Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, let me take this moment to recognize the career of Missouri Adjutant General King E. Sidwell. General Sidwell retired in late February after serving four years as Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard.

General Sidwell was born in Sikeston, Missouri, on July 13, 1950. He resides with his wife Cindy Sidwell in Sikeston. They have two sons, William Mitchell Sidwell II and Trent Easterby Sidwell.

In 1972, General Sidwell earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 1975, he received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia and, in 2000, he received a Military and Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College.

General Sidwell has served in the military since 1972. He was commissioned as an officer in 1974 through the State Officer Candidate School at the Missouri Military Academy. Prior to his serving as Adjutant General, Sidwell served in many assignments of increasing responsibility, culminating with his command of the Engineer Brigade, 35th Infantry Division. Upon completion of this command, he assumed the position of Assistant Corps Engineer, 35th Engineer Brigade until being transferred to the Retired Reserve. It was from the Retired Reserve that Sidwell was appointed to the position of Adjutant General.

Under General Sidwell's leadership as Adjutant General, the Missouri National Guard developed the concept of and deployed an Agri-business Development Team to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. This important agricultural redevelopment plan, which builds upon the knowledge and expertise of Missourians familiar with agriculture, is now being replicated by other states. The Missouri National Guard also equipped and deployed the first Maneuver Enhancement Brigade structure to command Multi-national Task Force East Kosovo.

General Sidwell has received numerous military awards. He has also been recognized as the Mid-Missouri Communicator of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America and as an outstanding leader by the Jefferson Barracks. The General is also affiliated with the National Guard Association, the American Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute, and the Sikeston Area United Way Board of Directors.

As General Sidwell retires from his current post, I trust that the Members of the House will join me in thanking him for his exceptional commitment to the Missouri National Guard and the safety and security of America.

Mr. Speaker, today, the House is considering H.R. 1105, the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act. This legislation will complete the fiscal year 2009 appropriations process and keep our federal government operating through the end of the fiscal year. Taken as a whole, passing H.R. 1105 is good for our country. It invests in rural priorities, like agricultural and rural development programs, while simultaneously fostering the health, education, and safety of the American people.

While I will support H.R. 1105, I am deeply disappointed that the measure includes a provision added by the Senate to authorize a $25 million study to review the original project purposes of the Missouri River as set forth by Congress, by the Missouri River Master Manual, and by the federal courts. In my view, authorizing and appropriating funds for a new Missouri River study is unwarranted.

Mr. Speaker, let me express my support for H.R. 44, the Guam World War 2 Loyalty Recognition Act.

As my colleagues know, during World War II, the people of Guam endured great suffering under the occupation of the military forces of the Japanese Empire. H.R. 44 would give appropriate recognition to the extraordinary hardships endured by the people of Guam and the loyalty they demonstrated to the United States of America during 32 months of occupation. The bill would also provide for compensation for the victims and relatives of those who suffered and for research, education, and media efforts to memorialize the occupation.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Guam and I was reminded of the strategic importance it plays in preserving the security of our nation. We must never lose sight of what the people of Guam have done, and continue to do, for the United States.

Mr. Speaker, it is often said that legislating is the ``art of compromise.'' Today, the House is considering a carefully negotiated economic recovery bill that represents a good balance of tax cuts and spending stimulus to help get our economy back on track and help get people in this country working again.

As a representative of small town Missouri and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I am particularly pleased that the legislation directs needed resources to rural parts of the country and further addresses an economic downturn that has become a national security threat to the United States.

Over the past year, the Government has taken steps to help reduce the impact of the recession on the American people. Some of those actions have proven helpful, while others must be reviewed and improved. But, economists from across the political spectrum have indicated that further economic stimulus is necessary to help reduce layoffs and create jobs.

Since January, bipartisan consensus has been built around a $789 billion economic recovery bill designed to boost employment and invest in the health, education, and safety of the American people.

This legislation invests heavily in rural priorities, such as boosting funds for rural water programs; for rural highway and infrastructure projects, for school modernization initiatives; for Corps of Engineers projects; for agricultural-based alternative energy development; and for expanding Internet broadband technology. It directs additional funds toward military and VA construction projects and toward streamlining the VA claims process. And, it provides individual and small business tax relief, helps turn our country toward greener energy solutions, and strengthens the safety net for workers who have fallen on hard times.

