Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate NAVSYS Corporation for receiving the 2007 Tibbetts Award given in recognition of the successful Talon NAMATH Program. The Tibbetts Award, named for Roland Tibbetts, honors organizations, individuals, and small businesses who demonstrate achievement in the area of Small Business Innovation Research.

Located in my hometown of Colorado Springs, NAVSYS Corporation was founded in 1986 by Dr. Allison Brown. Since its inception, this company has sought to promote the use of Global Positioning System in a variety of applications, both commercial and military. The Talon NAMATH Program for which

NAVSYS received the Tibbetts Award has provided crucial support to our military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am proud to represent such an accomplished business and hope that this achievement by NAVSYS inspires other businesses in my district. Today, I offer my congratulations to NAVSYS and all those who worked so diligently on the Talon NAMATH Program. It is innovations by companies like this that will keep our country secure.

Madam Speaker, almost 5 months ago the House passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill. Eight weeks ago it passed the Senate.

I'm a member of both the Armed Services Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee; and I, like most Members of Congress, voted for the bill. It will provide funding to ensure our veterans receive their benefits in a timely fashion and will provide our troops with the resources necessary to keep America safe.

However, the Democrat leadership has failed to get this bill to the President's desk despite tremendous bipartisan support. It is sad that they are choosing to abuse their leadership position by playing politics with the needs

of our veterans and our servicemen and women.

This bill, were it to stand alone, would enjoy overwhelming bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. Yet, the Democrat leaders have failed, to this day, to appoint conferees to a conference on this bill. Instead, they joined it to a bloated Labor bill. These are the kinds of political games that disgust the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank both of my colleagues for organizing this time tonight in recognition of National Bible Week.

My own experience with the Bible began when I was an 18-year-old freshman at the University of Kansas in 1973. I was approached by some people who asked me if I knew what was in the Bible. I said I knew what it was all about. But then I had to admit I had never read it for myself. The only honest thing I could do at that point was to read the Bible for myself.

When I read the Gospel of John, I ended up discovering a personal relationship with Jesus Christ who became my Lord and Savior. In that gospel He says: I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.

Mr. Speaker, I don't know where in their spiritual journey people may be who are listening tonight, but I do know this: It is better to read the Bible for oneself and not just to take someone else's word for what is in it. For me, it made all of the difference in the world.

Madam Speaker I rise today to honor the elite airmen and women of the 302nd Airlift Wing, who are stationed at Peterson Air Force Base. These experienced reservists have again answered the call to duty by entering harm's way to support their fellow Americans in battling the raging fires in Southern California.

The 302nd launched two C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the sophisticated Modular Airborne Fire Fighting Systems to support massive emergency response efforts.

Maneuvering their C-130s dangerously close to the flames to help contain these violent fires, the battle-tested firefighting planes are led by aviators from the Forest Service.

The 302nd trains tirelessly in preparation for any situation and recruits only the finest, most experienced aircrews so as to ensure the best possible protection against loss of life to these fierce fires.

I recently accompanied the 302nd on a test run, and can honestly say that these men and women risk their lives each and every time they go up against a deadly fire.

I would like to thank the members of the 302nd Airlift Wing MAFFS crew, who helped save lives and property during these historic fires in Southern California: LTC David Condit, team leader; LTC Edward Strickland, director of operations; LTC Corey Steinbrink; LTC Harold Treffeisen; LTC Ronald Wilt; MAJ Robert Fairbanks; LTC Brian Thomas; SMSgt Kenneth Kunkel; MSgt Daniel Landers; TSgt Scott Agenbroad; MSgt Thomas Freeman; MSgt Darrell Biggs; TSgt Lamont Wood; SMSgt James Crain; TSgt Jimmy Felts; TSgt Steven Blaskowsky; SSgt Mark Shykes; SrA Allen Clutter; SSgt Michael McDonald; TSgt Brian McAmis; TSgt Steven Cisneros; SMSgt Glen Blackmann; MSgt Kenneth Lohle; TSgt Herbert Lehr; SSgt Yvonda Lefebvre; TSgt Kenneth Maness; MSgt Gerald Tuttle; MSgt Jose Gonzalez; MSgt Pamela Ammon.

