Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on August 15, 2010, LTG Robert L. Caslen, Jr. spoke at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, Missouri, regarding Military Appreciation Day. His remarks are set forth below.

Missouri State Fair--Military Appreciation Day--LTG Robert L. Caslen,

Jr.--Missouri State Fairgrounds, Sedalia, MO--15 August 2010

Good afternoon. Thank you for that kind introduction. It is

always great to visit the Show-Me State and Sedalia. It gives

me an excuse to stop by the ``Wheel Drive-in'' and get myself

a ``Goober Burger''. I want to thank Governor Nixon and

Congressman Skelton for their inspiring words and presence

here today as we honor our Military Heroes past and present.

I am truly honored and humbled to be asked to speak with you

today on such a momentous occasion for our Nation's military.

One of our Nation's defining Presidents, Abraham Lincoln,

once said, ``Let us have faith that right makes might, and .

. . dare to do our duty as we understand it.''

These words epitomize our military's ethical charter,

extended to us by the American people, and defined by the

ideals and precepts of our Constitution. As we enter our 9th

year of continuous war, our Nation faces an uncertain

future--a future that will most certainly require the service

and continued sacrifice of our Nation's military men and

women. As our Nation and its military embark into this

uncertain future, we must ever be mindful of President

Lincoln's words--to solemnly do our moral duty and earnestly

hope that `right makes might'.

As Americans, we are a people defined by our moral

character. Indeed, many of our forefathers came here in order

to flee religious persecution in their native lands. These

immigrants, from the Pilgrims to the Quakers to the

Mennonites, boldly forged out new lives for themselves in the

frontiers of America. Many of Missouri's early pioneers were

just such people.

Our forefathers' hard work, perseverance and strong moral

ethic helped shape our country's beginnings and define our

Nation's character. Our Founding Fathers were in many cases,

men such as these--men of substance--whose character was born

out of sacrifice and moral conviction. They understood and

rejected the yoke of oppression--they knew full well the

heavy price that must be paid to earn and maintain their

freedom. Their vision enabled the creation of a radically new

concept in the world--a nation, governed by and subservient

to its people, committed to the ideals of freedom, equality,

and justice for all. The ultimate manifestation of our

forefathers' ideals can be seen in the instrument that

established the American experiment in freedom: our Nation's

Constitution.

The pure genius of the U.S. Constitution still evokes awe

in us today. Apart from the freedoms extended to us in its

Bill of Rights, the Constitution also serves as the source

document from which we derive our military's authorities. The

governmental roadmap established by the Constitution clearly

delineates the military's subservient role to the people and

civilian authority of the military. Indeed, the Constitution

establishes a client relationship between the military and

the citizens of this Nation. Our client status requires us to

maintain a healthy and confidence-inspiring relationship with

our bosses. Trust is, and always has been, the cornerstone of

this relationship. Said another way, it is incumbent on all

of us in uniform to earn your trust and then to maintain it.

We in the Army know all too well the heavy price that must

be paid for failing to maintain the trust of the people.

In the aftermath of our Nation's last persistent conflict,

Vietnam, our Army faced a crisis of trust. Our relationship

with the American people had been strained and as an

institution, it required us to become introspective and

examine all facets of what defined us ethically as a

profession. And as a result, we enacted sweeping internal

reforms and reinforced our Professional Military Ethic in our

professional military education. But this took time and it

was only after many years of demonstrated adherence to our

Nation's principles and values that we were able to restore

the trust of the American people.

I would offer that the key ingredient that makes this

difference is leadership. Leadership grounded in the

principles of a Professional Ethic--whose foundation can be

found in the ideals and precepts of our Constitution.

Our leaders today at every level of the Army face

extraordinarily complex and uncertain situations on a daily

basis. Confronted by these unique and taxing circumstances,

influenced by character, values, and a collective ethic, our

leaders invariably will strive to make the right decisions,

and thus preserve the trust we must maintain with the clients

whom we serve.

But it is not easy and this has not always been the case.

Take Abu Ghraib for example--where we saw a failure of

leadership result not only in a loss of confidence, but in

the rallying of extremist Islam to join the Jihad.

Fortunately this leadership failure was countered by the

great work of many other leaders over a number of years.

Our Nation's military is a reflection of you--the people of

the United States. Our military is an all volunteer force,

comprised of citizens from all walks of life throughout our

country. We are a microcosm of our society--where all our

country's races, religions, and creeds--equally share in the

task of defending our Nation and its Constitution.

Consequently, our military's character and ethic is a

reflection of your own. We stand for the principles and

values that you and

our Nation hold dear. We are always mindful that our actions

and undertakings should, at all times, reflect this fact. Our

all-volunteer military is comprised of your neighbors,

friends, and relatives, who have answered America's call to

service during a time of war.