The economic recovery bill is not perfect. But, sitting on the sidelines, simply watching our economy deteriorate, is simply not an option. Inaction on our part would undercut America's national security and would imperil jobs, savings, farms, and small businesses. We must do what we can to prevent such a tragedy, which is why enacting this legislation is in the best interest of our country.

Madam Speaker, let me take this moment to recognize the career of Secretary Donald C. Winter who is retiring this March after serving three years as Secretary of the Navy.

Secretary Winter earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester in 1969. He received a Master's degree and Doctorate in Physics from the University of Michigan in 1970 and 1972, respectively. Also, he was a graduate of the USC Management Policy Institute, a 1987 graduate of the UCLA Executive Program, and a 1991 graduate of the Harvard University Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security.

Prior to serving as Secretary of the Navy, Dr. Winter served as a corporate Vice President and President of Northrop Grumman's Mission System's sector. Additionally, he served as president and CEO of TRW systems. From 1980 to1982, he served as program manager for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in which he was responsible for space acquisition, tracking and pointing programs.

As Secretary Winter retires from his current post, I trust that the Members of the House will join me in thanking him for his exceptional commitment to the Department of Navy and the safety and security of America.

Madam Speaker, let me take this moment to recognize the career of Harland Mieser of Lafayette County, Missouri. Mr. Mieser served as Associate Commissioner of Lafayette County for 18 years.

Mr. Mieser has been an outstanding public official, serving as a member of the West Central Missouri Solid Waste Management District Region F, the Waverly Regional Youth Center Liaison Council, Inc., Lafayette County Inter-Agency, Prairie Rose Resource Conservation and Development Council, Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission, and the Highway 13 Coalition Committee. His public service culminated with position as Lafayette County Commissioner. From 1991-1994 he served as the Eastern Associate Commissioner in Lafayette County and then from 1997-2008 he served as Southern Associate Commissioner of Lafayette County.

As Mr. Mieser retires from his current post, I trust that the Members of the House will join me in thanking him for his outstanding leadership in the Missouri community.

Mr. Chair, as the House considers H.R. 1, the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act, let me express my support for the measure, which would appropriate additional funds for important rural development programs and invest in the future of the United States.

As a rural Missouri Congressman and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I have examined our current economic crisis through the perspective of those who live in small town Missouri and through the lens of national security.

The United States is the world's indispensable nation. To remain so, we must utilize all elements of national power--military, diplomatic, and economic. Should our economy fail, it will dramatically undercut America's military and diplomatic strength and make it far more difficult to properly address international challenges.

To confront the recession, Congress and the President have an obligation to act boldly, yet wisely, to help avert the kind of economic downturn that could have lasting, severe consequences for the American people and for the future of our country.

Our economy has been in decline since December 2007, and the downturn has accelerated in recent months. Consumer confidence and spending have fallen, businesses have shed millions of jobs, housing values have diminished, and mortgage foreclosures have risen dramatically. Economists from all political

stripes warn us that without additional stimulus, deflation could sink the American economy for years to come.

While Congress and the Administration have acted over the past year to battle the recession, more must be done immediately to create jobs, to stimulate consumer spending, to promote small business development, and to mitigate the housing crisis.

I am pleased that the economic recovery bill being considered in the House takes important steps toward stimulating the sluggish economy.

The measure would invest heavily in our national infrastructure and in the health, education, and safety of the American people; provide important tax relief for working families and for businesses; and strengthen the safety net for workers who have fallen on hard times.

As someone who represents small town Missouri, I am particularly pleased that the legislation would commit plentiful resources for programs important to rural America, including rural water programs, rural highways and infrastructure projects, school modernization initiatives, Corps of Engineers projects, and Internet broadband expansion.

I also am grateful that the legislation would direct additional funds toward critical military construction projects, including military health care, child care, and housing facilities. These projects are so very important to our military personnel and their families.

While the economic recovery legislation is an important part of our country's effort to stimulate the economy, it should not be perceived as a silver bullet that will cure all economic ills.

Congress and the Administration must continue to examine the global economic turmoil and consider additional legislative solutions to it, especially as it relates to the housing sector. I remain troubled that mortgage foreclosures have risen sharply despite new laws that encourage banks to renegotiate troubled mortgages. The housing crisis is at the heart of our recession and more must be done on this front.

