Center. This included expanding the center to allow for over 2,000 congregates, a chapel, and several conference rooms. Expanding the center allowed Pastor and First Lady Saunders to establish several community programs such as General Education Degree and computer training classes, which are offered free of charge to the community. Internationally, Pastor Saunders fathers numerous churches in Uganda and Kenya.

First Lady Saunders works steadfastly with Women of Destiny, a moving force throughout the Created For So Much More Worship Center that encourages women to engage in community activism. Her leadership and devotion to this program is a remarkable example for other women. First Lady Saunders is currently working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree and she is scheduled to graduate in May 2010.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Pastor Willard L. Saunders, Jr. and First Lady Delicia W. Saunders for their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people in their community. Pastor and First Lady Saunders have set a standard of excellence and deserve the utmost gratitude for their hard work and achievements.

Chairman Oberstar, thank you for your leadership. I strand in strong support of the Coast Guard Authorization bill.

First, I would like to recognize my colleague from Maryland, Chairman Cummings. We have worked together as a team on many issues impacting the Baltimore region and the State of Maryland. He has shown leadership as chairman of the Coast Guard Subcommittee and has done a great deal to support the Coast Guard.

I think it is only fitting that within the space of 2 weeks we are passing the Coast Guard authorization and the FY10 Homeland Security approps bill which funds the Coast Guard. These two bills will allows us to keep the security of our Nation our top priority. Homeland Security is not a Democratic or Republican initiative; it is U.S.A. first.

The Coast Guard is a central part of our Nation's defenses and has been since 1790. Since 9/11, the Coast Guard's mission has greatly expanded. They handle everything from water rescues, to management of our ports, to drug interdictions off our Nation's coasts. In 2008, the Coast Guard set a record for drug interdiction. They confiscated more than 360,000 pounds of cocaine.

I would also like to acknowledge the men and women who work at the Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay near the Port of Baltimore. The men and women of this yard do an excellent job maintaining and repairing the entire Coast Guard fleet. We need to ensure they are given the opportunity do the best that they can.

The leadership of Chairman Oberstar and Chairman Cummings, along with Ranking Members Mica and LoBiondo, has given the Coast Guard the resources to do the job that they need to protect our country. Speedy passage of this authorization will help make our country safer, and I urge a favorable vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Brooks C. Robinson, legendary Baltimore Orioles third baseman and National Baseball Hall of Famer.

Brooks Robinson began his professional baseball career on Memorial Day 1955, when he signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles for whom he played throughout his entire 23 year career. Known as the Human Vacuum Cleaner because of his astounding defensive abilities at third base, Robinson is generally acclaimed as the greatest defensive third baseman of all time.

In 1964, Robinson won both the American League Most Valuable Player, MVP, and All-Star Game MVP awards. He played in four World Series and in 1970 Robinson received the World Series MVP Award. In 1971, Robinson was awarded the Hickock Belt, emblematic of his selection as the national outstanding athlete of the year. During his career as an Oriole, Robinson won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards, a record for nonpitchers.

Besides his superior defensive skills, Robinson holds major league records for his offensive talent as well. Robinson compiled a .267 batting average with 2,848 hits, 268 home runs, and 1,357 runs batted in. After his retirement in 1977, the Orioles retired his jersey, number 5.

Robinson remained active in the community upon his retirement. A longtime supporter of Scouting, Robinson served for many years on the executive board of the Baltimore Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, and is a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. On December 5, 2006, he was recognized for his accomplishments on and off of the field when he received the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brooks Robinson has lived in the Baltimore area for over 45 years with his wife Connie. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in honoring Brooks Robinson, a man who has established a standard of excellence both on and off the baseball field. His stellar baseball performance and outstanding community involvement is a sterling example of a true professional athlete.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of Walter Yent, Jr. for his exceptional service to our country and devotion to his family and friends.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Walter Yent, Jr. enlisted in the Army on March 6, 1944. A World War II Veteran, Mr. Yent was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the European-African- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, two Bronze Stars, and the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany clasp, in addition to many other medals for his outstanding service as a member of the Armed Services.