I would like to tell you the story of one such American

that answered America's call to service during war:

Rick Rescorla was not born of this country. He came to this

country from his native England in 1963, and entered the

United States Army shortly thereafter. His natural leadership

abilities were identified early on. Having graduated from

Basic Training, Rick was selected to attend Officer Candidate

School and Airborne training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon

graduation Rick was assigned to 2d Battalion, 7th Cavalry

Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. It was here that he would

learn lasting lessons in service and sacrifice.

In November 1965 a young 2LT Rick Rescorla found himself

leading his men during America's first major battle of the

Vietnam War, the Battle of Ia Drang. The battle was a

vicious, guttural affair, and was vividly described by the

commanding officer of the battle, LTC Hal Moore, and war

correspondent Joe Galloway in their book, We Were Soldiers

Once . . . and Young.

In the book, Moore described Rescorla as ``the best platoon

leader I ever saw.'' Rescorla's men nicknamed him ``Hard

Core'' for his bravery in battle, and revered him for his

good humor and compassion towards his men.

Shortly after the Battle of Ia Drang commenced, Rescorla

was ordered to move out to seize the high ground surrounding

the landing zone. He immediately led his platoon forward

through the brush towards an enemy that they knew was lying

in wait. As he did this, his image was captured by a combat

cameraman--this iconic photograph adorns the cover of Moore

and Galloway's book. In the picture, his face muscles are

taut and eyes wide under the brow of his helmet. His eyes

look almost white because they are open so wide . . . intense

anxiety is plainly evident in LT Rescorla's face. He is very

clearly afraid . . . afraid that his life may be snuffed out

at any moment, yet he moves with his M-16 at the ready,

clenched firmly in his hands, its bayonet fixed--a Soldier

dutifully doing what is asked of him despite the danger.

The picture--captured in a moment of desperation and sheer

terror--is a powerful image of a Soldier doing his duty in

combat. It's quite probable that LT Rescorla didn't really

know why it was necessary to move his platoon forward and

take the high ground, but he felt a compelling responsibility

both to his fellow Soldiers and unit to do his duty. Rescorla

did his duty that day earning a Silver Star for his valor.

Yet, this was not the last time that his nation would require

his service and his ultimate sacrifice.

The final chapter of the Rick Rescorla story is even more

moving. On September 11, 2001, Rick was serving as Vice

President of Security for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in its

headquarters in the South Tower of the World Trade Center in

New York City. After the building was struck on that fateful

morning, Rescorla calmly and expertly directed over 2700

employees to safety down the fire escape stair wells of the

South Tower. Rescorla also oversaw the evacuation of another

1000 employees from the World Trade Building #5. When an old

Army buddy, Dan Hill, reached him on the phone that day,

Rescorla could be heard barking orders calmly and collectedly

through a bullhorn. He exhorted his fellow employees to ``be

proud to be Americans . . . everyone will be talking about

you tomorrow.''

After the last of the employees had evacuated the South

Tower, he took his security team back into the building to

make a final sweep to ensure everyone had escaped safely.

When one of his colleagues urged him to evacuate as well,

Rescorla replied, ``As soon as I make sure everyone else is

out.'' He was last seen alive on the tenth floor, moving

towards danger much in the same way he had done 36 years

prior at the Battle of Ia Drang. Rick Rescorla certainly knew

the mortal danger he faced, yet did his duty for his fellow

man.

Rick Rescorla was not the last hero to die in our Nation's

Global War on Terror. His actions along with hundreds of

others that momentous day sparked a renewed era of sacrifice

and service in our country.

Many in this country do not yet fully realize the

incredible value and impact that this 9/11 generation is

having, and will continue to have, on our society--for they

are a humble, resilient and selfless generation. They all

remember exactly where they were 9 years ago when the planes

went into the World Trade Center, and into the field in PA,

and into the Pentagon. They are volunteers all of them, and

our Country has placed the security of our Nation on their

backs, again, and again, and again. And yet despite the

repeated sacrifices, they have answered the call to duty each

time, and stood in the gap between the evil that is out there

and our way of life. They have never wavered or questioned.

They quietly stand among the generations of Americans that

have gone before, standing in the gap between the evil that

is out there, and the values of our Nation and our way of

life.

I have no doubts that history will gloriously record their

service and sacrifice, for it has protected the free world

from tyranny and evil, and has restored freedom and inspired

hope where it was absent. As was the case with our

forefathers, they do not seek exclusion and intolerance and

violence, but rather they seek moderation, and tolerance, and

inclusion. They protect, defend, and advocate for the

downtrodden and defenseless. They are indeed a reflection of

you--the American people.

In closing, I ask that we all remember those service

members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of

our Nation. We are forever indebted to them for their service

and sacrifice.

May we also remember those that are, at this very moment,

standing watch for us around the globe in the name of freedom

and democracy.

God bless the great state of Missouri.

May God bless and protect our Service members in harm's

way, as well as their families back home.

And may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Army Strong.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the budget enforcement resolution for fiscal year 2011 passed by the House of Representatives on July 1, 2010, as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee I am submitting for inclusion in the Congressional Record efforts by the committee that will achieve deficit reduction through reduction in waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, promoting efficiency and reform of government, and controlling spending within Government programs authorized by this committee.