I urge my colleagues to support the economic rescue bill and look forward to working with the Senate to ensure the measure can be enacted swiftly.

Madam Speaker, let me take this moment to recognize the work of Martha Pollard of Lafayette County, Missouri. Martha served as Lafayette County Public Administrator for 16 years. She is married to Ian Pollard and has two sons Jeff and Mark. She also has two granddaughters, Julie and Emily.

Martha grew up on a farm in Pettis County and attended K-12 school in Green Ridge, MO. She graduated as Salutatorian. After graduating high school, Pollard went to the University of Central Missouri and received her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master's of Education.

Her service as a teacher has spanned the nation, from the Knob Noster elementary school in Missouri to the Los Angeles City Schools and finally the Concordia School District for the past 30 years. She taught music, chemistry and science.

Additionally, she has held many positions in the Missouri Association of Public Administrators, ending with President from 2006-2008.

Martha is concluding her service as Public Administrator in Lafayette County. I am certain that the Members of the House will join me in thanking her for her leadership and hard work in the Lafayette County community.

Mr. Speaker, in accordance with clause 2 of rule XI of the Rules of the House, I respectfully submit the rules of the Committee on Armed Services for printing in the Congressional Record. On January 14, 2009, the Committee on Armed Services adopted by a unanimous vote, a quorum being present, the following rules:

rule 1. application of house rules

The Rules of the House of Representatives are the rules of

the Committee on Armed Services (hereinafter referred to in

these rules as the ``Committee'') and its subcommittees so

far as applicable.

rule 2. full committee meeting date

(a) The Committee shall meet every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.,

when the House of Representatives is in session, and at such

other times as may be fixed by the Chairman of the Committee

(hereinafter referred to as the ``Chairman''), or by written

request of members of the Committee pursuant to clause 2(c)

of rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

(b) A Wednesday meeting of the Committee may be dispensed

with by the Chairman, but such action may be reversed by a

written request of a majority of the members of the

Committee.

rule 3. subcommittee meeting dates

Each subcommittee is authorized to meet, hold hearings,

receive evidence, and report to the Committee on all matters

referred to it. Insofar as possible, meetings of the

Committee and its subcommittees shall not conflict. A

subcommittee Chairman shall set meeting dates after

consultation with the Chairman, other subcommittee Chairmen,

and the Ranking Minority Member of the subcommittee with a

view toward avoiding, whenever possible, simultaneous

scheduling of Committee and subcommittee meetings or

hearings.

rule 4. jurisdiction and membership of committee and subcommittees

(a) Jurisdiction

(1) The Committee retains jurisdiction of all subjects

listed in clause 1(c) and clause 3(b) of rule X of the Rules

of the House of Representatives and retains exclusive

jurisdiction for: defense policy generally, ongoing military

operations, the organization and reform of the Department of

Defense and Department of Energy, counter-drug programs,

security and humanitarian assistance (except special

operations-related activities) of the Department of Defense,

acquisition and

industrial base policy, technology transfer and export

controls, joint interoperability, the Cooperative Threat

Reduction program, Department of Energy nonproliferation

programs, detainee affairs and policy, and inter-agency

reform as it pertains to the Department of Defense and the

nuclear weapons programs of the Department of Energy.

While subcommittees are provided jurisdictional

responsibilities in subparagraph (2), the Committee

retains the right to exercise oversight and legislative

jurisdiction over all subjects within its purview under

rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

(2) The Committee shall be organized to consist of seven

standing subcommittees with the following jurisdictions:

Subcommittee on Air and Land Forces: All Army and Air Force

acquisition programs (except strategic missiles, special

operations and information technology programs). In addition,

the subcommittee will be responsible for deep strike bombers

and related systems, National Guard and Army and Air Force

reserve modernization, and ammunition programs.

Subcommittee on Military Personnel: Military personnel

policy, reserve component integration and employment issues,

military health care, military education, and POW/MIA issues.

In addition, the subcommittee will be responsible for Morale,

Welfare and Recreation issues and programs.

Subcommittee on Readiness: Military readiness, training,

logistics and maintenance issues and programs. In addition,

the subcommittee will be responsible for all military

construction, installations and family housing issues,

including the base closure process, and energy policy and

programs of the Department of Defense.

