Floor Statements

I rise today to recognize Viola Meekins and her lifetime of service to her community and to the State of Arkansas.

The life of Mrs. Meekins will be remembered in every corner of Arkansas County as well as in the halls of Upchurch and McRae High Schools in Prescott and by her classmates of Philander Smith College.

When Mrs. Meekins and her husband, George, first moved to Stuttgart in 1958, he became the principal of the former Holman School. Mrs. Meekins was the school's secretary as well as a teacher. After desegregation in 1971, the couple moved to Stuttgart High School. Even though Mrs. Meekins retired from teaching in 1989, her work in the community was just beginning. She spent countless hours volunteering at many places, including at the Holman Heritage Community Center. Upon the passing of her husband, George, Mrs. Meekins was appointed to fulfill his term on the quorum court and went on to serve for over 20 years.

In closing, I want to highlight the reason Mrs. Meekins sought a career as a teacher: to add value to the lives of the students and their families she taught. The life of Mrs. Meekins will live on, Mr. Speaker, and I hope that everyone who came in contact with Mrs. Meekins will honor her legacy by finding ways that they, too, can add value to the lives of those they come in contact with on a daily basis.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 742) to amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Commodity Exchange Act to repeal the indemnification requirements for regulatory authorities to obtain access to swap data required to be provided by swaps entities under such Acts.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the bill, H.R. 742.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I want to thank the cosponsors of this bill, especially Mr. Huizenga, Ms. Moore, and Mr. Maloney, for joining me in this bipartisan effort to help bring transparency to the global swap markets. While I may not agree with every provision of the Dodd-Frank law, today I believe we're working towards its bipartisan goal of giving the regulators the tools they need to improve systemic risk mitigation in the global financial markets.

I think everyone agrees that the lack of transparency in the over- the-counter derivatives markets escalated the financial crisis of 2008. In order to provide market transparency, the Dodd-Frank law requires post-trade reporting to swap data repositories, or SDRs, so that regulators and market participants have access to realtime market data that help identify systemic risk in the financial system. So far we have made great strides in reaching this goal, but unfortunately a provision in the law threatens to undermine our progress unless we fix it.

Currently, Dodd-Frank includes a provision requiring a foreign regulator to indemnify a U.S.-based SDR for any expenses arising from litigation relating to a request for market data. Unlike the rest of the world, the concept of indemnification is only established within U.S. tort law. As a result, foreign regulators have been reluctant to comply with this provision, and international regulatory coordination is being thwarted.

While the intent of the provision was to protect market confidentiality, in practice it threatens to fragment global data on swap markets. Foreign regulators would be forced to create their own SDRs, resulting in a fragmented global data framework where regulators would be unable to see a complete picture of the marketplace. Without effective coordination between international regulators and SDRs, monitoring and mitigating global systemic risk is severely limited.

H.R. 742 fixes this problem by removing the indemnification provisions in Dodd-Frank. This legislation has broad bipartisan support and was unanimously approved by the House Agriculture Committee in March and the House Financial Services Committee in May. Additionally, last year, the SEC testified to the Financial Services Committee that a legislative solution was needed, saying:

In removing the indemnification requirement, Congress would

assist the SEC, as well as other regulators, in securing the

access it needs to data held in global trade repositories.

Many other U.S. and foreign regulators have echoed these same sentiments.

If left unresolved, the indemnification provision in Dodd-Frank has the potential to effectively reduce transparency in the over-the- counter derivatives markets and undo the great progress already being made through the cooperative efforts of more than 50 regulators worldwide. In passing this legislation, we will ensure that regulators will have access to a global set of swap market data, which is essential to maintaining the highest degree of market transparency and risk mitigation.

I strongly urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the lead cosponsor in Financial Services on this bill, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga).

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume just to simply say that by passing and enacting H.R. 742, it would send a clear message to the international community that the United States is strongly committed to global data sharing and is determined to avoid fragmenting the current global data set for over- the-counter derivatives.

I urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 742, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia.

I again urge a ``yes'' vote on H.R. 742 and yield back the balance of my time.

I thank the gentleman from California for his leadership on this issue and for the opportunity to allow me to speak in support of H.R. 1038, the Public Power Risk Management Act of 2013.

This is a good, bipartisan piece of legislation that would simply allow producers, utility companies, and other nonfinancial entities to continue entering into energy swaps with government-owned utilities, also known as utility special entities, without requiring them to register with the CFTC as a swap dealer solely because of their dealings with government-owned utilities.

As a group, public power utilities deliver electricity to one in seven of every electric customers in the United States, over 47 million people--certainly some in major metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, San Antonio, Seattle, and Orlando--but the vast majority of public power companies serve communities with populations of 10,000 people or less.

H.R. 1038 will place utility special entities on a level-playing field with everyone else in the marketplace, allowing many of them to keep the same swap counterparties they have used to manage risk for years. Utility special entities should be allowed to keep using swaps to help manage their risk related to the generation of electricity or production of natural gas. To hinder these utilities' ability to manage risk would only increase their costs and possibly lead to higher energy rates for millions of Americans, an unacceptable result during a period of tremendous economic uncertainty.

Madam Speaker, I urge passage of H.R. 1038 and urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following:

[Researched by SGM Mike R. Vining, USA Retired]

This is a list of Army Bomb Disposal/Explosive Ordnance

Disposal deaths involving either training, performing bomb

disposal duties, or involvement in combat or post combat

operations regardless of duty assignment at the time of death

or illness resulting in death.

American Battle Monuments Commission--WWII: All the below

profiles marked with (*) are listed on this website. Type in

their last name [leave a space] first name and hit the search

button.

American Battle Monuments Commission--Korea: All the below

profiles marked with (+) are listed on this website. Type in

their last name [leave a space] first name and hit the search

button.

1. PVT C.E. Mullenix was killed on 15 May 1943. A report

from the 10th Bomb Disposal Squad states that on 15 May 1943,

PVT C. E. Mullenix was killed by an explosion during training

at Aberdeen, Maryland. 2LT Jesse F. Donovan and PVT D. J.

Kueter were also injured in the same accident. 2LT Donovan

and PVT Kueter were briefly hospitalized and released. It is

believed by a roommate of PVT Mullenix that they were on a

work detail to move unstable WWI artillery rounds. No other

details given. This information was provided by LTC Robert

Leiendecker, USA (Retired) with additional information

provided by Dr. Jeffrey M. Leatherwood, Ph.D.

2. PFC Laurence C. Paystrup was killed and SGT Ira Wiggins

was mortally wounded on 26 May 1943. SGT Wiggins died from

his

wounds on 27 May 1943. PFC Paystrup and SGT Wiggins were

assigned to the 2nd Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. Their

deaths were the result of five M9A1 anti-tank rifle grenades

falling from a truck and detonating at Speitla, Tunisia.

Additional Facts: Born: 6 July 1919; Age: 23; Home State:

Utah; Buried: Levan Cemetery, Levan, Utah.

Find-A-Grave--PFC Paystrup

3. SGT Ira Wiggins was mortally wounded and PFC Laurence C.

Paystrup were killed and on 26 May 1943. SGT Wiggins died

from his wounds on 27 May 1943. SGT Wiggins and PFC Paystrup

were assigned to the 2nd Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. Their

deaths were the result of five M9A1 anti-tank rifle grenades

falling from a truck and detonating at Speitla, Tunisia.

4. CPT Frederick Harrison ``Harrison'' Dillon and 1LT

Steven ``Steve'' Todorovich, Jr. were presumed killed on 10

October 1943. CPT Dillon and 1LT Todorovich were assigned to

the 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company (Provisional). CPT

Dillon was commander of the 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal

Company (Provisional). CPT Dillon and 1LT Tordorvich were

listed as passenger onboard a North American B-25C Mitchell

bomber (Serial Number 42-6451) that departed at 1420 hours,

10 October 1943. The aircraft was armed with only seven .50

caliber machineguns. The aircraft was flying a ``ferry''

route between Algiers, Algeria and Tunis, Tunisia when the

aircraft disappeared and presumed crashed somewhere in the

Mediterranean Sea. Algiers was the Headquarters for Allied

Forces in North Africa and it is assumed that CPT Dillon and

1LT Todorovich were traveling on official bomb disposal

business. CPT Dillon and 1LT Todorovich were likely scheduled

to make a connecting flight from Tunis to Naples, Italy. At

the time of their disappearance their duty location was

Palermo, Sicily. Despite investigations by the Army Air

Force, neither wreckage, nor remains have been recovered. CPT

Dillon is listed as missing-in-action, non-battle casualty.