As stewards of the public funds, it is imperative that Congress support a commitment to oversight of all aspects of federal spending and to ensure that tax dollars are protected from waste, fraud and abuse and that the Federal Government is efficient in meeting the needs of our country. Members of the Armed Services Committee embrace this obligation and have taken an active role to protect America's tax dollars while ensuring our nation's defense.

Of all our efforts to ensure the best value for every taxpayer dollar, I am particularly proud of the Committee's accomplishments on defense acquisition reform during the 111th Congress. As you know, former ranking member John McHugh and I appointed a Panel on Defense Acquisition Reform in March 2009. Over the course of the subsequent 12 months, the Panel held 14 hearings examining all aspects of the defense acquisition system. The exceptional work of this panel, led by Chairman Rob Andrews and Ranking Member Mike Conaway, led directly to passage of the IMPROVE Acquisition Act of 2010, which will reform much of the defense acquisition system and potentially save taxpayers billions of dollars. This is in addition to the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama on May 22, 2009, which has already started to save money for the American taxpayer by reforming the way the Department of Defense acquires weapon systems.

These major efforts to bring much needed reform to the defense acquisition system are in addition to all of the Committee's continual work overseeing defense budgets, programs, and spending. Also, the committee undertakes an annual national defense authorization bill that includes a number of provisions that seek to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse within the Department of Defense, and the Department of Energy for defense matters.

During the first session of the 111st Congress, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, H.R. 2647, was signed into law on October 8, 2009. Public Law 111-84 contains a number of provisions that seek to root out fraud, waste and abuse within the Department of Defense (DOD), and also sought to enhance the effectiveness of our national security programs and policies. Examples of such legislative action include:

Limited low rate production of Future Combat Systems spin-out early- infantry brigade

combat equipment pending a technology readiness assessment, independent cost estimate and the testing of all systems constituting the equipment set in their production configuration (section 111).

Required a joint and common requirement for unmanned cargo-carrying capable unmanned aerial vehicles to avoid costly duplication of multiple service programs (section 142).

Limited the obligation of funds for Net-Enabled Command Capability (NECC) until the Department provided a roadmap for command and control systems. This provision contributed to the program being subsequently cancelled in the fiscal year 2011 budget submission (section 217).

Required the Secretary of Defense to issue policy guidance requiring the establishment of a third-party certification process for private security contractors to allow for greater governmental oversight and prevent fraud and abuse within such contracts (section 324).

Developed a comprehensive plan for improving inventory management practices for spare parts (section 328).

Directed the DOD to implement a new acquisition process to improve the speed and quality of developing or purchasing information technology (IT) goods and services for the Department (section 804).

Established life-cycle management and product support managers for major weapons systems to allow greater visibility of the operation and support costs for a weapon's entire life-cycle (section 805).

Clarified reporting requirements to ensure that cooperative agreements and grants are treated in the same manner as other contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan to improve interagency coordination and reduce waste and duplication of programs among federal agencies (section 813).

Eliminated a loop-hole that allowed contractors to overcharge the Department on certain contracts (section 814).

Extended the Commission on Wartime Contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan by one year to continue its oversight activities (section 822).

Allowed the Department to recoup award fees from companies and contractors who activities jeopardize the health and safety of government employees and service members (section 823).

Required a GAO report on the Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan for the federal civilian workforce (outside of the Department of Defense) to improve the quality and training of the civilian workforce to enhance each agency's ability to tackle waste, fraud and abuse in their service contracts (section 834).

Established an entity to oversee the transition of Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System (DIMHRS) from a single Department- developed program to multiple service integrated pay and personnel systems in order to capture the benefits of the significant financial investment that had been made in the unsuccessful development of the DIMHRS system (section 932).

Codified a requirement for the Secretary of Defense to develop an annual plan for shaping and improving DOD's civilian employee workforce to improve the quality and training of DOD civilian workforce, especially in the acquisition and audit fields (section 1108).

During the second session of the 111th Congress, the Committee continued its oversight responsibilities and additional initiatives are contained in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, which builds upon the accomplishments of the previous session. H.R. 5136 contains legislative priorities that will continue efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse within the Department.

Allows the Navy to budget for large capital ships over a period not to exceed three quarters of the number of years of planned ship construction. This provision would allow for more efficient use of the limited ship building funds available (section 121).

Limits the obligation of funds for the F-35 program, a $380 billion acquisition program, until specified milestones have been met by the program to help ensure the program produces a viable aircraft within cost limits. (section 141)

Directs the Secretary of Defense to create a comprehensive improvised explosive device project data base to reduce the duplicative projects that are being conducted by DOD (section 143).

Requires the Secretary of Defense to determine better ways to effectively address its research and development and procurement requirements for body armor for the individual services (section 144).

Requires separate program elements for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle Program to provide Congress better visibility over the costs and acquisition plans for the program (section 214).

