Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following exchange of letters on H.R. 6523 for printing in the Congressional Record:

House of Representatives, Committee on Science and

Technology,

Washington, DC, December 21, 2010.

Hon. Ike Skelton,

Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,

House of Representatives, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Skelton: I am writing to you concerning the

jurisdictional interest of the Committee on Science and

Technology in H.R. 6523, the Ike Skelton National Defense

Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.

Our committee recognizes the importance of H.R. 6523 and

the need for the legislation to move expeditiously.

Therefore, while we have a valid claim to jurisdiction over

the bill, I do not intend to request a sequential referral.

This, of course, is conditional on our mutual understanding

that nothing in this legislation or my decision to forego a

sequential referral waives, reduces or otherwise affects the

jurisdiction of the Committee on Science and Technology, and

that a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging

our jurisdictional interest will be included in the

Congressional Record during consideration of this bill by the

House.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

Bart Gordon,

Chairman.

Madam Speaker, it is with sorrow that I inform the House of the death of Mrs. Avis Green Tucker, a distinguished Missouri citizen from Warrensburg, in the 4th Congressional District. Avis Green Tucker was not just my own long-time friend. She was one of Missouri's most highly respected newspaper publishers. She was a willing volunteer frequently called to important service by Missouri governors from both political parties. And she was a particularly inspiring role model among women leaders in our state.

Avis and her husband, William Tucker, bought the Daily Star-Journal in 1947 and the paper stayed in the Tucker family for some 60 years, until its sale in 2007 to another distinguished Missouri newspaper family, the Bradleys of St. Joseph. Bill Tucker was serving as publisher in Warrensburg when he died of a heart attack in 1966. Avis took over as one of the few female daily newspaper publishers in the Midwest. She once said: ``I decided I was going to run this paper. I was going to try. I told everyone that I had more nerve than ability, which was the truth.'' But that was a typically reticent and humble statement from a

woman whose abilities were quite remarkable. Those abilities were widely recognized. In 1982, Avis became the first female president of the Missouri Press Association. That was just one of many ``firsts'' achieved by Avis Tucker, including serving as the first female president of the Missouri Associated Dailies organization, and becoming the first woman inducted into the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame. She received the National Newspaper Association's McKinney Award, given to a woman who ``exhibited distinguished service to the community press.'' Just this past May, Avis became chair emeritus of the Missouri Press Association's Foundation Board, which she helped found and fund.

She served not only as one of the state's rare female publishers, but in other leadership roles, particularly at our mutual alma mater, the University of Missouri. Mizzou's world-famous School of Journalism honored her with its Honor Medal in 1976. And in 1972, Avis became the first woman president of the University of Missouri's governing body, the Board of Curators. Her service as a curator has particular significance for me, since she was appointed to succeed her late husband as a curator upon his death. And Bill Tucker had been appointed to succeed my father, Isaac Newton Skelton III, upon his passing. In Missouri, one of the highest honors one can achieve is being named to help guide our land-grant state university, and this is an honor that has been treasured by both the Skelton and Tucker families.

Avis Green Tucker will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her, including me. When she passed away at age 95 on Friday, December 17th, 2010, she had lived a life that was exemplary. Her leadership was superb, her newspaper's readers and her community were well-served, and her place in Missouri journalism and public service is secure. Avis is survived by two nephews, Bob and Richard Green. I know members of the Congress will join me in paying tribute to the life, achievements and service of Avis Green Tucker, and in extending our condolences to her family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 6523) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendments thereto, and concur in the Senate amendments.

Madam Speaker, I'll keep my remarks brief as this is the third time that the House will debate and vote on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. They say that the third time is the charm. Let it be so this morning.