Also listed as missing in action on the flight is the pilot

1LT Herbert L. Hastings, copilot 2LT Ray Brown Lobdell, and

crew chief S/Sgt William B. Brezee of 379th Bomber Squadron,

310th Bomber Group, Medium, 12th Air Force, and a third

passenger CPT Lewis T. Stoneburner III, Medical Corps, 45th

General Hospital.

Note: The 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company

(Provisional) had five killed-in-actions, four officers and

one enlisted, but no names, dates, or circumstances.

Source Documents: Missing Air Crew Report No. 1102, 27

October 1943 and Routine Casualty Report No. 26121, 21

November 1943. Dr. Jeffrey M. Leatherwood, Ph.D. was

instrumental in obtaining these documents and conducting this

research. Additional information was provided by Ed Dillon,

Major USAF (Retired), a cousin of CPT F.H. Dillon.

Additional Facts: Service Number: O1548195; Born: February

1918, Utica, New York, Age: 25; Home State: New York;

Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at Sicily-Rome American

Cemetery and Memorial, Nettuno, Italy (*).

Find-A-Grave--CPT Dillon

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``D''

5. 1LT Steven ``Steve'' Todorovich, Jr. and CPT Frederick

Harrison ``Harrison'' Dillon were presumed killed on 10

October 1943. CPT Dillon and 1LT Todorovich were assigned to

the 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company (Provisional). 1LT

Todorovich was commander of the 1st Platoon of the 235th

Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company (Provisional). 1LT Tordorvich

and CPT Dillon were listed as passenger onboard a North

American B-25C Mitchell bomber (Serial Number 42-6451) that

departed at 1420 hours, 10 October 1943. The aircraft was

armed with only seven .50 caliber machineguns. The aircraft

was flying a ``ferry'' route between Algiers, Algeria and

Tunis, Tunisia when the aircraft disappeared and presumed

crashed somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea. Algiers was the

Headquarters for Allied Forces in North Africa and it is

assumed that 1LT Todorovich and CPT Dillon were traveling on

official bomb disposal business. 1LT Todorovich and CPT

Dillon were likely scheduled to make a connecting flight from

Tunis to Naples, Italy. At the time of their disappearance

their duty location was Palermo, Sicily. Despite

investigations by the Army Air Force, neither wreckage, nor

remains have been recovered. At the time of their

disappearance their duty location was Palermo, Sicily. 1LT

Todorovich is listed as missing-in-action, non-battle

casualty. Also listed as missing in action on the flight is

the pilot 1LT Herbert L. Hastings, copilot 2LT Ray Brown

Lobdell, and crew chief S/Sgt William B. Brezee of 379th

Bomber Squadron, 310th Bomber Group, Medium, 12th Air Force,

and a third passenger CPT Lewis T. Stoneburner III, Medical

Corps, 45th General Hospital.

Note: The 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company

(Provisional) had five killed-in-actions, four officers and

one enlisted, but no names, dates, or circumstances.

Source Documents: Missing Air Crew Report No. 1102, 27

October 1943 and Routine Casualty Report No. 26121, 21

November 1943. Dr. Jeffrey M. Leatherwood, Ph.D. was

instrumental in obtaining these documents and conducting this

research. Additional information was provided by Ed Dillon,

Major USAF (Retired), a cousin of CPT F.H. Dillon.

Additional Facts: Service Number: O1550517; Home State:

Maryland; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at Sicily-Rome

American Cemetery and Memorial, Nettuno, Italy (*).

Find-A-Grave--1LT Todorovich

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``T''

6. T/5 CPL Herbert M. Paszotta was killed on 11 November

1943. T/5 CPL Paszotta was assigned to the 1st Ordnance Bomb

Disposal Squad. T/5 CPL Paszotta died from injuries he

received in an accident involving two trucks in the vicinity

of Paestum, Italy.

Note: From LTC Bob Leiendecker, USA (Retied): I have a

document that lists a T/5 Panzota as one of the original

members of the 1st Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad when it was

activated on 17 February 1943. Then another document says,

quote, ``CPL Herbert Pazsotta was killed in an accident

today. His loss is keenly felt by members of both squads,''

end quote. That entry was on 11 November 1943.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 35369347; Home State:

Indiana; Buried: Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial,

Nettuno, Italy, Plot: C, Row: 6, Grave: 46 (*).

Find-A-Grave T/5 CPL Paszotta

7. T/5 CPL Philip J. Zore was killed on 20 May 1944. T/5

CPL Zore was assigned to the 142nd Ordnance Bomb Disposal

Squad.

Note: From LTC Robert Leiendecker, USA (Retired): I have a

copy of the History of the 142nd Bomb Disposal Squad for May

1944 and I will quote the entry in it. Members of the squad

were at a farewell dance for members of the 235th Ordnance

Bomb Disposal Company (Provisional) that had been

deactivated. T15 CPL Zore had been chosen from the 235th

Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company (Provisional) along with

others to be a charter member of the new 142nd Ordnance Bomb

Disposal Squad. The dance was in honor of those that had not

been placed in squads and would be soon departing. The date

for the dance was 19 May 1944 and arrangements were made to

have (chaperoned) Woman Army Corps (WACs) personnel on hand

along with several Italian women (Signorinas).

142nd Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad history: Quote, ``At the

conclusion of the dance the drivers prepared their 6x6's for

the taxi service afforded the Signorinas. The girls were

taken home and the drivers returned. T15 CPL Zore, one of the

designated drivers, asked for special permission to escort

his (new girl) friend home and it was granted. Although much

of the mystery has not been cleared, whether it was foul play

or just accidental, Zore's body was found afloat (in a pond)

not far from the home of his (girl) friend the following

morning. Since the victim was one of the author's closest

friends he has chosen not to dwell on the subject any more

than possible, but he feels his death should be recorded in

our history as a memorial to his friendship'' unquote. Zore's

vehicle was not found. One of Zore's buddies identified his

corpse, and remembered this puzzling incident long afterward.

Note: The 235th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company

(Provisional) had five killed-in-actions, four officers and

one enlisted, but no names, dates, or circumstances.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 36252406; Home State:

Wisconsin; Buried: Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and

Memorial, Nettuno, Italy, Plot: F, Row: 3, Grave: 36 (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Zore

8. T/5 CPL Norman Reynolds and PVT Joseph T. Seredinski

were presumed killed on 17 August 1944. T/5 CPL Reynolds and

PVT Seredinski were assigned to the 4th Platoon, 234th

Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company. They were involved in an

explosion at an ammunition storage dump. T15 CPL Reynolds and

PVT Seredinski are listed as missing-in-action.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 31135327; Home State:

Massachusetts; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at Normandy

American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, France

(*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Reynolds

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``R''

9. PVT Joseph T. Seredinski and T/5 CPL Norman Reynolds

were presumed killed on 17 August 1944. PVT Seredinski and T/

5 CPL Reynolds were assigned to the 4th Platoon, 234th

Ordnance Bomb Disposal Company. They were involved in an

explosion at an ammunition storage dump. PVT Seredinski and

T/5 CPL Ryenolds are listed as missing-in-action.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 33333852; Home State:

Pennsylvania; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at Normandy

American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, France

(*).

Find-A-Grave--PVT Seredinski

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``S''

10. T/SGT James H. Eberle was killed on 23 August 1944. T/

SGT Eberle was assigned to the 151st Ordnance Bomb Disposal

Squad. T/SGT Eberle was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart

Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 36071153; Home State:

Illinois; Buried: Florence American Cemetery and Memorial,

Florence, Italy, Plot: F, Row: 8, Grave: 28 (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/SGT Eberle

11. T/5 CPL Elmer L. Allison and T/5 CPL Joseph Kozic were

killed on 16 October 1944. T/5 CPL Allison and T/5 CPL Kozic

were assigned to the 134th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. They

were involved in a minefield accident.

12. T/5 CPL Joseph Kozic and T/5 CPL Elmer L. Allison were

killed on 16 October 1944. T/5 CPL Kozic and T/5 CPL Allison

were assigned to the 134th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. They

were involved in a minefield accident.

13. T/SGT Joseph Michel, Jr. and T/5 CPL Paul F. Tyler were

killed on 7 January 1945. T/SGT Michel and T/5 CPL Tyler were

assigned to the 45th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. They were

killed during enemy action.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 12061912; Home State: New

York; Buried: Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, St.