Requires the Secretary of the Army to submit a cost benefit analysis of future options for developing tank-fired munitions (section 232).

Establishes a pilot program for micro-grid components and systems for the Department of Defense to achieve economies of scale for bulk purchases of effective systems (section 243).

Requires reports from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), DOD, State Department, and US Agency for International Development on contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The reports are intended to strengthen management of contracts, coordination of contracts among the agencies, and oversight (sections 822 and 823).

Establishes a Joint Medical Command to improve medical care and services for service members, families and retirees and could result in significant savings for the Department of Defense's Health Affairs program (section 903).

Reduces budget transfer authority to ensure that budget requests are validated. This will help to ensure that high priority programs are funded and prevent wasteful spending for lower priority programs (section 1001).

Directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct an independent review of each working capital fund within the Department of Defense to ensure better management and oversight of these funds (section 1402)

Amends the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to make it more effective and provide for continuous monitoring of IT systems (section 1701).

Requires the Department of Defense to provide an assessment of facilities that can be retrofitted with insulation to improve energy savings (section 2833).

Report language: ``Matters Relating to the Common Database for Tracking Contracts and Contractor Personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan.'' Highlights that agencies have been slow to implement the database, and that GAO and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction have both stated that if the database were complete, it would be a helpful tool for performing audits, oversight, and investigations.

In addition, the House yesterday considered H.R. 6102, which amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, Public Law 111-84, to extend the authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into multiyear contracts for F/A-18E, F/A-18F-SF, and EA-18G aircraft. Passage of this bill would save the Department of the Navy an estimated $600 million in contract savings in fiscal year 2010.

Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee I remain committed to ensuring that the committee continues its efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse and advance efforts to ensure cost- effective capabilities and to control spending within the Department of Defense. I appreciate the opportunity to share the actions taken by the Committee during the 111th Congress to achieve deficit reduction through the elimination of waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement, promoting efficiency and reform of government, and controlling spending of programs authorized by this committee.

Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that on August 7, 2010, the American Legion Leon Ogier Post No. 2 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the construction of Memorial Hall, a place the post has called home since 1922. This sturdy building befits an organization that has provided unwavering service to the Nevada community for more than 8 decades.

Completed in 1910, Memorial Hall was originally constructed by the citizens of Vernon County to be the home of Company G of the Fifth Regular Missouri National Guard, the company that ably fought in the Spanish-American War. Twelve years later, the building was deeded to the American Legion Leon Ogier Post No. 2 and was renamed Memorial Hall.

It is fitting that a structure which has stood the test of time bears the name Memorial Hall. This building and the American Legion post housed within are enduring testaments to the men and women who lost their lives in defense of our country and to those who have

returned from battle to once again serve our communities. While our Nation's veterans may stop wearing the uniform of the Armed Forces, these brave men and women never stop serving. And, it's comforting to know that the American Legion is dedicated to providing support and stability to these veterans.

The Leon Ogier Post No. 2 has become a fixture of the Nevada community. From the annual kids Christmas program, a tradition that dates back to 1922, to the meal delivery program during the holidays, this post has set a high standard of service. The fabric of the community is strong due in no small part to the Leon Ogier Post No. 2.

Madam Speaker, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the construction of Memorial Hall, let us all take a moment to thank our veterans and the organizations that support them. As we celebrate this important milestone, I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in wishing the American Legion Leon Ogier Post No. 2 the very best in the next 100 years.

Madam Speaker, today we take a vital step toward fulfilling one of Congress' most basic and important responsibilities. We will provide the men and women of the United States military with the resources they need to carry out their missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, missions for which they are risking their lives.

While I wish we would have been able to send a bill to the President sooner, passage of this bill today will ensure that funding is provided to the Department of Defense without any operational disruptions.

Without this bill, the Department of Defense would be forced to use inefficient and costly budget workarounds throughout the month of August. According to testimony the Armed Service Committee received last week, without this bill the Department of Defense would be forced in September to furlough thousands of civilian employees and would even be forced to reprogram funding to pay the troops.

Instead, by passing this bill today on a strong bipartisan vote, we can uphold the best traditions of Congress in support of our national security.

Mr. Speaker, the Kucinich Resolution is the wrong answer to the wrong question at the wrong time. It directs the U.S. under the War Powers Act to withdraw from a country where we are not in fact fighting a ``war,'' a country where the desperately needed assistance we are providing is fundamental to protecting the Homeland at a time when Pakistan is now aggressively fighting our common enemy.

Here are the facts: we currently have less than 250 troops in Pakistan, and they are there only to train and equip Pakistan's security forces--not to fight. These troops report to the U.S. embassy and work with the full knowledge, permission, and support of Pakistan's civilian government. U.S. forces in Pakistan have nothing to do with alleged drone attacks against terrorists in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA), and this resolution would have no impact on those.