Subcommittee on Seapower and Expeditionary Forces: Navy and

Marine Corps acquisition programs (except strategic weapons,

space, special operations, and information technology

programs) and Naval Reserve equipment. In addition, the

subcommittee will be responsible for maritime programs under

the jurisdiction of the Committee as delineated in paragraphs

5, 6, and 9 of clause 1(c) of rule X of the Rules of the

House of Representatives.

Subcommittee on Strategic Forces: Strategic weapons (except

deep strike bombers and related systems), space programs,

ballistic missile defense, intelligence policy and national

programs, and Department of Energy national security programs

(except non-proliferation programs).

Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and

Capabilities: Department of Defense counter-proliferation and

counter-terrorism programs and initiatives. In addition, the

subcommittee will be responsible for Special Operations

Forces; science and technology policy, including the Defense

Advanced Research Projects Agency and information technology

programs; force protection policy; homeland defense and

consequence management programs within the Committee's

jurisdiction; and related intelligence support.

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations: Any matter

within the jurisdiction of the Committee, subject to the

concurrence of the Chairman of the Committee and, as

appropriate, affected subcommittee chairmen. The subcommittee

shall have no legislative jurisdiction.

(b) Membership of the Subcommittees

(1) Subcommittee memberships, with the exception of

membership on the Subcommittee on Oversight and

Investigations, shall be filled in accordance with the rules

of the Majority party's caucus and the Minority party's

conference, respectively.

(2) The Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the

Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations shall be filled

in accordance with the rules of the Majority party's caucus

and the Minority party's conference, respectively. Consistent

with the party ratios established by the Majority party, all

other Majority members of the subcommittee shall be appointed

by the Chairman of the Committee, and all other Minority

members shall be appointed by the Ranking Minority Member of

the Committee.

(3) The Chairman of the Committee and Ranking Minority

Member thereof may sit as ex officio members of all

subcommittees. Ex officio members shall not vote in

subcommittee hearings or meetings or be taken into

consideration for the purpose of determining the ratio of the

subcommittees or establishing a quorum at subcommittee

hearings or meetings.

(4) A member of the Committee who is not a member of a

particular subcommittee may sit with the subcommittee and

participate during any of its hearings but shall not have

authority to vote, cannot be counted for the purpose of

achieving a quorum, and cannot raise a point of order at the

hearing.

rule 5. committee panels and task forces

(a) Committee Panels

(1) The Chairman may designate a panel of the Committee

consisting of members of the Committee to inquire into and

take testimony on a matter or matters that fall within the

jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee and to report to

the Committee.

(2) No panel appointed by the Chairman shall continue in

existence for more than six months after the appointment. A

panel so appointed may, upon the expiration of six months, be

reappointed by the Chairman for a period of time which is not

to exceed six months.

(3) Consistent with the party ratios established by the

Majority party, all Majority members of the panels shall be

appointed by the Chairman of the Committee, and all Minority

members shall be appointed by the Ranking Minority Member of

the Committee. The Chairman of the Committee shall choose one

of the Majority members so appointed who does not currently

chair another subcommittee of the Committee to serve as

Chairman of the panel. The Ranking Minority Member of the

Committee shall similarly choose the Ranking Minority Member

of the panel.

(4) No panel shall have legislative jurisdiction.

(b) Committee and Subcommittee Task Forces

(1) The Chairman of the Committee, or a Chairman of a

subcommittee with the concurrence of the Chairman of the

Committee, may designate a task force to inquire into and

take testimony on a matter that falls within the jurisdiction

of the Committee or subcommittee, respectively. The Chairman

and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee or subcommittee

shall each appoint an equal number of members to the task

force. The Chairman of the Committee or subcommittee shall

choose one of the members so appointed, who does not

currently chair another subcommittee of the Committee, to

serve as Chairman of the task force. The Ranking Minority

Member of the Committee or subcommittee shall similarly

appoint the Ranking Minority Member of the task force.

(2) No task force appointed by the Chairman of the

Committee or subcommittee shall continue in existence for

more than three months. A task force may only be reappointed

for an additional three months with the written concurrence

of the Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee

or subcommittee whose Chairman appointed the task force.

(3) No task force shall have legislative jurisdiction.

rule 6. reference and consideration of legislation

(a) The Chairman shall refer legislation and other matters

to the appropriate subcommittee or to the full Committee.