Avold, France, Plot: B, Row: 14, Grave: 47. Find-A-Grave--T/

SGT Michel

14. T/5 CPL Paul F. Tyler and T/SGT Joseph Michel, Jr. were

killed on 7 January 1945. T/5 CPL Tyler and T/SGT Michel were

assigned to the 45th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. They were

killed during enemy action.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 32305466; Home State: New

Jersey; Buried: Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, St.

Avold, France, Plot: C, Row: 18, Grave: 96. Find-A-Grave--T/5

CPL Tyler

15. SGT John H. Baxley was killed on 1 February 1945

according to Army historical bomb disposal records. SGT

Baxley was assigned to the 30th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad

(Separate) in Belgium. SGT Baxley was killed while attempting

to inert a dangerous German anti-tank projectile near

Verviers, Belgium.

Additional Facts: Born: 14 November 1921; Age: 23; Home

State: New York; Buried: Long Island National Cemetery,

Farmingdale, New York; Plot: J, 0, 13806.

Find-A-Grave--SGT John H. Baxley

16. CPT Bernard E. Anderson was mortally injured on 13

January 1945 and died from wounds on 26 February 1945. CPT

Anderson was assigned to the 48th Ordnance Bomb Disposal

Squad (Separate). His death was listed as a non-battle

casualty.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 01556832; Home State:

Maryland; Burial: Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial,

Coton, England, Plot: F, Row: 6, Grave 125. Find-A-Grave--CPT

Anderson

Note: According to LTC Robert E. ``Bob'' Leiendecker, USA

(Retired) records, in March 1945, two members of the 234th

Ordnance Service Platoon (Bomb Disposal) were killed near

Heming, France when the unit's truck loaded with hazardous

and unserviceable German ammunition exploded.

17. SGT Ernest P. Smith, Jr. and T/5 CPL Joseph V. Tabone

were killed on 12 March 1945. SGT Smith and T/5 Tabone were

assigned to the 177th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. SGT Smith

was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 34787310; Home State:

Florida; Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial,

Manila, Philippines, Plot: D, Row: 4, Grave: 112 (*).

Find-A-Grave--SGT Smith

18. T/5 CPL Joseph V. Tabone and SGT Ernest P. Smith, Jr.

were killed on 12 March 1945. T/5 Tabone and SGT Smith were

assigned to the 177th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad. T/5 CPL

Tabone was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 32789265; Home State: New

York; Buried: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila,

Philippines, Plot: A, Row: 10, Grave: 63 (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Tabone

19. T/5 CPL Dallas Harold Factor and an unknown member of

the squad were killed on 14 March 1945. T/5 CPL Factor and

the other squad member were assigned to the 26th Ordnance

Bomb Disposal Squad. T/5 CPL Factor and the other squad

member were killed in action by mines while working near

Samres, in the Ardennes (Belgium and Luxembourg region). This

is formation was provided by SGM James Ferris, USA (Retired).

His grave marker states that he was killed on 14 November

1945.

Additional Facts: Born: 19 August 1909, Mount Sterling,

Illinois; Age: 35; Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa; Buried: Quincy

National Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois, Plot: Section: B, 112C.

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Factor

Note: A report from the 26th Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad

states that on 14 March 1945 two members of the squad were

killed in action by mines while working in the Ardennes

(Belgium and Luxembourg region). Now one of the names is

known. This information was provided by LTC Robert

Leiendecker, USA (Retired).

20. T/5 CPL Harold L. Pinkham, PFC Leo E. Gonshor, PFC

Robert E. Inman, and PVT Edward R. Morris were killed on 17

March 1945. T/5 CPL Pinkham, PFC Gonshor, PFC Inman, and PVT

Morris were assigned to the 232nd Ordnance Service Platoon

(Bomb Disposal). T/5 CPL Pinkham was posthumously awarded the

Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 31133783; Home State:

Massachusetts; Buried: Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and

Memorial, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, Plot: F, Row: 6, Grave:

59(*)

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Pinkham

21. PFC Leo E. Gonshor, T/5 CPL Harold L. Pinkham, PFC

Robert E. Inman, and PVT Edward R. Morris were killed on 17

March 1945. PFC Gonshor, T/5 CPL Pinkham, PFC Inman, and PVT

Morris were assigned to the 232nd Ordnance Service Platoon

(Bomb Disposal). PFC Gonshor was posthumously awarded the

Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number 33354443; Home State:

Pennsylvania; Buried: Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and

Memorial, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, Plot: E, Row: 6, Grave: 28

(*).

Find-A-Grave--PFC Gonshor

22. PFC Robert E. Inman, T/5 CPL Harold L. Pinkham, PFC Leo

E. Gonshor, and PVT Edward R. Morris were killed on 17 March

1945. PFC Inman, T/5 CPL Pinkham, PFC Gonshor, and PVT Morris

were assigned to the 232nd Ordnance Service Platoon (Bomb

Disposal). PFC Inman was posthumously awarded the Purple

Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 35332453; Home State:

Ohio; Buried: Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial,

Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, Plot: E, Row: 1, Grave: 53 (*).

Find-A-Grave--PFC Inman

23. PVT Edward R. Morris, T/5 CPL Harold L. Pinkham, PFC

Leo E. Gonshor and PFC Robert E. Inman were killed on 17

March 1945. PVT Morris, T/5 CPL Pinkham, PFC Gonshor and PFC

Inman were assigned to the 232nd Ordnance Service Platoon

(Bomb Disposal). PVT Morris was posthumously awarded the

Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 35292391; Home State:

West Virginia; Buried: Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and

Memorial, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium, Plot: H, Row: 5, Grave: 65

(*).

Find-A-Grave--PVT Morris

Note: According to LTC Robert E. ``Bob'' Leiendecker, USA

(Retired) records, a member of the 234th Ordnance Service

Platoon (Bomb Disposal) was injured on 13 April 1945. He was

admitted to the 51st Evacuation Hospital where he died the

following day (14 April 1945) of acute cardiac failure.

24. T/5 CPL Roscoe I. Moore and T/5 CPL Dean A. Shoulders

were killed on 18 March 1945. T/5 CPL Moore and T/5 CPL

Shoulders were assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Bomb Disposal

Squad (Separate). Their deaths were recorded to had taken

place in Germany (no exact location and circumstances are

given). This information was provided by LTC Robert

Leiendecker, USA (Retired).

Additional Facts: Born: 29 May 1921; Age: 23; Service

Number: 39618122; MOS 924; Home State: Petroleum County,

Montana; Buried: Custer National Cemetery, Crow Agency, Big

Horn County, Montana; Section: D; Site: 69; Remains

transferred from Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial,

Margraten, Netherlands and reinterred on 9 December 1948.

Find-A-Grave--T/5 Moore

Genealogy Trails--WWII--T/5 Moore

25. T/5 CPL Dean A. Shoulders and T/5 CPL Roscoe I. Moore

were killed on 18 March 1945. T/5 CPL Shoulders and T/5 CPL

Moore were assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Bomb Disposal Squad

(Separate). Their deaths were recorded to had taken place in

Germany (no exact location and circumstances are given). This

information was provided by LTC Robert Leiendecker, USA

(Retired).

Additional Facts: Service Number: 32757002; MOS 924;

Hometown: National Park, New Jersey.

National Park WWII Memorial--National Park NJ--T/5 Shoulders

Note: On 13 April 1945 a bomb disposal technician died in a

hospital of cardiac failure, while on an incident. The

technician was a member of the 234th Ordnance Service Platoon

(Bomb Disposal). This information was provided by LTC Robert

Leiendecker, USA (Retired).