Pakistan is now aggressively fighting terrorists. In fact, it was Pakistani forces who, earlier this year, captured the Taliban's second- in-command--the most significant capture since the start of the war. The Pakistan Army has suffered enormous casualties in this fight during the last year. We should not be confused by outdated, leaked information that doesn't reflect Pakistan's decision to truly take on the Taliban in 2009.

I urge my colleagues to vote against this fatally flawed resolution.

Madam Speaker, the United States is blessed in many ways, but the ingenuity, patriotism, and character of the people who make up the fabric of our country are the greatest of our strengths. The characteristics of our people--the values we learn from our fathers, mothers, grandparents, and siblings--help to define American leadership. Outstanding American leaders walk among us each day.

One such American leader is the current president of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri National Guard Brigadier General (Retired) Charlie Kruse, who with his wife Pam have become dear friends of mine through the years. I learned this week that Charlie plans to retire from the Farm Bureau after serving as its president since 1992. While his retirement will be a loss to the Farm Bureau family and to those of us in Congress who work with him, I know that Charlie and Pam will continue serving the people of Missouri and the farmers and military personnel who call the Show-Me State home.

Charlie is a native of Dexter, Missouri, located in the southeastern portion of the state. He is an Eagle Scout who earned that rank in 1959 and then went on to graduate in 1963 from Dexter High School. Charlie and Pam continue to farm in Dexter.

Charlie graduated in 1967 from Arkansas State University with a degree in agronomy and graduated in 1973 with a Masters of Science in Agronomy from Missouri University. As a distinguished graduate from Mizzou, I know Charlie must have been thrilled when in 1983, Missouri Governor Kit Bond appointed him to the University of Missouri Board of Curators.

In 1985, Missouri Governor John Ashcroft honored Charlie by appointing him to his cabinet as Missouri Director of Agriculture. In 1990, he became the only Missourian to serve on President George H. W. Bush's Council on Rural America and was appointed to the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee of U.S. Trade Representative Carla A. Hills.

In 1991, Charlie became executive vice president of the North American Equipment Dealers Association but resigned that post in August 1992 to seek the presidency of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation. Charlie was elected president of the Missouri Farm Bureau that year.

During his tenure as Missouri Farm Bureau president, Charlie has been a state and national leader in agricultural policy making and has well represented the interests of Show-Me State farmers during Congressional farm bill debates. He has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the U.S. Meat Export Federation; the Commission on 21st Century Production Agriculture; the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, and Oilseeds; the Missouri State Government Review Commission; the Missouri Plant Biotechnology Advisory Committee; and President George W. Bush's Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Charlie has also served as chairman of the American Farm Bureau's Task Force on the U.S. Livestock Industry; chairman of the American Farm Bureau's Trade Advisory Committee; and a member of the board of directors of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (FARMER MAC).

Charlie's agricultural career has been paralleled by a career in military uniform. In 1967, Charlie enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard as an infantryman. He worked his way through the ranks from Private to Brigadier General. As a general officer in the Missouri Army National Guard, Charlie served as Assistant Adjutant General of Missouri. Charlie retired from the Army in 1993 after 26 years of distinguished service. We owe him and his family a debt of gratitude for his military service.

Because of his outstanding leadership, Charlie holds many awards and honors. But, despite these accolades, I expect Charlie's top honor is being a husband and a father.

Madam Speaker, I wish Charlie, Pam, and their family all the best as they transition into a new chapter of life. I know my colleagues in the House will join me in expressing a debt of gratitude to them.

Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Lieutenant General R. Steven Whitcomb will retire after 40 years of service in the United States Army on October 1, 2010. He has served his country well and will be sorely missed.

Lieutenant General Whitcomb graduated from the University of Virginia in 1970 with a Bachelor's degree in History. From there, he went on to receive degrees from the California University of Pennsylvania, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States Army War College. He was commissioned through ROTC and entered the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer.

First stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, he steadily rose through the ranks and excelled at each assignment he was given. From combat operations in Desert Shield/Desert Storm to Operation Joint Forge to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he effectively led our men and women into battle and never forgot that the Army's most precious assets are those who wear the uniform of our Nation's military. Throughout his career he consistently showed his dedication to the youngest members of the U.S. Army. As a professor and a mentor for ROTC, he made sure the young cadets of the U.S. Army were well-trained with high morale and in excellent physical condition.

At the Pentagon, Lieutenant General Whitcomb served several roles including Executive Officer for the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. He ended his forty years of distinguished service as the Inspector General for the Office of the Secretary of the Army.

Madam Speaker, throughout his lifetime of service, Lieutenant General R. Steven Whitcomb has shown uncommon professionalism and dedication to the mission of the United States Army. I wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

Madam Speaker, it has come to my attention that Colonel Roger A. Wilson, Jr. is retiring as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District Commander. He has diligently served in this role for three years.

After earning degrees from The Citadel, the University of Colorado at Boulder, and the U.S. Army War College, Colonel Wilson went on to lead engineering battalions across the United States and around the world. In addition to these assignments, he served in combat operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Afghanistan.

As Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District, Colonel Wilson oversaw many military and civil works projects throughout the District. From overseeing construction projects at the region's many military installations to ensuring our levees and dams are structurally sound, Colonel Wilson ably led an office with diverse mandates and responsibilities. Although his resume boasts many accomplishments, Colonel Wilson's work to maintain the superiority of the Emergency Operations Center, which plays a vital role in responding to natural disasters whenever and wherever they may occur, is most impressive.

Madam Speaker, Colonel Wilson is a true professional and has exhibited remarkable leadership during his time as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District Commander. I trust my fellow members of the House will join me in wishing him well in the days to come.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1516) recognizing the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, honoring the servicemembers who fought in World War II and their families, and honoring the servicemembers who are currently serving in combat operations.

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

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today, and I request that the House support House Resolution 1516, which is a resolution recognizing the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II and honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who fought.

I am proud to note that I introduced this resolution alongside the committee's ranking member, the gentleman from California, Buck McKeon.

Madam Speaker, I grew up around veterans of the First World War; and during World War II, as a young teenager, I looked up to all my friends and neighbors in uniform as living, breathing American heroes. My father served in the Navy aboard the USS Missouri during World War I. It was on the next USS Missouri, the ``Mighty Mo,'' that Japan signed the official surrender papers to end World War II. It was 65 years ago this September. So the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II is a big thing for me. It is a big thing for this great Nation, and it is a big thing for the free nations of the entire globe.

It is difficult to explain to people who did not grow up during those tense years how it felt to be a young person in America the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. America had already participated in efforts to prevent the tyrannical expansion of Axis powers by providing material and industrial support to the Allied powers long before we were attacked; but all of a sudden, the front lines of war were on our shores. I am no longer that young teenager, but the memories of the extraordinary valor and selfless sacrifice of the over-16 million American men and women in uniform are still with me today. Their efforts echo across these lands in many complex ways, the simplest and most fundamental of those being the fact that we continue to be free.

Allied forces faced vicious combat, exhibited unmatched bravery, and suffered untold tragedy in places like southeast Asia, the Philippines, the islands of the Southwest and Central Pacific, the deserts of North Africa, across great stretches of the Atlantic Ocean, and from the beaches of Western Europe to the icy Russian tundra. Not only did Americans serve in uniform; Americans from all walks of life contributed to making the American home front the Arsenal of Democracy. It was the united efforts of everyone, of every last citizen, that resulted in triumph.

Ultimately, over 405,000 servicemembers lost their lives in World War II. To them, their spouses, their children, we as American citizens will be eternally indebted. We say thank you.

Before I reserve the balance of my time, I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the service of our brave men and women in uniform who are serving in our ongoing conflicts today. In some ways, the war we find ourselves in today is like World War II: our American homeland was attacked--unprovoked--and our uniformed servicemembers are fighting to keep us free and safe from a war that has reached our shores.

This Nation has been blessed with generation after generation of patriotic Americans who have selflessly served our country. And you have carried on this tradition, and to them we say thank you.

Madam Speaker, there are only about 2 million World War II veterans with us today. On the 65th anniversary of the Allied victory and the end of World War II, I request that the House of Representatives pass this resolution, House Resolution 1516, to recognize the service and sacrifices of all of the brave men and women who fought and contributed to American victory in World War II; honor the families and descendants of those men and women and the men and women themselves whose lives were taken in defense of liberty and freedom; and remember and honor the servicemembers today who are actively fighting for freedom, and to protect the American way of life in ongoing combat operations today, including Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Deutch).

I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it was 1943. I was a young boy standing across the street from my home on Franklin Street in Lexington, Missouri. I heard an airplane overhead, and I looked up, and it

is what I learned later was a C-47 towing a glider. I also later learned that this airplane and the glider came from the Sedalia Army Airfield near Sedalia, Missouri, between Sedalia and Warrensburg, out of a small community known as Knob Noster.

It was June 6, 1944, when I stayed up late in the evening listening to the radio with my father. That was of course the occasion on the Normandy landing. It was the C-47s pulling gliders that were trained at the Sedalia Army Airfield over Normandy that helped in the landing and the successful assault there in France.

Today, the Sedalia Army Airfield is not called that anymore. It's called Whiteman Air Force Base, named after a lieutenant who in his P- 40 at Hickam Field on December 7, 1941, got about 10 feet off the ground to go after the Japanese attackers and was shot and killed.

These are memories of a young boy. And seeing the soldiers and sailors and marines come home, they were my heroes. And Madam Speaker, today they are still my heroes.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, let me recognize and congratulate an outstanding Naval Officer, RADM Michael Miller, upon the completion of more than two years of distinguished service as the United States Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs. I am honored to commend Rear Admiral Miller's achievements on the Navy's behalf as well as his devotion to our nation.

Rear Admiral Miller graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1974 and earned his ``Wings of Gold'' two years later. He has served tours around the world flying the S-3 Viking, and he has served at sea as Executive Officer and later in command of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), the USS Coronado (AGF-11), and Carrier Strike Group 7. Rear Admiral Miller also served as the first-ever active duty Director of the White House Military Office.