Upon his discharge from the Army in January 1950, Mr. Yent returned to his hometown of Baltimore where he enjoyed spending time with those he loved most, his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the life of Walter Yent, Jr. His dedication to our country is an inspiration to all and deserves the utmost gratitude.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Reverend Charles T. Sembly and First Lady Pamela J. Sembly for their 25 years of faithful, dedicated service to Union Bethel A.M.E. Church.

Following in the footsteps of his father, the late Rev. Edgar L. James, Pastor Sembly earned his license to preach on March 17, 1971, and was ordained an African Methodist Episcopal Itinerant Deacon in 1978 and an Itinerant Elder in 1979. In 1982, Pastor Sembly was appointed Pastor of Mt. Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Knoxville, Maryland. During the mid-year Conference on October 24, 1984, Pastor Sembly was appointed to Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Pastor Sembly and Mrs. Sembly have provided noteworthy spiritual leadership in fulfilling their vision of growth and development at Union Bethel A.M.E. Church. During Pastor Sembly's tenure, the church established over 40 ministries and outreach programs to enhance the Randallstown community. Under his leadership, the church created a nonprofit Community Development Corporation to increase its social outreach and opportunities for service to the greater Northwest Baltimore County community. As local President of the Lillian M. Dorsey Senior Missionary, Mrs. Sembly established several on-going outreach programs, which include the Good Samaritan Ministry, the Senior Outreach Ministry and provided additional support to three area shelters.

Pastor Sembly is currently a Trustee and Member of the Finance Committee of the Second Episcopal District Washington Conference, and an Instructor of the Second Episcopal District Washington Conference Board of Examiners. Pastor Sembly conceptualized and developed the Six- Week Lenten Services with seven A.M.E. Churches and is a former Recording Secretary for the Second Episcopal District Washington Conference.

Mrs. Sembly is very active in the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She currently serves as the President of the Lillian M. Dorsey Senior Missionary Society of Union Bethel A.M.E.

Church. She has served for more than 8 years as the Recording Secretary and the Treasurer of the Matilda Monroe Area. She was also the Editor of the ``Bridge,'' the Second Episcopal District WMS Newsletter, and was elected a Delegate to the 15th and 16th Quadrennial Conventions.

Married for 35 years, Pastor Sembly and First Lady Mrs. Pamela J. Sembly have three loving children and six grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Reverend Charles T. Sembly and First Lady Pamela J. Sembly for their outstanding service to the Union Bethel A.M.E. Church and their continued commitment to enhancing lives in their community.

Madam Speaker, I stand in strong support of the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report for FY 2010. The security of our Nation is clearly our top priority. And this bill dedicates more money for homeland security when compared to 2009 levels.

Homeland security is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It is USA first--our community, our families, and our country. I want to thank Chairman Price and Ranking Member Rogers, as well as our friends in the Senate, for their bipartisan and bicameral efforts in crafting this conference report. And I'd like to speak about two key issues, two key components in this bill: the Coast Guard and cybersecurity. But before I do that, I have to respond to my friend John Culberson's comments. I disagree with his comments.

Number 1, as far as prisoners are concerned, if, in fact, there are prisoners that are so dangerous that would hurt our country, I would much rather have us control those prisoners. If we need to bring them to the United States of America to try them, I have more confidence in our court system and our prison system than some of the countries they go back to where they could escape and come back and do harm to our citizens. That's step one.

The second thing I disagree with my friend about is the issue about Miranda rights in theater. Now, those of us who have been to Iraq and Afghanistan know that that is not the case. It started when a friend of mine--I am on the Intelligence Committee--another Mr. Rogers came back and said that he got information that soldiers were having to give Miranda warnings to people, to the enemy. That is not the case. We've had hearings. I've done my own due diligence. That is not what our men and women are required to do. So let's get the facts straight. Let's get the politics off the table, and let's talk about this Homeland Security bill, how it affects and protects our country, our families, and that is very important and relevant.