26. T/SGT Landon H. Chambers was killed on 16 April 1945.

T/SGT Chambers was assigned to the 160th Ordnance Bomb

Disposal Squad. T/SGT Chambers was posthumously awarded the

Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 18187385; Born: 13

October 1922, Galveston, Texas; Age: 22; Home State: Texas;

Buried: Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial,

Margraten, Netherlands, Plot: I, Row: 7, Grave: 2 (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/SGT Chambers

27. T/5 CPL Merle W. Fry was presumed killed on 18 April

1945. T/5 CPL Fry was assigned to the 92nd Ordnance (Bomb

Disposal) Squad. T/5 CPL Fry was assigned to the same unit

and presumed killed on the same date as CPT George C. Sarauw,

2LT Arthur J. Zellmer, T/SGT Francis H. Zurn, and T/5 CPL

Elmer J. Craddock were killed, and T/5 CPL Raymond J. Rondeau

was presumed killed. They are listed on the EOD Memorial. The

unit was participating in the assault landing on le Jima

(also called le Shima), Okinawa when their vehicle detonated

a landmine. T/5 CPL Fry is listed as missing-in-action. T/5

CPL Fry was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 13060083; Home State: New

York; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at National Memorial

Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl National Cemetery),

Honolulu, Hawaii (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Fry

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``F''

28. T/SGT Sam A. McCleneghan was killed on 1 May 1945. T/

SGT McCleneghan was assigned to the 125th Ordnance (Bomb

Disposal) Squad. T/SGT McCleneghan was posthumously awarded

the Purple Heart Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 37703570; Home State:

Colorado; Buried: Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial,

Margraten, Netherlands, Plot: J, Row: 2, Grave: 13 (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/SGT McCleneghan

29. T/5 CPL George C. Miller was presumed killed on 6 May

1945. T/5 CPL Miller was assigned to the 234th Ordnance

Service Platoon (Bomb Disposal). T/5 Miller is listed as

missing-in-action.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 35381016; Home State:

Ohio; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American

Cemetery and Memorial, Cambridge, England (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Miller

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``M''

30. T/SGT Earl R. Colebaugh, T/5 CPL Clement E. Berger, and

T/5 CPL Robert H. Falkenheim were killed on 9 May 1945. T/SGT

Colebaugh, T/5 CPL Berger, and T/5 CPL Falkenheim were

assigned to the 123rd Ordnance (Bomb Disposal) Squad, Third

Army. T/SGT Colebaugh, T/5 CPL Berger, and T/5 CPL Falkenheim

were killed in Czechoslovakia, while disposing of ammunition.

T/SGT Colebaugh was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart

Medal. Medals: Army of Occupation--Europe Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 36775329; Home State:

Illinois; Buried: Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial,

Saint Avold, Lorraine Region, France, Plot: J, Row: 36,

Grave: 13 (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/SGT Colebaugh

31. T/5 CPL Robert H. Falkenheim, T/SGT Earl R. Colebaugh,

and T/5 CPL Clement E. Berger and were killed on 9 May 1945.

T/5 CPL Falkenheim, T/SGT Colebaugh, and T/5 CPL Berger were

assigned to the 123rd Ordnance (Bomb Disposal) Squad, Third

Army. T/5 CPL Falkenheim, T/SGT Colebaugh, and T/5 CPL Berger

were killed in Czechoslovakia, while disposing of ammunition.

T/5 CPL Falkenheim was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart

Medal. Medals: Army of Occupation--Europe Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 6831089; Home State:

Illinois; Buried: Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial,

Saint Avold, Lorraine Region, France, Plot: E, Row: 20,

Grave: 35 (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Falkenheim

32. T/5 CPL Clement E. Berger, T/SGT Earl R. Colebaugh, and

T/5 CPL Falkenheim were killed on 9 May 1945. T/5 CPL Berger,

T/SGT Colebaugh, and T/5 CPL Falkenheim were assigned to the

123rd Ordnance (Bomb Disposal) Squad, Third Army. T/5 CPL

Berger, T/SGT Colebaugh, and T/5 Falkenheim were killed in

Czechoslovakia, while disposing of ammunition. T/5 CPL Berger

was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Medals: Army

of Occupation--Europe Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 42028085; Home State: New

York; Buried: Lorraine American Cemetery and Memorial, Saint

Avold, Lorraine Region, France, Plot: J, Row: 4, Grave: 8

(*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Berger

33. 1LT Hugh C. W. Huntley was presumed killed on 24 May

1945. 1LT Huntley was a Flight Engineer assigned to U.S. Army

Air Force's XXI Command, 874th Bomber Squadron, 498th Bomber

Group, Very Heavy. 1LT Huntley's B-29-65-BW bomber (#44-

69852) ``Filthy Fay III'' (call sign T SQ 26, tail code 26)

departed Saipan on 24 May 1945, on an incendiary bombing

mission over South Tokyo, Japan, as part of Mission 181

during night of 23-24 May. Five hundred and twenty of 562 B-

29's sent against Tokyo bomb an urban-industrial area south

of the Imperial Palace along the west side of the harbor;

five other B-29's hit targets of opportunity. Seventeen B-

29's are lost. This is the largest number of B-29's

participating in a single mission during World War II. The

bomber went missing on 24 May 1945, between Tokyo and the

Marinas. There were 11 crewmembers and one passenger aboard

the bomber; pilot MAJ Virgil Olds, copilot 2LT Allan W.

Rutter, navigator 1LT John Pobicky, Jr., bombardier, CPT

Leonard S. Ringo, radio operator S/Sgt Russell D. Faull,

radio operator T/Sgt Richard J. Strand, central fire control

gunner S/Sgt Glenn M. Flanigan, left gunner S/Sgt Wibur C.

Connatser, right gunner Sgt Joseph S. Baniewicz, tail gunner

S/Sgt Arthur E. Horn, and passenger CPT Frederick J. Miller.

They are listed as missing in action on 25 May 1945. 1LT

Huntley was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and Air Medal with

three Oak Leaf Clusters. 1LT Huntley was a graduate of Army's

Bomb Disposal School. This information was provided by LTC

Robert Leiendecker, USA (Retired). Missing Air Crew Report

(MACR) Number 14491.

Additional Facts: Service Number (enlisted): 20949939;

Service Number (officer): O1550626 Born: 1918; Hometown:

Laramie, Wyoming; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl National

Cemetery), Honolulu, Hawaii. Missing Air Crew Report Number--

1LT Huntley

POW and MIA--1LT Huntley

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army Air Forces ``H''

34. LT Alter was killed on 11 June 1945. LT Alter was

assigned to the 213th Ordnance (Bomb Disposal) Squad. LT

Alter was killed, while attempting to render safe a U.S.

depth bomb.

35. T/5 CPL Robert S. Dearing, Jr. was presumed killed on

10 July 1945. T/5 CPL Dearing was assigned to the 104th

Ordnance (Bomb Disposal) Squad. T/5 CPL Dearing is listed as

missing-in-action. T/5 CPL Dearing was posthumously awarded

the Soldier's Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 34705111; Born: 23

February 1924; Age: 20; Home State: Alabama; Memorial:

Tablets of the Missing at National Memorial Cemetery of the

Pacific (Punchbowl National Cemetery), Honolulu, Hawaii (*);

Buried: Wislon-Nooe Cemetery, Franklin County, Alabama.

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Dearing (1)

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Dearing (2)

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``D''

36. T/5 CPL Lester W. Hambly was presumed killed on 10 July

1945. T/5 CPL Hambly was assigned to the 97th Ordnance (Bomb

Disposal) Squad. T/5 CPL Hambly was last known working in the

squad's ammunition holding area. T/5 CPL Hambly is listed as

missing-inaction.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 39696955; Home State:

California; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at National

Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl National

Cemetery), Honolulu, Hawaii (*).

Find-A-Grave--T/5 CPL Hambly

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``H''

37. PFC David W. Ekvall, PFC Andrew Fahrenbach, Jr., PFC

James A. Linton, and PFC Frank T. Sowers were presumed killed

on 30 December 1945. PFC Ekvall, PFC Fahrenbach, PFC Linton,

and PFC Sowers were assigned to the 93rd Ordnance (Bomb

Disposal) Squad. They were assigned to the same unit and were

all presumed killed on the same date as 2LT Leonard K.

Tundermann. 2LT Tundennan is on the EOD Memorial. 2LT

Thundermann was presumed killed while disposing of Japanese

bombs in the area of Yonan, Korea. PFC Ekvall is listed as

missing-in-action. Medals: Army of Occupation--Far East

Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 36904368; Home State:

Illinois; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at Manila American

Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines (*).

Find-A-Grave--PFC Ekvall

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``E''

38. PFC Andrew Fahrenbach, Jr., PFC David W. Ekvall, PFC

James A. Linton, and PFC Frank T. Sowers were presumed killed

on 30 December 1945. PFC Fahrenbach, PFC Ekvall, PFC Linton,

and PFC Sowers were assigned to the 93rd Ordnance (Bomb

Disposal) Squad. They were assigned to the same unit and were

all presumed killed on the same date as 2LT Leonard K.