I return to the floor with this bill because the Senate found it necessary to delete a portion of the House-passed bill in order to achieve the consensus needed to move the bill to final passage. The Senate amendment removes from the House bill Title 17, which dealt with Guam War Claims. I am deeply disappointed in the Senate's decision to remove this important legislation, which I strongly support and which has been so ably advocated by the delegate from Guam. However, here we are and we are out of time to engage with a back and forth with the Senate. We must move this bill to the President's desk or watch it die. That is why I ask for unanimous consent for the House to concur to the Senate amendment to H.R. 6523.

Let me briefly repeat what I said the other day. This bill is must pass legislation with many provisions that cannot become law any other way. This bill stops an increase in health care fees from hitting the families of military personnel; authorizes military families to extend TRICARE coverage to their dependent children under age 26; and adopts comprehensive legislation fighting sexual assault in the military. It creates a counter-IED database and enhances the effort to develop new, lightweight body armor. It gives DOD new

tools and authorities to reduce its energy demand while improving military readiness. It bolsters our defense against cyber attacks. It requires independent assessments of the National Nuclear Security Administration modernization plan and of the annual budget request for sustaining a strong deterrent. It aligns the Navy's long term shipbuilding plan with the QDR. And, it includes significant acquisition reform, the Improve Acquisition Act of 2010, which could save as much as $135 billion over the next 5 years. That is just a sampling of the good work done in this bill.

I ask the House to support the men and women of the armed forces by passing this bill by unanimous consent, and ensure that the National Defense Authorization Act finally becomes law.

Mr. Speaker, I am aware that the Force Transformation Directorate, within the Director, Defense Research and Engineering (DDR&E) Office, is developing an advanced, variable buoyancy, rigid- structure air vehicle with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability and the ability to hover, all while operating at maximum weight. Known as the Pelican project, this effort has the potential to provide for airship technology capable of moving large payloads and brigade-sized units to a point of need.

Pelican could assist in establishing a new inter/intra-theater capability that could greatly increase heavy cargo lift capability and effectiveness, reduce the logistics footprint in theater, provide low cost and ``green'' cargo carriage, and could establish a new disaster relief capability.

The recent Haiti relief operation demonstrates the importance of this capability. Aircraft dependent on runways were initially turned away because there was insufficient ramp space. A VTOL heavy lift transport, requiring little support infrastructure, would have been immune to this problem. The new VTOL air-lift capability can reduce our dependence on foreign airbases and ports, as well as the effectiveness of anti-access strategies employed by our adversaries.

I encourage the Department to maintain development activities and to initiate plans for a capable 60 ton payload vehicle, ensuring close coordination and cooperation with the Air Force, Transportation Command and Air Mobility Command. I further recommend that this effort be made a program of record beginning in Fiscal Year 2013.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6523) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this bill.

I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, today is the beginning of the end of a long journey, a journey that started with the submission of the President's budget on February 1, 2010. The law requires the President to send us a budget, and he did his duty.

But our obligation in concerning the budget goes deeper. The Founding Fathers entrusted Congress with the care of the Armed Forces. The Constitution, article I, section 8 requires that we here in Congress raise and support Armies, provide and maintain a Navy,

and make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces. That is our duty.

Most of you, like me, have spent time with our troops overseas. Their dedication, their courage, their devotion never cease to amaze me. Their service and sacrifice is matched only by that of their families who bear the same burden. Their sacrifice is, at times, almost unbearable. Yet they do it, and not for us but for the American people. However, we bear the awesome burden of repaying their sacrifice.

For 48 consecutive years, the Congress has carried out its duty to the men and women of the military by passing a defense authorization bill. It is a job that has never been easy. There have been many years where we have almost failed. In my 34 years here in Congress, through 12 military conflicts, including the most divisive wars in American history, the Congress has wavered but never failed.