As Chief of Legislative Affairs, Rear Admiral Miller showed the integrity, skill, and professionalism for which we honor our brave men and women in uniform. His work helped ensure the United States Navy's readiness and superior capabilities.

Rear Admiral Miller was recently nominated and confirmed for appointment to the rank of Vice Admiral. In connection with this promotion, he will be assigned as Superintendant of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Madam Speaker, I wish Rear Admiral Miller continued success and fulfillment as he undertakes this new challenge. I trust my colleagues in the House will join me in saluting this fine Naval Officer.

Madam Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Arthur J. Myers. He served his country for almost 50 years, providing deployable combat support for warfighters and community services for those left behind. I have been privileged to work with him for a number of years on issues of concern to military members and their families.

Mr. Myers enlisted in the Air Force and served 20 years in key morale, welfare, and recreation, MWR, and financial positions. His civilian career took him from club manager to director of MWR for several major commands. He was hand-picked to become the first deputy director for the new Air Force MWR organization, and was later promoted to the Director of Air Force Services.

His leadership and vision shaped one of the most progressive and expansive quality of life programs in the military, with significant positive impact on Airmen and their families.

He deployed Airmen to provide foodservice, lodging, fitness, and other programs for contingency operations, personally visiting even the most remote sites and forward bases.

His ``Fit to Fight'' program resulted in a 30 percent increase in fitness center usage, a 2-point improvement in fitness scores, and an aggressive program to upgrade fitness facilities.

He expanded quality affordable child care by over 4,000 spaces and established a new subsidy for those unable to get into base childcare facilities, saving parents money and keeping family emergencies from disrupting the mission.

He operated the port mortuary at Dover Air Force Base for members of all Services killed in action, others who die overseas, and occasionally victims of Stateside mass casualties. His plan for media access to the Dover Mortuary was approved by the President, reversing a long-standing ban on media coverage for the arrival of remains of fallen military members.

He pioneered the Survivor Assistance Program to assist families of deceased members, and later expanded the program to care for Airmen wounded in action.

He energized industry leaders, trade groups and professional associations to sponsor new programs and services, scholarships, promotional activities, training and certification program for managers and staff, and outreach programs.

He testified at numerous Congressional hearings, and met often with the First Lady and senior Administration leaders on programs to enhance quality of life for service members and their families.

Mr. Myers was consistently recognized with numerous military and civilian awards, including three Presidential Rank Awards and the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. He received the Leadership Award from the International Military Community Executives Association, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Logistics Association, and a National Service to Youth Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which also inducted him into their Alumni Hall of Fame. However, his highest honor came when the top senior enlisted leaders in the Air Force made him an honorary Chief Master Sergeant.

Over the years, Mr. Myers built a highly-effective team to maintain our Nation's number one weapons system: the Airmen. His efforts tied directly to Air Force success in combat arenas and on the home front. As he retires now for the second time, I want to thank him on behalf of the citizens of this country. He leaves a lasting legacy of support for generations of Airmen and their families, and I know he will continue to be a strong advocate for them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to all of the amendments to end funding for the war in Afghanistan or to withdraw our troops before the job is done. Afghanistan is the epicenter for terrorism, and it was the genesis of multiple attacks against our Nation, including the attacks on September 11. We must not forget why we are fighting this war. There's far too much at stake.

For nearly a decade during the previous administration, Afghanistan was the forgotten war with no clear strategy. But now we have a strategy, a good strategy. We're already seeing clear signs of success even before the surge of an additional 30,000 troops is complete. With the help of our allies, we are capturing or killing terrorists every week, including the most significant Taliban capture since the start of the war.

We've been in Afghanistan for many years, and I recognize that the patience of the American people is not unlimited. But thanks to the men and women of our military and the new strategy adopted, we are finally on the path to success. Now is not the time to abandon this war, our NATO allies, and the Afghan people.

The amendments to immediately cut off funding for the war in Afghanistan or to immediately redeploy our troops are clearly the wrong thing to do. But it would be equally unwise to make a decision now to leave Afghanistan before the job is done. At long last, we have a strategy for success. Now is not the time to abandon that strategy. I urge my colleagues to join me in standing behind our troops and the security of our Nation by voting against these amendments.

Mr. Speaker, thriving capital markets depend upon innovation to grow the economy and to generate jobs. Yet, market innovation must be conducted responsibly and must be carefully monitored by public regulators to ensure Wall Street's complex financial transactions do not put at risk the savings of average American families or the national economy as a whole. The famous quote by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis indicating that ``sunlight is the best disinfectant'' certainly applies to Wall Street.

In recent years, market innovation ran afoul of public regulators as financial giants gambled with the savings of working families and placed irresponsible bets that put in jeopardy America's financial well being. Titans of the financial industry acted not to promote the general welfare of the United States, as is outlined in the preamble to our Constitution, but against the well-being of the American public. And, as all of us know, broken regulations, greed, and incessant risk taking on Wall Street cost each one of us--the American taxpayers--who helped to save our economy from ruin in the fall of 2008.