Tundermann. 2LT Tunderman is on the EOD Memorial. 2LT

Thundermann was presumed killed while disposing of Japanese

bombs in the area of Yonan, Korea. PFC Fahrenbach is listed

as missing-in-action. Medals: Army of Occupation--Far East

Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 42162339; Home State: New

York; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at National Memorial

Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl National Cemetery),

Honolulu, Hawaii (*).

Find-A-Grave--PFC Fahrenbach

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``F''

39. PFC James Albert Linton, PFC David W. Ekvall, PFC

Andrew Fahrenbach, Jr., and PFC Frank T. Sowers were presumed

killed on 30 December 1945. PFC Linton, PFC Ekvall, PFC

Fahrenbach, and PFC Sowers were assigned to the 93rd Ordnance

(Bomb Disposal) Squad. They were assigned to the same unit

and were all presumed killed on the same date as 2LT Leonard

K. Tundermann. 2LT Tunderman is on the EOD Memorial. 2LT

Thundermann was presumed killed while disposing of Japanese

bombs in the area of Yonan, Korea. PFC Linton is listed as

missing-in-action. Medals: Army of Occupation--Far East

Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 44024965; Born: 15

September 1926; Age: 19; Home State: Georgia; Memorial:

Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery and

Memorial, Manila, Philippines (*); Buried: Oakland Cemetery,

Waycross, Georgia.

Find-A-Grave--PFC Linton (1)

Find-A-Grave--PFC Linton (2)

Defense POW and MIA--Army WWII ``L''

40. PFC Frank T. Sowers, PFC David W. Ekvall, PFC Andrew

Fahrenbach, Jr., and PFC James A. Linton were presumed killed

on 30 December 1945. PFC Sowers, PFC Ekvall, PFC Fahrenbach,

and PFC Linton were assigned to the 93rd Ordnance (Bomb

Disposal) Squad. They were assigned to the same unit and were

all presumed killed on the same date as 2LT Leonard K.

Tundermann. 2LT Tunderman is on the EOD Memorial. 2LT

Thundermann was presumed killed while disposing of Japanese

bombs in the area of Yonan, Korea. PFC Sowers in listed as

missing-in-action. PFC Sowers was posthumously awarded the

Bronze Star Medal. Medals: Army of Occupation--Far East

Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 35241397; Home State:

Ohio; Memorial: Tablets of the Missing at Manila American

Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines (*).

Find-A-Grave--PFC Sowers

Defense POW and MIA Office--WWII Army ``S''

Note: According to the ``European Theater of Operations

(ETO) Bomb Disposal History,'' pp. 34-35: Forty-three bomb

disposal personnel were killed and 68 were injured in the

line of duty, excluding losses during combat. The Explosive

Ordnance Disposal Memorial lists only 32 Army bomb disposal

personnel lost their lives in the European Theater of

Operations during World War Two. This list adds 28 killed in

the ETO and ten killed in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

Note: In October of 1946, four men from the 87th Ordnance

(Bomb Disposal) Squad, IX Air Force Command were killed

during an explosion in an ammunition storage area near

Bremerhaven, Germany. Additionally, two men from the 87th

Ordnance Service Squad (Bomb Disposal) were injured and four

German prisoners of war that were assisting the squad were

killed in the explosion.

41. SGT Doroteo Reyes was killed on 30 May 1947. SGT Reyes

was a squad leader assigned to the 77th Ordnance Bomb

Disposal Squad (Philippine Scouts). SGT Reyes was in a motor

vehicle accident and died from his injuries, which occurred

at 1400 hours, Caba, La Union, Philippines.

42. SFC Thomas L. McDonough and PFC Paul Royal Seymour were

killed on 6 September 1950. SFC McDonough and PFC Seymour

were assigned to the 1st Ordnance Bomb Disposal Detachment,

1st Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company, 8th Army. SFC

McDonough and PFC Seymour were killed-in-action while

fighting the enemy in South Korea. SFC McDonough was

posthumously awarded the Purple Heart Medal. He also received

the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal,

the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential

Unit Citation, and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: RA33153496; MOS: 1942;

Born: 1917; Hometown: Washington, Pennsylvania (+).

Korean War Project Remembrance--SFC McDonough

43. PFC Paul Royal Seymour and SFC Thomas L. McDonough were

killed on 6 September 1950. PFC Seymour and SFC McDonough

were assigned to the 1st Ordnance Bomb Disposal Detachment,

1st Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company, 8th Army. PFC

Seymour and SFC McDonough were killed-inaction while fighting

the enemy in South Korea. PFC Seymour was posthumously

awarded the Purple Heart Medal. He also received the Korean

Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National

Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation,

and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.

Additional Facts: Service Number: RAl2351691; MOS: 3924;

Born: 1932; Hometown: Keeseville, New York, Buried: Saint

Peters Cemetery, Plattsburgh, Pennsylvania (+).

Find-A-Grave--PFC Seymour

Korean War Project Remembrance--PFC Seymour

44. CPL Earle M. Lockwood, Jr. was killed on 15 September

1950. CPL Lockwood was assigned to the 1st Ordnance Bomb

Disposal Detachment, 1st Ordnance Medium Maintenance Company,

8th Army. He was killed-in-action while fighting the enemy in

South Korea. CPL Lockwood was posthumously awarded the Purple

Heart Medal. He also received the Korean Service Medal, the

United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service

Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the

Republic of Korea War Service Medal. CPL Lockwood may have

been posthumously promoted to SGT.

Additional Facts: Service Number: RA11164944; MOS: 3924;

Born: 1930; Hometown: Newtown, Connecticut (+).

Korean War Project Remembrance--CPL Lockwood

45. SFC Charles W. Shrider and PFC Raymond D. Stefaniak

were killed on 1 October 1951. SFC Shrider and PFC Stefaniak

were assigned to the 938th Ordnance Company (Explosive

Ordnance Disposal) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. SFC Shrider

and PFC Stefaniak were transporting a trailer full of TNT and

Composition ``C'' explosives that was being pulled behind

their jeep, when at 1400 hours an explosion occurred in the

trailer. Their jeep was hurled forward more than 100 feet,

setting it on fire. The explosion ignited five gallons of

gasoline that they were carrying. SFC Shrider and PFC

Stefaniak were on Longstreet Road and had just pulled into

the fenced-off dud disposal area on the Fort Bragg range

prior to the accident. SFC Shrider was trapped inside the

jeep following the explosion and died instantly. PFC

Stefaniak was thrown clear on the right side of the jeep. SFC

Cecil Coley and CPL Ben Smith of the range personnel office

rushed to the aid of PFC Stefaniak and pulled the injured man

clear of the burning jeep. SFC Coley and CPL Smith were

unable to reach SFC Shrider, who was slumped inside the jeep,

due to the intense flames from the vehicle. PFC Stefaniak was

rushed to Womack Army Hospital where he died about an hour

later from third-degree burns. LTG John W. Leonard has

ordered a board of officers to investigate the accident.

Additional Facts: Born: 21 February 1919; Age: 32; Buried:

Desenberg Cemetery, Lafayette, Ohio.

SFC Shrider's next-of-kin was listed as his wife, Mrs.

Martha M. Shrider of 226 Green Street, Fayetteville, North

Carolina.

Find-A-G-Grave--SFC Shrider

46. PFC Raymond D. Stefaniak and SFC Charles W. Shrider

were killed on 1 October 1951. PFC Stefaniak and SFC Shrider

were assigned to the 938th Ordnance Company (Explosive

Ordnance Disposal) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. PFC

Stefaniak SFC Shrider were transporting a trailer full of TNT

and Composition ``C'' explosives that was being pulled behind

their jeep, when at 1400 hours an explosion occurred in the

trailer. Their jeep was hurled forward more than 100 feet,

setting it on fire. The explosion ignited five gallons of

gasoline that they were carrying. PFC Stefaniak and SFC

Shrider were on Longstreet Road and had just pulled into the

fenced-off dud disposal area on the Fort Bragg range prior to

the accident. PFC Stefaniak was thrown clear on the right

side of the jeep. SFC Shrider was trapped inside the jeep

following the explosion and died instantly. SFC Cecil Coley

and CPL Ben Smith of the range personnel office rushed to the

aid of PFC Stefaniak and pulled the injured man clear of the

burning jeep. SFC Coley and CPL Smith were unable to reach

SFC Shrider, who was slumped inside the jeep, due to the

intense flames from the vehicle. PFC Stefaniak was rushed to

Womack Army Hospital where he died about an hour later from

third-degree burns. LTG John W. Leonard has ordered a board

of officers to investigate the accident.