(b) Legislation shall be taken up for a hearing or markup

only when called by the Chairman of the Committee or

subcommittee, as appropriate, or by a majority of the

Committee or subcommittee, as appropriate.

(c) The Chairman, with approval of a majority vote of a

quorum of the Committee, shall have authority to discharge a

subcommittee from consideration of any measure or matter

referred thereto and have such measure or matter considered

by the Committee.

(d) Reports and recommendations of a subcommittee may not

be considered by the Committee until after the intervention

of three calendar days from the time the report is approved

by the subcommittee and available to the members of the

Committee, except that this rule may be waived by a

majority vote of a quorum of the Committee.

(e) The Chairman, in consultation with the Ranking Minority

Member, shall establish criteria for recommending legislation

and other matters to be considered by the House of

Representatives, pursuant to clause 1 of rule XV of the Rules

of the House of Representatives. Such criteria shall not

conflict with the Rules of the House of Representatives and

other applicable rules.

Madam Speaker, it is with deep sorrow that I inform the House of the death of Mrs. Mary L. James.

Mary, who was born in West Plains, MO, was a graduate of Harrisonville, MO, High School and the University of Missouri, where she received a bachelor of science degree in education. Mary also earned a master's of public administration degree from the University of Kansas.

Through the years, Mary dedicated her life to education, health care, and to the betterment of her community and her state. She was a teacher, a volunteer, and lived her whole life surrounded by or working in the news business. In 1999, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan appointed Mary as a member of the University of Missouri Board of Curators, and she became the board's president in 2005.

Mary also served organizations affiliated with the University of Missouri, which she so dearly loved, including the Chancellor's Fund for Excellence, the Advisory and Development Committee within the College of Education, and the Griffith's Leadership Society for Women. Mary was also a member of the Jefferson Club. In 2005, the Alumni Alliance recognized Mary for Outstanding Alumni Service to the University of Missouri System.

Mary also worked as the executive director of the Cass Medical Center Foundation, on the board of the Healthcare Foundation of Greater Kansas City, and on the board of the Cass Medical Foundation. In 2006, she was recognized by the University of Missouri as a Distinguished Friend to the School of Nursing because of her commitment to health care and to the University.

Mary also served as a member of the Harrisonville Park Board, including time as chairman. During her tenure on the park board, she advocated for a community sales tax that led to building a pool and maintenance facility for the city of Harrisonville, she wrote a grant and raised funds to build an outdoor theater, and she helped plan for a community center. Mary was a member of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce, the Harrisonville United Methodist Church, Chapter G.R. PEO, Delta Gamma, and the University of Missouri Alumni Association.

Mary's family had been prominent in the Missouri newspaper business. Her parents, the late J.W. Brown, Jr., and Wanda A. Brown, were publishers of the Cass County Democrat-Missourian in Harrisonville. Her father served as Missouri Press Association President. She worked for 26 years as the human resources manager for Cass County Publishing, volunteering extensively in her spare time.

In 1971, Mary married Bill James, who himself has been a prominent figure in the Missouri newspaper business and is a former president of the Missouri Press Association. Bill is now the publisher of the Daily Star-Journal in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Mary, who is survived by Bill, by her two sons and their wives, by one granddaughter, by her mother, and by her sister, will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing her, including me. She has led an exemplary life, which ought to serve as a model for young people in Missouri and throughout our nation. I know members of the Congress will join me in paying tribute the life of Mary James and in extending condolences to her family and friends.

Madam Speaker, let me take this means to express my support for H. Res. 34. Israel, which has been our ally since President Truman recognized this country in 1948, could no longer tolerate relentless attacks on its citizens by Hamas and took military action to prevent future attacks. Israel must defend itself, as would any nation in the face of such provocation.

The United States and the international community must work to support an enduring cease fire that ends missile attacks by Hamas, prevents illegal arms and explosives from entering Gaza, and sets in motion a diplomatic solution that will allow Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace. Only when the cycle of violence in this troubled region is broken will Israelis and Palestinians be able to enjoy the peace and prosperity that people everywhere deserve.

Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I inform the House of the death of Harry Dunford, United States Navy (Ret.) of Lexington, Missouri.

Harry Dunford was born on May 19, 1925, in Lexington, Missouri, to Harry and Hattie Barron Dunford. Harry served his country in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a World War II veteran, serving on the USS President Jackson as a Radioman 3rd Class.