These men and women are true heroes, who deserve to be recognized for their courage and bravery. It is my great honor to acknowledge their service to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize State Senator Ron May and the contributions he has made to my hometown of Colorado Springs and the State of Colorado during his 27 years as a public servant. Senator May, who has honorably represented the 10th Senate District of Colorado since 2001, will officially step down today, Wednesday, October 31, 2007. A principled, capable legislator and a likeable, good-natured man, Senator May will be sincerely missed by those who served with him in the State Capital, including myself, and the residents of Colorado Springs.

Senator May's lifelong dedication to public service began when he joined the Air Force in 1953. During his twenty-year military career, Senator May gained extensive knowledge in the areas of computer programming and technology. This training shaped his post-military career as he was a charter member of the United States Internet Council, and served on Colorado's Information Management Commission as well as the Multi-Use Network Service.

In the State legislature, Senator May's technological expertise was invaluable, as was his dedication to transportation infrastructure. Senator May worked tirelessly to create funding within the budget that was devoted solely to Colorado roadways, an action that demonstrated his commitment to responsible government spending.

Today I honor Senator May's selfless career and express my gratitude, as a resident of Colorado Springs, for the positive things he has done for our city, county, and State. He was a reliable vote for and a proponent of the conservative values upon which our country was founded. Although I am sad to see his public career come to an end, I know that we will continue to benefit from Senator May's legacy. I wish him and his wife, Onella, their fine children, and grandchildren, all the best in his new career and life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Major General Mark A. Graham who became Commanding General of First Army Division West and Fort Carson on September 14, 2007.

Major General Graham, who entered the Army in 1977 upon his graduation from Murray State University as a graduate of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, holds a bachelors degree from Murray State University, a Masters in Business Administration from Oklahoma City University, and a Masters of Science from National Defense University. Major General Graham is also a graduate of Field Artillery Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, United States Army Command and General Staff College, and National War College.

After attending United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1990, Major General Graham served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 2000, Major General Graham was appointed Commander, 3rd Battlefield Coordination Detachment in Korea and went on to serve as Executive Officer to the Commander-in- Chief, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea until July of 2003. Following this position, Major General Graham served as Chief of Staff for the United States Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and later as Deputy Commander and Assistant Commandant of the United States Army Field Artillery Center and School at Fort Sill. Most recently, Major General Graham was the Deputy Commanding General, Fifth United States Army at Fort Sam Houston in Texas.

During his distinguished career, Major General Graham has received numerous decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, a Bronze Star, a Meritorious Service Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters, a Joint Service Commendation, and an Army Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. It is an honor to welcome him to Fort Carson and the Fifth Congressional District of Colorado.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate General C. Robert Kehler being promoted General and becoming Commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base.

Prior to assuming command of AFSPC, General Kehler served as the Deputy Commander for U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. Entering the Air Force in 1975 upon his graduation from Pennsylvania State University as a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, General Kehler went on to graduate from missile operational readiness training. This area of expertise has enabled him to serve in various roles from missile crew, to instructor, to evaluator and in wing-level staff positions.

After completing an Air Staff Internship and tour at Strategic Air Command headquarters, General Kehler served in the Office of Legislative Liaison of the Secretary of the Air Force, a capacity in which he was the expert on Capitol Hill for issues regarding the ICBM Modernization Program. While serving on the Joint Staff, General Kehler aided in the overhaul of the nuclear war plan structure and targeting. In addition to his recent position as Director of National Security Space Integration for the Office of the Under Secretary of the Air Force, General Kehler was also the Deputy Director of Operations at Air Force Space Command at Peterson where he was Commander of the 21st Space Wing.