Additional Facts: Age: 23.

PFC Stefaniak's next-of-kin was listed as his sister,

Gertrude Waclawski of Grand Rapids, Michigan. His father is

Jose and his mother is Mary Stefaniak.

Find-A-Grave--PFC Stefaniak

47. SFC Biddle Carrol ``B.C., Jack, Izzy or Buzz'' Izard,

Jr. was killed on 19 June 1968. SFC Izard was assigned to the

45th Military Intelligence Company, 528th Ordnance

Detachment, 519th Military Intelligence Battalion (Field

Army), 525th Military Intelligence Group, Combined Material

Exploitation Center (CMEC), Military Assistance Command

Vietnam (MACV), Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. CMEC was tasked

with the responsibility to examine, evaluate, and classify

captured enemy material. SFC Izard was killed in the

afternoon when a dud RPG-2 (B-40) rocket exploded. The team

was in the process of loading a 2 1/2-ton truck with captured

enemy ammunition at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon, Long An

Province, Republic of Vietnam. Three other men were helping

to load the truck at the time of the accident. SFC Izard was

awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart Medal. SFC

Izard was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal school graduate.

Additional Facts: Navy Service Number: 616 03 15; Army

Service Number: 19357542; Service Number: 448035054; Born: 2

August 1920; Coleman, Oklahoma; Age: 47; Hometown: El Paso,

Texas; MOS: 55C4A: Ammunition Maintenance Specialist; Length

of Service: 22 years; Tour Started: 9 April 1967; Buried:

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California,

Section 0, Grave Number 4110; Vietnam Memorial Panel: 56W

Line 34.

Virtual Vietnam Wall--SFC Izard

The Wall--SFC Izard

Army Together We Served--SFC Izard

Navy Together We Served--BM 2/c Izzy

Find-A-Grave--SFC Izard

48. MSG Cornelius Vincent Spillane, Jr. passed away on 16

August 1968. MSG Spillane was assigned to Headquarters

Headquarters Company, 80th General Support Group, Army

Support Command Da Nang, 1st Logistics Command, Republic of

Vietnam. MSG Spillane contracted Hepatitis on 11 July 1968,

at Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. MSG Spillane was

evacuated to Trippler Army Medical Center, Hawaii where he

died a week later with kidney failure. He was awarded the

Bronze Star Medal with ``V' Device with two Oak Leaf Clusters

and the Purple Heart Medal. MSG Spillane was an Explosive

Ordnance Disposal school graduate.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 31376234; Born: 7

February 1924; Age: 44; Hometown: South Berwick, Maine;

Vietnam Memorial Panel: 52W Line 014.

Virtual Vietnam Wall--MSG Spillane

Army Together We Served--MSG Spillane

49. CPT Paul Barkley Bowman was killed on 31 January 1970.

CPT Bowman was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters

Company, 25th Infantry Division. Captain Bowman was aboard a

helicopter that was shot down north of Tay Ninh in an area

called ``Mo Con Woods.'' The area was called Mo Con Woods

because it was heavily forested with sparse civilian

population and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) used this area

for infiltration across the Cambodia border, which was close

by. The day before a helicopter was on a recon mission in

that same area when it took ground fire from a 12.7mm

antiaircraft gun. The helicopter was able to get away without

taking any hit. It was believed an estimated battalion sized

force was in the area getting ready for a broader dry season

offensive in the Tay Ninh area. On 31 January 1970, A, B, and

C Company from the 25th Infantry Division were airlifted by

Hueys into the area. The force expected heavy casualties with

A and B Companies took several killed-in-actions (KIAs) and C

Company had eight to ten wounded-in actions (WIAs). Many of

the NVA soldiers melted back across the border, but those

fighting a rear guard action were emplaced in heavily

fortified bunkers. With U.S. forces on the ground taking

heavy fire Huey helicopter UH-1H (tail number 68-15462)

carrying CPT Bowman made a heroic approach at treetop level

to drop CS gas and to put down suppressive machinegun fire on

the enemy to root them out of the bunkers. The helicopter was

shot down with a total loss of lives onboard. The efforts of

all onboard the helicopter saved the lives of many soldiers

on the ground that day. Seven soldiers died in that crash,

four aircrew members and three passengers. Those that were

killed were from B Company, 25th Aviation Battalion, 25th

Infantry Division, CW2 Ronald Joe Fulton, pilot; 2LT Michael

Lorrell Arrants, copilot; SGT John Thomas Rodgers, gunner;

SGT Jerald Dale West, crew chief; and passenger from

Headquarter Headquarters Company, 25th Infantry Division CPT

John Lawrence Beek; CPT Paul Barkley Bowman, and CPT Jerry

David. CPT Bowman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross,

Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal. CPT Bowman was

an Explosive Ordnance Disposal school graduate. CPT Bowman

was inducted in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Hall of Fame in

June 2010.

Additional Facts: Service Number: 369427269; Born: 3

September 1943; Age: 26; Hometown: Newaygo, Michigan; Buried:

Newaygo Cemetery, Newaygo, Michigan, Plot: Section F, Lot

095, Grave 2; Vietnam Memorial Panel: 14W Line 083.

Virtual Vietnam Wall--CPT Bowman

The Wall--CPT Bowman

Army Together We Served--CPT Bowman

Find-A-Grave--CPT Bowman

50. CPT Frederick Phillip ``Fred'' Smith was killed on 13

February 1971. CPT Smith was the Assistant Division Chemical

Officer assigned to Headquarters, Headquarters Company 1st

Cavalry Division (Airmobile), United States Army, Pacific--

Republic of Vietnam. CPT Smith was stationed at Phuoc Vinh,

Camp Casey, Republic of South Vietnam. On 13 February 1971,

CPT Smith was conducting a ``People Sniffer'' mission over

Binh Tuy Province, III Corps (present-day Binh Thuan

Province) in a valley suspected to be occupied by enemy

troops at Military grid coordinates YS848912. Headquarters,

Headquarters Battery, 2d Battalion, 20th Artillery (aerial

rocket), 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was tasked to

support the mission. The mission team consisted of one Army

UH-1H Huey helicopter (68-16360) and two AH-1G Cobra attack

helicopters. LTC Adalbert E. ``Bert'' Toepel, Jr., 2d

Battalion's commanding officer, sat in the Huey's front left

seat as the aircraft commander. In the front right seat sat

the pilot, CPT L.R. Burnette. The crew engineer (or crew

chief) in the far left well was SP4 T.M. Morgan. PFC W.

Wallace was the gunner in the far right well. Besides CPT

Smith, others on the flight included 2d Battalion's Sergeant

Major, SGM Dobson, and an enlisted soldier from the 184th

Chemical Platoon (Direct Support) that was there to assist

CPT Smith with the drop. The mission's objective was to make

one or two runs at 1,500 feet (optimum altitude for maximum

effect) down the valley dropping approximately 20 modified

Air Force BLU E158 tactical CS-2 (2-

chlorobenzalmalononitrile) clusters bombs from the Huey

helicopter. CS is a chemical agent in the family of riot

control agents, commonly called ``tear gas.'' Each E158

cluster bomb consisted of 264 D-cell battery-sized canisters

of CS held in place by a plastic unit that measures 3-foot-

long and 1-foot-wide. A timing fuse detonates a bursting/

igniting charge that sends the smaller munitions over a 50-

meter area, spraying CS as they scatter. The hope was that

the tear gas submunitions would drive the enemy from their

hiding places and expose them in a more open area making them

vulnerable to rocket and gunfire from two supporting Cobra

attack helicopters. The drop time was in early morning to

assure that the CS gas would settle into the jungle canopy

instead of being blown away by the wind, which was expected

to happen later in the day. Take off was scheduled for 0600

hours. No problems were encountered in the preparations and

loading of the canisters, which were placed on end just

inside the open doors of the helicopter's cargo compartment.