This bill is a must-pass piece of legislation. Don't let anyone tell you different. There are literally hundreds of needed provisions in here that will not become law any other way. I have time to only name a few. This bill stops an increase in health care fees from hitting the families of military personnel. It authorizes military families to extend TRICARE coverage to their dependent children until age 26. And it adopts comprehensive legislation fighting sexual assault in the military. It creates a counter-IED database, and it enhances the effort to develop new, lightweight body armor. It gives DOD new tools and authorizes it to reduce its energy demand while improving military readiness. It bolsters our defense against cyberattacks. It requires independent assessments of the National Nuclear Security Administration modernization plan and of the annual budget request for sustaining a strong deterrent. It aligns the Navy's long-term shipbuilding plan with the QDR. It includes significant acquisition reform, the Improve Acquisition Act of 2010 which could save as much as $135 billion over the next 5 years. It provides for critical funding for our warfighters. It allows for a 1.4 percent raise in pay for our troops. It provides funding for training equipment to sustain the Afghan security forces. It provides essential funding to keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of terrorists. It creates additional positions for mental health care providers to treat our warriors who come home in need. It extends a number of special pay and bonuses for our brave warfighters.

Now some Members are claiming, falsely, that the language in the bill on the Guantanamo detainees is not strong enough. Let me tell you what the bill actually does. It prohibits the transfer or release of detainees into the United States or its territories. It prohibits the use of any DOD funding to build or modify any DOD facility in our country for the detention of any Guantanamo Bay detainee. This restriction applies not only to Thompson, Illinois, but to the whole country. It prohibits the transfer or release of any Guantanamo Bay detainee to any country which has received a detainee and allowed that detainee to return to the battlefield.

This the most thorough and comprehensive set of restrictions ever placed on the transfer and release of detainees. It is substantially stronger than current law, and voting against this bill will have the effect of making it easier to bring detainees into the United States, easier to transfer them to other countries that have failed to hold them in the past.

We all know that this year's journey toward passage has been rancorous and difficult, like few others. No one is happy with everything that has been done in the bill. That is just the nature of Congress. In finding common ground, we have to give a little bit. We cannot give when it comes to supporting the men and women in the Armed Forces. We stand today on the dividing line between success and failure. We do not fail now. Let's finish the journey. Vote for the National Defense Authorization Act.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the kind words of the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon). It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him, and I compliment him on his future role in this Congress as the head of this fantastic committee. I know he will make us proud and make all of our Congress Members proud in his leadership next year. I thank him very, very much.

I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), my friend and my colleague.

I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Langevin), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces.

(Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

I yield 1 minute to my friend, the chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Terrorism, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Sanchez).

I yield 1 minute to the distinguished majority leader of our House, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces, who very shortly will be the ranking member of the entire Committee on Armed Services, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith).

I yield 1 minute to my friend the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), the chair of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.

I yield 1 minute to my friend and colleague, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the distinguished gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt).

I yield 1 minute to my friend, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews), a member of our committee.

(Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to a member of our committee, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to my colleague and my friend, the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to my friend, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Dicks).

(Mr. DICKS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to my friend, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).

(Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, but I wish to add a quick note.

In the poem ``Flanders Fields,'' there is a line that reads: to you we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.

I say that to my friend, my colleague, the gentleman from California, Buck McKeon. I pass the torch to him to make sure that he holds it high. I know full well that he will, and he will continue to make us proud as the chairman. I thank him for his friendship, for his cooperation, for his bipartisanship, and I wish him well and Godspeed in the days ahead.

A special note to all the members of our committee:

We have been a family. It has worked well. Great debates. Solid legislation. But I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about the fantastic staff that we have. To name any one of them would be a disservice to those whether they are at the entry level or at the very highest level. Under the leadership of Paul Arcangeli and, previously, Erin Conaton, we have performed well, and I want to thank each one of them.

Thank you for this tremendous, tremendous opportunity.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize an American hero, General James L. Jones, for his lifetime of public service. Having served more than 40 years in the United States Marine Corps as a diplomat in the Middle East and around the world, and most recently as the National Security Advisor to the President, he is a true public servant.

On October 8, 2010, the President announced that General Jones made the decision to step aside from his post as National Security Advisor and that his good friend and deputy, Tom Donilon, would succeed him.