It is a pleasure to welcome General Kehler back to Colorado. I know that AFSPC will benefit tremendously from his capable leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for General Kevin P. Chilton's service as Commander of the Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base. During his time there, General Chilton commanded over 39,700 professionals responsible for providing North American Aerospace Defense command and U.S. Strategic Command with combat forces and capabilities. In addition to managing the development, acquisition and operation of the Air Force's missile and space systems, the General also supervised missile warning and launch facilities, satellite command and control, and America's intercontinental ballistic missile force.

Before coming to AFSPC, General Chilton served as Commander, 8th Air Force, and Joint Functional Component Commander for Space and Global Strike, U.S. Strategic Command. General Chilton, who graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1976, is a Guggenheim Fellow with a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from Columbia University. After graduating from U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in 1984 with the Liethen-Tittle Award for top graduate, General Chilton conducted weapons testing in models of F-4 and F-15. In 1987 he entered the National Aeronautics and Space Administration where he served as Deputy Program Manager for Operations for the International Space Station Program and flew on three space shuttle missions.

A capable leader, General Chilton has served on the Air Force Space Command Staff, the Joint Staff, the Air Staff and was the Commander of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing. His distinguished career has been marked by numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, and NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal.

I wish to offer my sincere appreciation to General Chilton for his dedicated service to our nation and his contributions to Air Force Space Command.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere gratitude for Major General Robert W. Mixon's service to Fort Carson as Commanding General of Division West, First Army and previously as Commander of the 7th Infantry Division.

Before coming to Fort Carson, Major General Mixon, a 1974 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, served as Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for Futures Center at the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia. He was also the Deputy Commanding General, Assistant Commandant, and Director of the Unit of Action Maneuver Battle Lab at Fort Knox as well as the Assistant Division Commander 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood.

Major General Mixon, an Armor Officer, has served in numerous capacities at the operations, planning and training levels including as Command of L Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Bad Hersfeld, Germany, Command of 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Bliss, Texas, and as Command of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Republic of Korea.

A distinguished graduate of the War College, Major General Mixon also holds a Masters of Arts in History from Rice University and was an Assistant Professor of History at West Point from 1982 until 1985.

As Major General Mixon prepares to retire from the U.S. Army, he departs with an impeccable record of nobility and leadership of the utmost distinction. Soldiers who served under his command will always remember him to be a soldier's general. I would like to offer my sincere appreciation for his commitment to defending our country and the invaluable contributions he has made to Fort Carson.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to recommit.

Yes, in its current form.

Mr. Speaker, the Wilderness Act is currently unclear as to when motorized access may be used for health and safety reasons in a wilderness area or in a wilderness study area.

This motion to recommit removes any ambiguity regarding the legality of responding to health and safety emergencies within the wilderness area designated by this bill.

Current law does not specifically authorize the use of motorized or mechanical equipment within wilderness areas in response to health and safety emergencies. The provision in the Wilderness Act dealing with health and safety issues is in parentheses and does not clearly define what types of motorized vehicles may be allowed for emergencies.

The fact is that health, safety, and fire concerns merit more than a single phrase in parentheses, as is the case in the Wilderness Act of 1964. There are 3,600 words in the Wilderness Act. A mere 15 words are devoted to health and safety.

The bill we are considering, H.R. 1011, designates 15,000 more wilderness acres than what the Forest Service recommended in the Jefferson National Forest. This is far more than what Forest Service professionals think is warranted. So the bigger the area, the bigger the potential fire, the harder it is to find a missing child, for instance, when an Amber Alert is issued.

We cannot stand by and risk even a single human life, which is why we must begin to update the law to state clearly that a wilderness designation does not stop motorized access from being used for emergencies. The current ambiguity in the language, which this motion to recommit fixes, is just simply unacceptable, Mr. Speaker.

This amendment does not threaten the wilderness designation. It just puts our priorities in the proper order. Human life must always be first.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Just briefly in response, I would like to say that the parenthetical phrase ``including measures required in emergencies'' is, I believe, unacceptably vague. It should not have to be the case where a Forest supervisor has to go get attorneys and call the lawyers to say, In this case, here's the situation: Is a boat okay or do we have to use horseback or can we go on foot? It's just simply not clear enough.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor to House Resolution 106.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to denounce the liberals' fraudulent attacks on Rush Limbaugh. Anyone who reads the widely available transcript as I have done sees that Mr. Limbaugh was appropriately referring to the pretenders who pose as medal winners or who falsely claim to have committed atrocities in Iraq when he used the phrase ``phony soldiers.''