As a safety precaution, the pilot of the aircraft (right

seat) wore a protective mask in the event any of the CS gas

entered the crew compartment and adversely affected either of

the pilots. It is not recalled if anybody else was wearing a

protective mask during the mission. All passengers were seat-

belted in. Upon the start of their run, there was a sudden

explosion in the passenger/cargo compartment and the entire

interior was immediately filled with burning CS gas. Somehow

the arming wires of the third cluster must have come loose,

and an E 158 cluster began detonating inside the Huey

helicopter by the door. It's surmised that the cause of the

malfunction was that someone somehow accidentally snagged the

arming wire, which activated the timer. The copper retaining

wires on the fuzes had been precut. This explosion started a

chain reaction setting off the other clusters. Prior to the

mission, a gallon can of transmission fluid was placed in the

cargo compartment. After the clusters went off the crew chief

announced over the intercom, ``Sir, the transmission fluid is

on fire!'' The pilot immediately went into autorotation in

order to get the aircraft closer to the ground and the crew

prepared for a possible emergency landing in the 100-foot

plus high jungle canopy. The aircraft commander instructed

the crew in the cargo compartment to jettison all canisters,

which the aircraft commander now believes had already

happened. In avoiding the conflagration in the cargo

compartment someone somersaulted onto the radio console,

located between the two pilots. The aircraft commander

wrestled with that person briefly to remove him from the

proximity of the aircraft controls. The aircraft commander

instructed the pilot to check his instruments and the pilot

reported that they still had power. Now realizing that there

wasn't a fire on board, but there was a lot of CS gas and

smoke, the aircraft commander jettisoned his aircraft entry

door. With his sight now returning, the aircraft commander

took control of the aircraft from the pilot and flew in a

slip (sideways), which caused air to blow across the interior

of the helicopter and helped evacuate the gas fumes. While

this was going on, CPT Smith, although badly burned and with

his clothing on fire from the black powder bursting charges,

realized that everyone's lives was endanger and he was able

to undo his seatbelt and push all of the clusters out of the

helicopter. In the confusion, blinded and choking by the CS

smoke, he may have been thrown out during the autorotation or

by the explosion of the charges. CPT Smith went out with the

clusters munitions and fell 1,500 feet to his death. When

their vision returned, someone reported that CPT Smith was

missing. What was originally thought to be a burning can of

transmission fluid turned out to be the burning of a small

container of CS gas on the floor of the aircraft. The small

containers of burning gas caused extensive damage to the

nylon seats and interior insulation in the aircraft. CPT

Smith's quick thinking and actions saved the lives of six

people onboard the Huey helicopter. The helicopter

crewmembers were wearing their standard issue Nomex flight

clothing and gloves, and were protected from more serious

burns on their skin. Despite protective clothing and a

helmet, one of the CS containers became lodged just behind

the aircraft commander's neck, which resulted in third-degree

burns. One of those containers also landed next to his right

arm resulting in second-degree burns. Portions of his face

not covered by the visor of his flight helmet were hit by gas

and caused first- and second-degree burns. Other crewmembers

were similarly burned. The helicopter crew chief was

transferred to Camp Zama Hospital in Japan with severe burns.

The passengers on the helicopter wore standard nylon jungle

fatigues and were also extensively burned. The enlisted

soldier assisting Captain Smith received severe burns and was

transferred to Camp Zama Hospital where he underwent an

extensive period of hospitalization. Not knowing what damage

may have occurred to the aircraft, the helicopter was flown

to a nearby artillery firebase FSB Mace where it landed. The

accompanying escort aircraft followed. SP4 Lee Gurley and

another medic from C Company, 15th Medical Battalion, 1st

Cavalry Division (Airmobile) treated the injured. The

incident was then reported to the division tactical

operations center. Three days later an infantry unit was able

to go in and recover Captain Smith's body. CPT Smith was

awarded the Silver Star Medal, Bronze Star Medal with Oak

Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart Medal. CPT Smith was an

Explosive Ordnance Disposal school graduate. CPT Smith was

inducted in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Hall of Fame in June

2008.

Additional Facts: Service Number (Enlisted): RA 18733814;

Service Number: 448463006; Born: 6 March 1946, Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma; Age: 24; Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Buried:

Rose Hill Burial Park, 6001 NW Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma; Vietnam Memorial: Panel 05W-Line 102.

Virtual Vietnam Wall--CPT Smith

The Wall--CPT Smith

Army Together We Served--CPT Smith

First Cavalry Division Memorial

Find-A-Grave--CPT Smith

Acknowledgements:

1. SGM James G. ``Jim'' Ferris, USA (Retired).

2. LTC Robert E. ``Bob'' Leiendecker, USA (Retired).

3. Dr. Jeffrey M. Leatherwood, Ph.D.

Note: All mortuary records for World War II, for all

branches, are kept at the Total Army Personnel Command

(TAPC). You may write and request a copy of his Individual

Deceased Personal File (IDPF) at the below listed address:

U.S. Total Army Personnel Command

Madam Speaker, earlier this month, I visited the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial on Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The memorial wall is located across from the EOD school where men and women from every branch are trained in the elite and specialized skills necessary to locate, identify, render safe, recover, evaluate, and dispose of explosives.

As former Army EOD, I understand the critical role our EOD forces play as the key enablers in the ongoing war on IEDs both at home and abroad. I also understand the omnipresent danger that our EOD warriors face in the battlefield and on civil support missions here in the United States.

The memorial wall contains the names of the brave men and women of the EOD who have given their lives in defense of our freedom. The memorial wall does an excellent job of recognizing the incredible sacrifice that our EOD forces and all of our men and women in uniform make every day on behalf of our freedom.

I would like to take a moment to honor the EOD warriors who lost their lives in the line of duty between World War II and Vietnam but are not recognized on the EOD memorial wall. These men and women served valiantly and lost their lives in the line of duty, but are not included on the memorial wall because they were not physically assigned to an EOD unit at the time of their death. These brave warriors lost their lives performing EOD duties in support of their fellow soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines and deserve to be recognized for their service.

With Memorial Day approaching, now is an appropriate time to recognize their sacrifice. I would like to submit their names for inclusion in the Congressional Record.

God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, last week, the EOD community lost one of its best and brightest. Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Baker was killed 1 week ago today in an IED explosion that killed four of his fellow soldiers and injured multiple others. Sergeant First Class Baker was assigned to the 766th EOD Company out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, and was serving in Sanjaray, Afghanistan, at the time of his death.

EOD soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are the preeminent explosive experts in our Armed Forces. Our joint EOD forces lead the fight against the use of IEDs and protect their fellow servicemembers and our interests both at home and abroad.

Too often, the lives of these brave men and women are claimed by the very devices they are trained to neutralize. Sergeant First Class Baker gave his life along with four of his fellow soldiers in defense of our freedoms. It's important that we honor their sacrifice and the sacrifices of those who came before them.

Next week, as the Nation honors the veterans who have given their lives for this country, it's important that we take time to recognize the risks our troops take on our behalf every day and the need to support our veterans and their families.

Jeffrey Baker was from Hesperia, California, and was just 29 years old. He is survived by his wife and his young daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with Jeffrey's entire family, the families of his fellow soldiers who were killed, and the soldiers recovering from the blast.

God bless our Armed Forces, and God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the legislative day of Friday, April 26, 2013.

Had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #126 (on agreeing to the Dent amendment to H.R. 527), ``no'' on rollcall vote #127 (on motion to recommit with instructions to H.R. 527), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #128 (on passage of H.R. 527).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Marty Stumbaugh from Cabot, Arkansas.

A hero is someone who is admired for their courage, nobility, and service to others. Firefighters have long been admired for these traits, and Marty Stumbaugh was a shining example. His life's work was to serve his community as a firefighter. Marty did his job each day with a sense of responsibility and honor.

In addition to serving his community fighting fires, Marty was a former justice of the peace in Lonoke County and constable in York Township. Marty was president of the Cabot Professional Firefighters Association and a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

Family was the most important part of Marty's life. Marty loved his wife, Mindy, and their two children, Mason and Macy, more than life. Additionally, Marty had close relationships with his siblings: Netta, Karla, Robbin, Corky, Stubby, and Stewart.

Mr. Speaker, please join me and the entire community of Cabot, Arkansas, in honoring the life and service of Marty Stumbaugh.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the EPA's recent disregard for our Nation's food safety.

Two weeks ago, I learned the EPA released phone numbers, addresses, and even geographic coordinates that were collected from livestock producers. This information was requested by extremist groups, including Earth Justice and the Natural Resources Defense Council, through a Freedom of Information Act request. The EPA handed over the very personal information.

I have serious concerns about the potential threat these actions pose to the privacy of American farm families, as well as the safety and security of our Nation's food supply. This is yet another example of the EPA's overreach into the lives of hardworking individuals in rural America.