Through the years, I have been honored to work with General Jones, and I have always trusted him to offer his best counsel on national security matters. A true patriot and strategic visionary, he has performed each and every mission with utmost dedication. The American public will forever be indebted to General Jones and his family for their service to our country and the many sacrifices they have made.

Madam Speaker, I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in paying tribute to General James L. Jones for his leadership and commitment to the safety and security of the American people. I wish him and his family the very best in the days to come.

Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize an American veteran, Arnold Debrick of Paola, Kansas, for his heroic service during WWII. On Sunday, December 5, 2010, Mr. Debrick will be awarded the French Legion of Honor for his extraordinary bravery in liberating France during WWII. The French Legion of Honor was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, and it is the highest distinction that France can bestow upon those who have achieved remarkable deeds for the country. Mr. Debrick served in France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany, and participated in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of Buchenwald, a German Nazi concentration camp outside of Weimar, Germany.

In the summer of 1944, at the age of 19 and meager weight of 125 pounds, Mr. Debrick enlisted in the United States Army. On New Year's Eve, 1944, he boarded the Queen Mary in New York's harbor and departed the United States. He sailed across the Atlantic to combat an evil the likes of which had never been seen in modern history. During the chaos of war and beneath a barrage of mortar fire, Mr. Debrick was separated from his original unit but was able to hop onto the back of an American chow truck, which led him to Company B of the 9th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 6th Armored Division, United States Army.

After weeks of grueling battle in the dead of an unforgiving winter, an officer noticed Debrick's feet had turned completely black. He was sent to the hospital in Metz, France, and it was determined he had trench foot. Each day, then Private First Class Debrick waited anxiously in the hospital bed with his feet elevated; he feared he would share the similar fate that many of his brothers in arms had met and would face amputation. Yet, his faith was unyielding and partial circulation eventually returned to his feet. After many days, he was able to rejoin his outfit. To this day, Mr. Debrick says that his feet getting cold is a constant reminder to give thanks to God for not only saving his feet but his life as well. To all of us in this grateful nation, Mr. Debrick's cold feet should also serve as a solemn reminder of the many sacrifices our brave men and women in uniform endure and that we will forever be indebted to them for the freedoms and many blessings we have in America.

Just as France will recognize Mr. Debrick's exceptional service and sacrifices this coming Sunday, it is also fitting and appropriate that we do so today as one grateful nation. Mr. Debrick's bravery is admirable and inspiring and I am honored to acknowledge his service during WWII. I trust that the Members of the House will join me in thanking him.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I inform the House of the death of Robert E. Oliphant. Mr. Oliphant, who passed away at the age of 88, is survived by his wife Pearl; his two daughters Deborah and Patti; and his two grandchildren, Justin and Emily. The community of Odessa and the State of Missouri will sorely miss this remarkable man's leadership, generosity, and congenial disposition.

Born on June 22, 1922, in Cainsville, MO, he was raised by Glenn and Cordia Oliphant in Princeton, MO. After graduating high school in 1941, he attended Chillicothe Business College for a year before heeding the call to service and entering the United States Army. He began basic training in the spring of 1944 and was shipped off to Europe where he served with the 103rd Infantry Division. During the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944, he suffered injuries to his shoulder and arm and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After recovering from his injuries, Mr. Oliphant began working for Clarence H. Goppert at the People's Bank in Kansas City. In 1948, Mr. Goppert acquired the Bank of Odessa and Mr. Oliphant was named executive vice president of the bank. After being promoted to president in the early 1960s, he became chairman of the board of the Bank of Odessa and remained in that position for more than 40 years. Under his leadership, the Bank of Odessa provided invaluable assistance to area churches, civic groups, and volunteer organizations. This assistance and Mr. Oliphant's personal philanthropy allowed these organizations to thrive, prosper, and serve countless individuals.