Now, the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard of the United States of America, since 1790, has been a critical part of our Nation's defenses. They handle everything from water rescues, as an example, in the Baltimore harbor, which I represent, to drug interdictions off our Nation's coast. Since 9/11, the Coast Guard has been asked to do even more. They have stepped up to the plate and kept watch on our Nation's waterways to keep our country safe.

I support the $8.8 billion for the Coast Guard included in this legislation. This is more than $275 million above the 2009 level. I am proud to represent the Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay in Congress in my district. The yard is in my district near the Port of Baltimore. The men and women of the yard do an excellent job maintaining and repairing the entire Coast Guard fleet.

Now I want to get to the issue of cyber. The second thing, and one of the most important issues that we're dealing with as far as national security, is cyberattacks. I would support $283 million to address the growing threats to our Nation's networks. Our Nation's networks control much of what we do every day. They power our computers and our cell phones. They power the electrical grid that allows us to turn the lights on and the classified military and intelligence networks that keep our country safe. It's all too easy to use basic Internet hacking techniques to wreak havoc on our Nation's information infrastructure. Imagine if the Bank of America was suddenly cyberattacked.

Fifty-nine million customers in 150 countries would suddenly be unable to access their accounts, their debit cards or their money, credit cards. It would cripple the economy. Think of what an attack would do to our electrical grid system, our security, our national security.

This threat is real. We must shore up our defenses. We must ensure that the Federal Government, the private sector, and our citizens beef up our cybersecurity efforts. This funding for cybersecurity will be a step in the right direction.

Madam Speaker, during the vote on the motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 2918, Fiscal Year 2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations, (Rollcall 734), I mistakenly voted ``yea'' but I meant to vote ``nay.''

Thank you.

I rise today to ask my colleagues to support H.R. 2097, the Star- Spangled Banner Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation will create a commemorative coin to honor America's national anthem. I would particularly like to thank Chairman Frank for his support.

The United States Mint creates two commemorative silver coins each year. The topic is congressionally directed. All expenses of minting, design and production of the coin are included in the final selling price of the coin. This bill does not trigger any PAYGO rules and is revenue neutral.

This happens to be the second time I've gathered more than 290 cosponsors and have been on the floor to speak about this bill.

The $1 silver coin will be minted in 2012 for the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Proceeds will help fund the War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, which will hold celebrations along the east coast kicking off in June of 2012 and running through September of 2014. These celebrations include a naval review, reenactment, festivals, historical lectures, parades, the creation of a national curriculum for students and the opportunity to honor the brave men and women who withstood the British during the War of 1812.

My hometown of Baltimore is proud to be the home of America's national anthem. During a nightlong attack on Baltimore by British forces, Francis Scott Key was held captive aboard a British ship in the Chesapeake Bay. The morning after the bombardment, he looked out his window and saw a

large American flag had survived the assault, still flying proudly over Fort McHenry. He knew the American forces had successfully defended the city of Baltimore at the fort. The next day, he was inspired to pen his famous poem in honor of that event.

His brother-in-law, Judge Joseph H. Nicholson, set the poem to the tune of a popular British melody. A few days later, it was printed in Baltimore and quickly spread to newspapers from New Hampshire to Georgia. The song gained popularity and was often played at public events and Fourth of July celebrations. However, it would be many years before the ``Star-Spangled Banner'' became our official national anthem.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson ordered that the song be played at military events and other official occasions. By the late 1920s, a consensus formed across the country that America needed an official anthem. John Philip Sousa, a famous U.S. composer, argued in favor of the ``Star-Spangled Banner'' and on March 3, 1931, President Hoover signed legislation adopting it as the national anthem for the United States of America. For more than 75 years, the ``Star-Spangled Banner'' has evoked pride and patriotism among Americans.