As chairman of the Agricultural Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development, and Credit, I'm leading a group of 40 House Members in writing a letter to the acting director of the EPA expressing our concern and asking the acting director to ensure the released information is not improperly used.

Mr. Speaker, it is unacceptable for the EPA to do anything that could jeopardize our Nation's food security or threaten our Nation's farm operations.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 3666) to amend the Animal Welfare Act to modify the definition of ``exhibitor''.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the bill under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the bill, S. 3666, and yield myself such time as I may consume.

S. 3666 is a simple regulatory relief measure which has been proposed to modify the definition of the term ``exhibitor'' under the Federal Animal Welfare Act. It has passed the Senate by unanimous consent and, in the last hours of the 112th Congress, I urge that it likewise be passed by the House of Representatives.

The legislation would relieve private pet owners who might make a few dollars on the side with their pets but who do not derive a substantial portion of their income from such activities from the licensure requirements under the Federal Animal Welfare Act.

An example where this might be an issue is in hiring somebody to serve as an extra in a film. These are the people who appear in the background of film scenes and may work on the film set for a couple of hours at a time or a day or two at the most. If that person has their pet with them during the filming, the current interpretation of the Animal Welfare Act is that the extra would be designated an animal exhibitor under Federal law and must therefore be licensed, inspected, and comply with all the administrative and record-keeping requirements of the act. This was not what the law intended nor is the administration of such a requirement a necessary or useful allocation of scarce Federal resources.

The Federal Animal Welfare Act was intended to regulate businesses, not private citizens. There are many examples across the government of regulatory overreach. While I regret that we have not been able to address all of those in the 112th Congress, certainly this is one we can agree needs fixing and should be fixed.

I urge my colleagues to support the legislation and reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Army Staff Sergeant Kenneth Bennett. As an explosive ordnance disposal technician, Bennett put his life on the line every day to protect his comrades. As a former EOD tech myself, I know the danger Bennett faced, and today I honor his ultimate sacrifice.

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Bennett is an American hero. He entered the Army in 2004, and in 2006 he trained to be an explosive ordnance disposal technician. Bennett was serving his third, and what was to be his last, deployment to Afghanistan. Bennett earned numerous awards for his service, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

I did not know personally Staff Sergeant Bennett, but I do know this: He was a son, a husband and father, and a friend to many. Staff Sergeant Bennett leaves behind his wife, Mandi, their 2-year-old daughter, and another child on the way. Because he served, America and the world are more free.

EOD technicians are the first line of defense in protecting our servicemembers overseas and with homeland missions. The EOD community deserves the respect and full resources of the Department of Defense to continue saving lives.

God bless the memory of Staff Sergeant Kenneth Bennett, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

During the month of August, I traveled throughout my Arkansas district, listening to the challenges family farmers are facing with record drought conditions. Even though the House did pass an important drought relief package, we need to

pass a farm bill. We must acknowledge the role that farm families play in our Nation's economy.

The success story of Arkansas and American agriculture can continue if Congress acts to pass sound policies. The message from my constituents and rural America is clear: We need a farm bill now. The farm bill needs to be a priority of the House, as it is critically important not only to my home State of Arkansas but to all of rural America.

At a time when many Americans have lost faith in the ability of Congress to accomplish great things, a comprehensive farm bill has the potential to be an example of what can be done when we put aside partisan politics and pass sound policy. We need a farm bill now.

Mr. Speaker, September 11, 2001, is a day that will forever be etched in our Nation's memory. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that day.

For one family in my district, the tragedy of September 11 hits close to home. Batesville native Sara Elizabeth Low was a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, the plane that hit the north tower of the World Trade Center 11 years ago today. Sara was just 29 years old, and she loved her job as a flight attendant.

The community of Batesville, Arkansas, may be small in population, but today they are enormous in heart and in remembrance of the life Sara Low lived. For 6 years now, the Batesville community has held a 5K run to remember Sara, and a memorial now stands in her honor at the junior high school.

Today, my thoughts and prayers are with Sara's parents, Mike and Bobbie Low, and all those in Batesville who were blessed to know her. May God bless the memory of Sara Low and all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 897) to provide authority and

sanction for the granting and issuance of programs for residential and commuter toll, user fee, and fare discounts by States, municipalities, other localities, and all related agencies and departments, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 897.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Because of the geographic area in which they live, many Americans don't have as many transportation options as others. As a result, these people are more directly impacted by highway and bridge tolls than others who live in areas with several transportation options.

This bill simply emphasizes that State and local governments have the authority to establish toll programs that offer discounted rates for residents in specific geographic areas. By exercising such authority, State and local governments can mitigate the impact of tolls on residents who have fewer transportation options.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Grimm), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3158) to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to change the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure rule with respect to certain farms, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 3158.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank Members from both parties who joined in cosponsoring this bipartisan bill that will provide regulatory relief to our family farmers, in particular, my colleague, Mr. Boswell. Thank you very much.

The EPA-mandated Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure program, or SPCC, requires that oil storage facilities with a capacity of over 1,320 gallons make costly infrastructure modifications to reduce the possibility of oil spills.

The regulations require farmers to construct a containment facility, like a dike or a basin, which must retain 110 percent of the fuel in the container. These mandated infrastructure improvements--along with the necessary inspection and certification by a specially licensed professional engineer--will cost many farmers tens of thousands of dollars. In some cases, compliance costs could reach higher than $60,000 for a single farmer in my district.

The SPCC program dates back to 1973, shortly after the Clean Water Act was signed into law. In the last decade, it has strictly come down on agriculture, and the rules have been amended, delayed, and extended dozens of times, creating enormous confusion in the farming community. On top of that, the EPA has failed to engage in effective outreach to producers and cooperatives on SPCC application.

In 2009, the EPA lifted a 2006 rule that suspended compliance requirements for small farms with oil storage of 10,000 gallons or less. The rule applies to more than just fuel. In fact, it applies to hydraulic oil, adjuvant oil, crop oil, vegetable oil, and even animal fat. It was scheduled to go into effect this past November.

Last summer, I headed up an effort to send a bipartisan letter with over 100 cosigners to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson highlighting problems with the program and requesting a permanent fix. At the very least, I requested a delay so farmers impacted by last year's natural disasters would have more time to comply. The EPA responded only a few weeks before the November deadline and issued a statement saying they would not begin enforcement until May of 2013. While we were thankful for the delay, this action still didn't do anything to fix the burden on small farms. It just kicked the can down the road.

The FUELS Act is simple. It revises the SPCC regulations to be reflective of a producer's spill risk and financial resources. The exemption level would be adjusted upward from an unworkable 1,320 gallons of oil storage to an amount that would protect small farms-- 10,000 gallons. The proposal would also place a greater degree of responsibility on farmers and ranchers to self-certify compliance if their storage facilities exceed the exemption level. To add another layer of environmental protection, the producer must be able to demonstrate that he or she has no history of oil spills.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is necessary because the existing regulations are not only burdensome to small farmers; they're unenforceable. According to USDA, the current regulations would bring more than 70 percent of farms into the SPCC regulatory net.

This is more than 1.5 million farms in the SPCC regulatory net next year alone.

The University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture did a study recently concluding that the FUELS Act would exempt over 80 percent of producers from SPCC compliance. It could save, in my home State, up to $240 million in costs. Over the entire country, it could save small farmers up to $3.36 billion.

This year, the ag sector of the economy is facing a crisis. Over two- thirds of the Nation is being impacted by drought, and farm revenue has dropped substantially. Food costs are projected to skyrocket for consumers. On top of that, the fate of a multiyear farm bill is still unknown, creating long-term uncertainty for the agriculture community. The last thing the government should be doing right now is imposing a regulation on producers that could cost our Nation's family farmers up to $3.36 billion during next year's planting season. There is absolutely no justification for such an expensive regulation, especially when the EPA cannot provide data or even anecdotal evidence of agriculture spills.

By nature of occupation, family farmers are already careful stewards of the land and water. No one has more at stake than those who work on the ground from which they derive their livelihood.

I urge adoption of H.R. 3158 and reserve the balance of my time.

Again, thank you, Mr. Boswell, not only for your support, but your real-world common sense as an ag producer. I appreciate it.

I'd just like to yield 2 minutes to my esteemed colleague from Oklahoma (Mr. Lankford) and thank him for his patience.

Mr. Speaker, again my thanks to the gentleman from Iowa and to those who spoke tonight. I just urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.