Mr. Oliphant's leadership in the Odessa community goes far beyond his work at the Bank of Odessa. Selected in the first Hall of Fame class of the Odessa R-7 Public School Foundation, he was also a founding member of the Odessa Rotary Club, a longtime member of the Odessa Lions Club, and a lifetime member of the Odessa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. I have no doubt that he has touched the lives of every person in the Odessa community, and his legacy will remain for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Oliphant has served our Nation well as a dedicated family man, a military veteran, and a community servant. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in celebrating the life of an American treasure, Robert E. Oliphant.

Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize and pay tribute to General Carrol H. Chandler for over 36 years of service and dedication to the United States Air Force. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and will retire from active duty on March 1, 2011. He will be sorely missed.

A native of Carthage, Missouri, General Chandler graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1974. Following graduation, he earned his wings after attending Undergraduate Pilot Training at Laughlin Air Force Base. General Chandler later earned a masters degree in management, attended the Executive Program for General Officers at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, and the Navy Senior Leader Business Course at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

A command pilot with more than 3,900 flying hours in the F-15, F-16, and T-38, General Chandler has commanded a major command, a numbered air force, two fighter wings, a support group and a fighter squadron--a true testament to his exceptional Airmanship, leadership, and judgment. His staff assignments include tours at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, the Pentagon, Headquarters U.S. Pacific Command, Headquarters U.S. Military Training Mission in Saudi Arabia and Headquarters Allied Air Forces Southern Europe.

Throughout his career, General Chandler received many well-deserved awards and decorations, and his commitment and dedication to the mission of the Air Force will be remembered for many years to come.

Madam Speaker, General Chandler has distinguished himself during his career with the United States Air Force. I trust my fellow Members of the House will join me in wishing the very best to the good General; his wife Eva-Marie; and their three children, Carl, Rose-Marie, and Thomas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to express my gratitude for the honor of serving in the House of Representatives and to share a few thoughts as I prepare to leave this distinguished body. About this time 34 years ago, my wife, our three boys, and I were surrounded by scores of well-wishers organized by my friend, Bob Welling, as we boarded a train at Warrensburg, Missouri, to travel to Washington, D.C. Shortly thereafter, I was sworn into Congress. I arrived eager to tackle the problems of the day and represent the people of the Fourth Congressional District. It was a political highlight for me.

The Roman orator Cicero said that ``gratitude is the greatest of all virtues,'' and I'm grateful to so many people. First, I'm extremely grateful and appreciative to the residents of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District whose votes allowed me to serve as their Representative in this House for 34 years. Representing the fourth district has been a tremendous privilege.

I also want to thank my family whose support made it possible for me

to serve in Washington, Susie, my late wife, my three wonderful sons and my lovely, understanding and supportive wife, Patty.

I want to thank my friends and mentors in Congress. I can't name them all, but I want to particularly single out the great Missouri legislators, Congressman Dick Bolling, who helped me land a seat on the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Dick Gephardt and Congressman Bill Emerson who were my carpool partners and my great friends. I leave with enormous respect for all those Members who worked their hearts out to help people at home and to help steer our country's path while performing their constitutional duty.

A special thanks to our Speaker Pelosi for her kindness and thoughtfulness through the years.

My colleagues from Missouri have been fantastic.

Finally, I want to thank my dedicated staff, past and present. The talented people who have worked in my Missouri offices, my Washington, D.C. office, on my Small Business Subcommittee staff and on the staff of the House Armed Services Committee, are the unsung heroes who get the business of government done. I can't thank them enough for being part of my staff and serving the American people so very well.

I have led a charmed life in many ways; but as a youngster, I learned that a person's life can change forever in an instant. After contracting polio, I was fortunate to receive treatment at the Warm Springs Foundation in Georgia. Polio affects each person differently; but at Warm Springs, patients learned valuable lessons about life-- never let illness define you, never be limited by the expectations of others, never give up, and never stop working. By applying the belief that nothing is impossible if you work hard, thousands of Warm Springs alumni, including myself, have led happy and productive lives.