No, the real scandal here is that liberals in America and here in this Congress are willing to manipulate facts to smear those they disagree with. But there's an even more insidious agenda by liberals going on and that is to reinstitute the so-called Fairness Doctrine, which is actually a way to silence conservatives on the radio waves. Mr. Limbaugh deserves mega-kudos for being a forceful and effective voice on the side of common sense and for being an example of the first amendment in action. After all, isn't that what our country is supposed to be about?

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and recognize the heroic actions of the Park County Sheriff's office, Jefferson County Sheriffs office, Platte Canyon Fire Department, and the Elk Creek Fire Department for their quick response to the hostage standoff that occurred at Platte Canyon High School on Wednesday, September 27, 2006.

On that morning at 11:40 a.m., a deranged man entered an English class, taking six students hostage at gunpoint. Over several terrifying and horrific hours, four were released. As the tense minutes dragged on, the officers knew that they had to act quickly if the remaining two girls were to be rescued.

Committed to saving the lives of these two young women, the Park County Sheriff gave the go ahead order and the officers charged into the classroom, unaware of what they would confront. Their courageous acts saved one young life, but the other was taken by a madman determined to kill.

The brutal and senseless murder of 16-year-old Emily Keyes devastated the mountain town. Home to around 7,650 Coloradans, Bailey is a tight- knit community where everyone knows one another, often by name. It is this bond that has provided solace for the town as it continues to heal and to grieve.

We cannot hope to understand what would motivate a person to commit such an evil and heartless act. Yet, as we remember the one-year anniversary of this senseless tragedy, and lament the tremendous losses suffered by the community of Bailey, we must also praise the courageous efforts of these first responders. The rapid and selfless actions of the police and fire departments almost surely precluded further loss of life, and for that the people of my district and the State of Colorado are grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Emily Keyes and the tragic event that touched the community of Bailey, Colorado, 1 year ago today.

That morning Emily and six of her classmates were taken hostage at gunpoint by a deranged man as they sat in

class at Platte Canyon High School. After several horrific hours, the gunman ended Emily's young and promising life. This act robbed the Keyes family of their precious daughter and the Bailey community of its tranquil security.

Emily was beloved by all who knew her. They described her as ``sweet,'' ``beautiful,'' and ``polite.'' A member of the volleyball, speech, and debate teams, this active, bright, and industrial girl exemplified the Bailey community.

She also possessed a beautiful soul, as was demonstrated by one of her final acts. In a moment fraught with terror, Emily chose to express love. This brave woman sent a text message to her father that read simply ``I love U guys.''

Following her death, Emily's family asked for ``random acts of kindness'' because, they said, ``there is no way to make sense of this and it is what Emily would have wanted.

This is the legacy for which Emily Keyes shall be remembered. And this is the memory that I rise to honor today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Specialist Dane R. Balcon, who passed away on September 5, 2007, in Balad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Balcon died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Dane's mother, Carla, resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and his father, John, lives in Miami, Florida.

From an early age, Dane dreamed of the opportunity to serve his country. His path to the military began at Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs, where he joined the Army ROTC program. The assistant principal at Sand Creek remembered Dane as an outstanding person and someone who had an absolute love for the military and serving his country. Immediately following graduation, Dane enlisted in the Army.

Specialist Balcon comes from a proud tradition of military service. Both his mother and father served in the military. I am grateful for their service and their selfless dedication to this great Nation.

Specialist Balcon was a remarkable soldier and a devoted son who honorably served the Nation he loved. Making the ultimate sacrifice, he died protecting our freedom and security.

I thank him, Specialist Dane R. Balcon, for his service to our country, and I offer my deepest, heartfelt condolences to his family.