From the beginning of this crisis, I have felt strongly that Congress ought to consider authorizing tough new regulations on Wall Street to help shine a brighter light on extremely complex financial transactions.

In my view, writing into law mechanisms that prevent financial institutions from getting ``too big to fail;'' that reform the Federal Reserve; that better regulate hedge funds, securities, derivatives and credit rating agencies; and that give shareholders a greater say in the compensation of financial company executives makes good sense and, if done properly, would help to ensure American taxpayers are never again put on the hook for Wall Street's misbehavior while creating an environment for responsible market innovation.

But, as important as new regulations are for our country, Congress must be careful in authorizing them. We must direct regulations at Wall Street and other bad actors while not wrapping America's home town financial institutions into costly and complex sets of new rules, such as those associated with the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Community banks and credit unions are the heart of small towns across this country. For years, they have been conservative with their money and played by the rules. They ought not be forced to pay the price for Wall Street's transgressions.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is well-intentioned, and I support much of the legislation. But the measure falls short in my goal to target Wall Street without disrupting Main Street banks and credit unions and their customers.

Home town financial institutions help to generate jobs and economic development in rural America by lending to families, small businesses, and farmers. They will be key to our nation's economic recovery and should be guaranteed more, not less, economic certainty by Congress. The uncertainty associated with the Dodd-Frank bill is why it is opposed by Missouri's small town banks and credit unions and by many in our nation's business community.

Creating more economic certainty for Missouri's business community and improving rural economic development have been priorities for me during the 111th Congress. It is why I have sought to cut small business taxes and to cut red tape associated with government backed small business loans, opposed a massive health insurance overhaul bill, urged bank regulators to consider easing restrictive capital requirements on small banks that want to issue loans, and supported a $30 billion small business lending fund program to allow community banks to lend money to healthy small businesses that want to expand and hire workers.

Wall Street reform is badly needed and the Dodd-Frank bill is a step in the right direction. However, I cannot lend my support to a bill that places costly new regulations on Missouri's home town banks and credit unions at a time when the government ought to be encouraging them to lend money to create jobs in the private sector.

I urge the conference committee to return to work on the Dodd-Frank bill so it can fine tune the bill's new regulatory authority in a way that cracks down on Wall Street financial firms and irresponsible mortgage lenders without unduly targeting America's community banks. This action would be in the best interest of financial system reform and of the overall economic well being of small town America.

I thank the gentleman from California for yielding to me.

I rise in strong support of this bill. This bill is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it. In my capacity as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I am very familiar with the potential threat posed by the Iranian nuclear weapons program to the United States and to our allies.

An Iran armed with nuclear weapons and the missiles to deliver them, governed by fanatics, would pose a grave threat to the United States, our troops in the region, and our allies, particularly Israel. That is why it is so important we pass this bill.

This administration has taken significant steps to dissuade Iran from heading down the path of developing nuclear weapons. President Obama pushed sanctions through the United Nations Security Council and developed a new missile defense program in Europe to show the Iranian government that their weapon programs cannot harm us, only themselves.

The administration has made significant strides, but Congress can help those efforts, and this bill would sanction those companies that sell technology, services, or know-how to help Iran develop its energy sector. It would lock out of the United States market any bank that deals with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the nuclear program, or terrorism. And it imposes penalties on those foreign entities which provide Iran with the ability to stifle freedom of speech.

Mr. Speaker, these are real sanctions, targeted in the right way to hopefully head off a real threat. Sanctions are our best hope of dissuading Iran from developing nuclear weapons. We have reached out to them and tried to deal with them diplomatically, but they refused to deal openly and honestly. Sanctions are the right step to take at this time. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to inform the House that on Saturday, May 22, 2010, the Wellington-Napoleon High School Tigers boys track and field team became the 2010 Missouri Class 1 High School State Champions.

The Tigers competed in a field of more than 120 teams throughout the state of Missouri. The hard work and dedication that these young men displayed throughout the season was rewarded with their high school's first track and field championship in 19 years. This is a truly remarkable achievement, and I am so very proud of these young men and their selfless coaches.

Members of the team include: Ethan Arndt, Nathan Ardnt, Cody Banner, Blaine Beissenherz, Christian Bryant, Taylor Bryant, Johnny Good, Brandon Niendick, Dylon Register, Blake Seitz, Dustin Seitz, Michael Strickler, Brian Wallman, Cody Willard, and Michael Woodall. The team was coached by Quenton Bainbridge, Michelle McKown, and Tristan Layman.

Madam Speaker, the members of the Wellington-Napoleon High School Tigers track and field team have distinguished themselves as the 2010 Missouri Class 1 High School Track and Field State Champions. I am sure that my colleagues will join me in wishing Coaches Bainbridge, McKown, and Layman and this remarkable team all the best.