In addition to serving his country in the Armed Forces, Harry had been an insurance investigator, quartermaster at Wentworth Military Academy, and a co-owner of Merchants Credit Bureau. He was a member of Lexington First Christian Church, an Elder and Deacon Emeritus. He was also a life member of V.F.W. Post 4052, a member of the Lexington Jaycees, a columnist for the Lexington News, a member of the Lafayette County Veteran's Memorial Committee, and a one-time Secretary for the USS President Jackson Association.

Madam Speaker, I know the members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Mr. Speaker, since World War II, America's middle class has been built and strengthened by the auto industry--not just by the companies that make cars and trucks but also by those that make parts for them. In Missouri, the auto industry is particularly important to our economy, creating hundreds of well paying jobs in Kansas City and St. Louis, and in smaller towns like Sedalia and Versailles.

Sadly, because of a variety of conditions that have been made worse by the global credit crisis, the auto industry has fallen on terribly difficult times and is on the verge of collapse. The urgency of the automakers' troubles has prompted our debate today in Congress.

The auto industry is unique in our country and must be given a chance to restructure and become more viable into the future. Without assistance, the industry will likely fail and millions of jobs will be in jeopardy.

Today's legislation has been carefully written with views incorporated from Congressional Republicans and Democrats and from the President. It would provide immediate help to the auto industry and its employees while simultaneously forcing them to become leaner, greener, and more competitive in the 21st century.

The bill would authorize a loan of up to $15 billion to the car companies in exchange for their promise to draw up more realistic business plans. To ensure the industry restructures according to the law, a powerful ``car czar'' would manage the process and have a great deal of authority with respect to lending money and recalling loans, if necessary.

The bill would further protect taxpayers by allowing them to profit from a participating

companies' recovery and by requiring that the government be repaid before other lenders. It also would prohibit auto company shareholders from earning dividends during the life of the loans, would ban excessive corporate pay and the ownership of private aircraft by auto companies, and would require strong, independent oversight by the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office.

I am unhappy that we find ourselves considering a loan of such magnitude to America's auto industry. But, after careful consideration and review, I am convinced that inaction by Congress would be far more catastrophic to American workers, to the fragile economy, and to our country.

Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to congratulate the Orrick High School Football Team on winning the Missouri Class 1 Football Championship. The team, led by Coach Pat Richard, won the game in double overtime against Thayer High. The Orrick Bearcats headed into the title game as a perfect 14-0 team ready to play. From a team that had its struggles in the early 2000s, this group has come a long way and has achieved the ultimate State prize. The thrilling win exemplifies the drive and ambition of these young men. I would like to share their success with you, Madam Speaker, and I am confident that my colleagues will echo my praise.

Madam Speaker, it is with grief that I inform the House of the death of Dr. Charles Lea, Lt. Col., United States Army (ret.) of Lexington, Missouri.

Dr. Lea was born and raised in Brunswick, Missouri, and graduated from Brookfield High School in 1952. Dr. Lea then spent a year at Rolla School of Mines before he entered West Point where he graduated in 1957. Upon graduation he spent 3\1/2\ years in Germany before taking paratrooper training at Fort Benning. Choosing to attend University of Missouri Medical School over Ivy League offers, he graduated in 1965 to intern at Fitzsimmons in Denver, Colorado.

Following his education path, Dr. Lea went directly to Vietnam. Serving in the 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne, Dr. Lea was awarded several medals and citations, including: Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Soldier's Medal, four Air Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Viet Cross of Gallantry, Combat Medical Badge, and Parachute Badge.

After his service in Vietnam, Dr. Lea choose to become a general practice family physician in Oklahoma and Lafayette County, Missouri. Dr. Lea served as the chief of staff at Stillwater Regional Health Center, Stillwater, Oklahoma; Lafayette Regional Medical Center, Lexington, Missouri; and I-70 Medical Center, Sweet Springs, Missouri.

Madam Speaker, Dr. Lea was a respected father, physician, and soldier. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family: his wife, Kay Lea; his children, DeJean, George, Elisabeth, Darren, Nikki, and Scott; and his grandchildren, Jacqueline, William, Emily, Chelsea, Hunter, Gabriel, Elizabeth, Dylan, Maxwell, Regan, and Hayden.