And it is no coincidence that three patients between 1947 and 1950 at Warm Springs became Members of this body--Jim Schuer of New York, Bo Ginn of Georgia and myself.

Growing up I was inspired by my father's runs for statewide office and for Congress, and also by his service as Lafayette County prosecuting attorney. I had just completed my own term as Lafayette County prosecutor and was practicing law when President Harry Truman called to ask me to consider running for Congress in 1962. In 1976, I decided to run for Missouri's Fourth Congressional District seat. I have been on the ride of my life ever since.

It is a great honor to serve in the U.S. House. This House is filled with principled public servants who work hard to give voice to the needs of voters back home. Members of Congress bring the theory of representative democracy to life every time they participate in House business, and every time they listen to the hard-wrought concerns of their neighbors.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I aspired to become chairman one day. Serving as chairman is undoubtedly the high point of my political career. The HASC family of Members and staff is very special. Members of Congress lucky enough to serve on this committee have traditionally worked in a far less partisan atmosphere than on other committees. Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the obligation to raise and support armies and to provide and maintain a Navy. All Members approach this important work very seriously, with the goals of protecting our Nation's security and also doing what is right for our men and women in uniform and their families.

American politics through the ages have frequently been rough and tumble, and at times some might even say mean. But to my mind, national security transcends politics. In the realm of national security, we must make the effort to work together in a bipartisan way, to stand before our allies and the world as a united front, to strengthen our Nation's defenses under the banner of consensus.

As chairman, I have always sought to maintain this bipartisan atmosphere, and I hope that culture instilled by many HASC chairs who served before will carry on under the able leadership of the new chair in the incoming Congress, Congressman Buck McKeon. I am confident it will.

Throughout our country's history, the Nation has experienced many challenges. We have had economic crises, agricultural hardships, military engagements, and Members of this body responded to each one as it came along. I am proud to have been a Member of the House of Representatives, and I will always cherish my service here.

I leave with some anxiety for the future, however. In the past, this body has worked best after great debates, when men and women of strong principles have met and compromised on those difficult issues, which at the time could render us asunder. But through meeting in the center and solving the problems of the day, our country benefited. It was able to progress.

As a result of the last election, the center has been holed out, and more Members will represent extreme points of view, which is likely to make meaningful compromise difficult, if not impossible. Once again, our system of government and our citizenry will be tested, and the outcome will determine, borrowing the eloquent words of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, ``whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure.''

When returning Members and new Members arrive in the Capitol for the new Congress in January, they will confront enormous challenges as they work to chart the course of our country in the days ahead. These challenges include the economy and jobs, health care, education, to name a few. But I implore our citizens and our leaders not to forget that we are a Nation at war. Unless our government protects our national security, none of these other important issues can receive the attention they deserve.

National security must be our number one priority. I believe all Americans' good intentions support the troops and their families. But those intentions must be reflected in action, and Congress bears the Constitutional responsibility to fulfill this sacred duty.

My greatest concern is that a chasm will develop between those who protect our freedoms and those who are being protected. I have often talked about what I perceive to be a civil-military gap, a lack of understanding between civilians and the military that has grown in the era of an all-volunteer force. For those not in uniform or connected to the military in some way, it is easy not to relate to our servicemembers' difficulties as they deal with the trials of war and combat, multiple deployments, family separations, missed birthdays, and other sacrifices too numerous to mention.

As a Nation, we must strive to narrow that gap and bring our citizens together. United we stand, divided we fall. The men and women in uniform who form the backbone of our security cannot devote their all to protect us if we fail to provide what they need to perform their missions, stay safe in the field, and take good care of themselves and their families at home. Keeping America safe demands a national commitment to maintain military readiness. During my time in Congress, the United States has been involved in 12 conflicts, some large and some small. If the future is anything like the past, conflicts, natural disasters, and other crises will frequently pop up without warning. Preparedness is essential.