I hope this collectable coin will inspire more Americans to learn the lyrics of the ``Star-Spangled Banner'' and the role Baltimore played in the history of our Nation during the War of 1812.

All Americans are welcome to come to Baltimore to visit Fort McHenry. Right now, Americans can enjoy the rich history of this country. There are Civil War battlefields being preserved; a Star-Spangled Banner trail being created which runs through Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia; and the War of 1812 Commissions being organized in States from New York to Georgia.

Folks can visit the original Star-Spangled Banner flag here in Washington at the American Museum of National History.

I ask that my colleagues vote for H.R. 2097 and join me in honoring Francis Scott Key, ``The Star-Spangled Banner,'' and the War of 1812-- an event that changed the history of our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Rear Admiral Michael K. Mahon upon his retirement from the position of Director of Surface Warfare for the United States Navy.

A 1979 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Rear Admiral Mahon furthered his education as he earned a Master's degree in strategic planning from the Naval Postgraduate School and national security strategy from the National War College, where he graduated with distinction.

Rear Admiral Mahon's first sea tour was aboard the USS Dewey (DDG 45) where he served as Electronic Warfare Officer, Assistant CIC Officer and CIC Officer. Since then, he has served as the Operations Officer aboard USS Gallery and COMDESRON 24 in 1986 and 1987, respectively. In early 1990, he reported to the OPNAV staff and served as the Joint Strategic Planning System Officer for the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy, and Operations.

In 1992, Rear Admiral Mahon served as the Commissioning Executive Officer of USS Cape St. George. Cape St. George was selected as the first ship other than a battleship to ever win the Arizona Memorial Trophy. He went on to serve as the Flag Secretary to CINCUSNAVEUR from 1994 to 1996 and Deputy Executive Assistant to the Commander of the NATO Implementation Force (IFOR) in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina.

Rear Admiral Mahon's most recent assignment was as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Allied Maritime Component Command,

Northwood United Kingdom. Additionally, he was the U.S. Naval Forces Europe representative from October 2005 to January 2007.

His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with two gold stars), Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal (with three gold stars), among many others.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor Rear Admiral Michael K. Mahon in his retirement from the position of Director of Surface Warfare. It is with great pride that I congratulate Admiral Mahon on his exemplary defense career.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. John Railey in recognition of his 50 years of dedicated federal service.

``The fun part of accounting is finding the things that went wrong and figuring out how to fix them.'' This statement by John Railey summarizes the attitude that has made him an anchor at the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Maryland, where he has served both on the waterfront and in the Fiscal Department for five decades.

A lifelong resident of Baltimore, Mr. Railey began his federal career at the Coast Guard Yard in the Sheet Metal Shop as an apprentice. Upon completion of his apprenticeship program, Mr. Railey excelled as a sheet metal worker. He was selected as the first tradesman at the Yard to be trained to program and operate the first computer-controlled equipment at the Yard. Seeking to become a foreman, Mr. Railey pursued Yard-required management courses at the University of Baltimore. In 1968, Mr. Railey successfully completed his college degree in Business Management.

In 1969, Mr. Railey took a position as a Planner/Scheduler in the Industrial Engineering Division. Interested in learning the business- end of the Yard, he took a position as an Accounting Technician in the Fiscal Department in 1974. With his attention to detail and relentless problem solving skills, Mr. Railey was promoted from an Accounting Technician to an Accountant, where he has excelled as the Yard's expert on the financial administration of Yard Project Orders. Mr. Railey has mentored numerous members of the Fiscal Staff and has assisted scores of project managers in the Industrial Staff. Throughout his tenure with the Coast Guard Yard, he has continued to demonstrate remarkable conscientiousness. Mr. Railey's eagerness to troubleshoot accounting anomalies in any project is inspiring to each and every colleague.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. John Railey for achieving a remarkable milestone in his career. His dedication to the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Yard, and his fellow employees has made him a valuable asset to all throughout his 50 years of devoted service.