Today's forces are the latest in a long line of sentinels of freedom. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines must have no doubt about the high value we place on their service. Our commitment to our servicemembers and their families will also help the next generation understand that these patriotic volunteers are critical to the survival of our Nation. To protect America's future, we must inspire the next generation to join the noble service of these ranks.

I have always considered each young man and woman in uniform as a son or daughter. They are national treasures and their sacrifices cannot be taken for granted. They are not chess pieces to be moved about on a board. Each and every one is irreplaceable. Issues of national security and war and peace are too important to lose sight of the real

men and women who answer our Nation's call and do the bidding of our Commander in Chief.

You can't do the job as a Member of Congress for so many years unless you love it, and I do. It is a labor of love. And to paraphrase my fellow Missourian, Harry Truman, I have done my damndest every single day. I will forever be grateful for the trust Missourians have placed in me through the years and for the opportunity to serve Missouri's Fourth Congressional District, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the United States of America.

As I leave this House, these lines from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem ``Ulysses'' express my feelings very well:

Much I have seen and known; cities of men

And manners, climates, councils, governments . . .

And drunk delight of battle with my peers . . .

Some work of noble note, may yet be done . . .

Come, my friends,

Tis not too late to seek a newer world.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for this time.

Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that the Missouri State Highway Patrol recently received the 2010 Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving. I am proud to pay tribute to the men and women of the Highway Patrol and the exceptional service and protection they provide the citizens of Missouri.

For years, Missouri's Highway Patrol has been a national leader among law enforcement agencies in the fight to prevent drunk driving and care for the victims of this senseless crime. Sobriety check points and effective patrols have resulted in almost 285,000 DWI arrests since 1980, and investigations by the Highway Patrol have led to more than 17,600 criminal charges against drunk drivers in the same time period.

While these statistics are truly impressive and important to note, the Highway Patrol's greatest success cannot be measured. Countless lives are saved everyday because of the Highway Patrol's hard work and commitment to protecting Missouri families from the dangers of drunk driving. And, for those who are sadly affected by drunk driving, the Highway Patrol stands ready to help with a victim advocacy program that has long been considered among the finest in the nation. To date, the program has served victims in every county in Missouri. All these initiatives are complimented by the Highway Patrol's efforts to educate young people about the dangers drunk driving poses to all Missouri drivers.

Madam Speaker, the Missouri State Highway Patrol can be proud of all it has done for the State of Missouri, and they should be congratulated for receiving this well deserved award. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in congratulating the men and women of the Highway Patrol.

Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Colonel Eric N. Single is retiring from the United States Air Force after 29 years of distinguished service.

Colonel Single received his commission in 1981 through the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Auburn University, AL. He graduated from pilot training at Williams Air Force Base, AZ in 1983, and has extensive experience in the B-52G, B-52H and B2 bombers as an aircraft commander, instructor and evaluator. In 1991, Colonel Single deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, flying 26 combat sorties in the B-52 over Iraq and Kuwait. He graduated from the U. S. Air Force Weapons School in 1992 and was selected as initial cadre for the B-2 program.

In 1998 Colonel Single took command of the 393d Bomb Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, MO, where he led the B-2 through its combat debut in the skies over Kosovo. Colonel Single not only led his Squadron to success in Operation Allied Force, he acted as flight lead and Mission Commander on the very first B-2 combat mission earning him a Distinguished Flying Cross and a place in aviation history. His courageous flight proved once and for all the true value of stealth and long range strike.

After his historic flight Colonel Single served on the Joint Staff in the Force Integration Branch. He went on to command the 5th Operations Group at Minot Air Force Base, ND and the 40th Air Expeditionary Operations Group on Diego Garcia, BIOT. Prior to his current assignment in Air Force Global Power Acquisition, Col Single served as the Vice Commander, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air force Base, MO.

Colonel Single is a Command Pilot with over 5200 hours. He has been awarded the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters; Aerial

Achievement Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal; Combat Readiness Medal with four oak leaf clusters; National Defense Service Medal with bronze star; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; and Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Madam Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to Colonel Eric N. Single for his exceptional commitment to the United States Air Force and the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, let me take this means to pay tribute to Major General Robin ``Baba'' Rand, the Director of the

Legislative Liaison for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force. After serving in this capacity for over a year, General Rand has been selected to become the Special Assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force. I am honored to commend General Rand for his many years of service to the United States Air Force.

A 1979 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, General Rand distinguished himself early on as an exceptional pilot. First tapped to be an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner, he went on to serve as an F-16 Weapons Officer and later served as the Commander of the 36th Fighter Squadron at Osan Air Force Base in the Republic of Korea.

After attending the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, General Rand took an assignment as a policy planner in the Directorate for Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. He then returned to the Republic of Korea, taking command of the 8th Fighter Wing, ``The Wolfpack'', at Kunsan Air Base with follow-on wing command tours at the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base and the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base in Iraq. Based on his experiences in Iraq, General Rand was chosen to be the Principal Director for Middle East Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. In his most recent assignment as Director of Legislative Liaison, General Rand has been a steadfast advocate of the mission of the Air Force and of the 689,000 Total Force Airmen and their families.

Madam Speaker, Major General Robin ``Baba'' Rand has served his country well, and he will no doubt continue to do so. I wish General Rand; his wife, Kim; and their children, Brooke and Bryson; the best of luck in the days to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to personally welcome to the House our guest chaplain, Pastor Roy Bennett of Missouri. His son David is accompanying him in the gallery. A native of the Show-Me State, Pastor Bennett was raised on a farm in southeast Missouri, and attended high school in Zalma. Moving with his family to St. Louis following high school, he attended Brooks Bible Institute, and was ordained in the Assemblies of God. Excelling in his ministry, Pastor Bennett would go on to serve congregations in the communities of Marble Hill, Potosi, Salem, and Versailles.

For the past 7 years, Pastor Bennett has grown a vibrant congregation at the First Assembly of God Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he currently serves as senior pastor. As his 50 years of service throughout rural Missouri demonstrate, Pastor Bennett has been an invaluable leader for several communities throughout our State.

I join my colleagues in welcoming Pastor Bennett to the U.S. House of Representatives, and we thank his son, David, who is with him today-- one of his two sons. David is a former member of the Armed Services.

Madam Speaker, let me take this means to recognize and congratulate an outstanding Naval Officer, Captain Joseph McClain, for the successful completion of 29 years of distinguished Naval service, culminating with his position as the Director of the U.S. House of Representatives Liaison Office in the Department of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. I am honored to commend Captain McClain's achievements and recognize his devotion to our great Nation.

A 1982 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Captain McClain earned his wings in 1983 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer. He has sailed around the world flying the S-3 Viking and has served in four squadrons aboard four different aircraft carriers.

Captain McClain served as the Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the Blue Wolves of VS-35. During this tour, he adeptly led his squadron on two successful deployments aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Under his leadership, the Blue Wolves were awarded the Battle ``E'' for operational excellence within the Air Wing, the Golden Wrench for maintenance superiority, and the Pacific Fleet Retention Award. He later returned to command Sea Control Wing Atlantic, again displaying inspirational leadership for thousands of sailors and skillfully leading the Viking community through a majority of its Sundown.

In his final assignment, Captain McClain stood honorably in the shoes of every sailor worldwide as he advocated on their behalf and ensured the continued success of the Navy.

Captain McClain retires after 29 years of honorable service to this Nation. His professional success would not have been possible without the steadfast support of his wife, Deanna; sons, Joshua and Jeremy; and daughter, Allison. Their shared sacrifice is a credit to their personal character.

Madam Speaker, I wish Captain McClain continued success and fulfillment as he transitions to civilian life after nearly three decades of service. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in saluting this outstanding Naval Officer.