Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th birthday of Linnie Leona Gatewood Gallups.

Leona was born on October 2, 1918. On August 8, 1937, she married Samuel Matthew Gallups.

Leona was a homemaker and cared for children, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, during the work day. She served as a foster parent and kept the nursery at Ladonia Baptist Church where she has been a member since 1961.

After her husband had a massive stroke, she took care of him for 15 years.

Leona loves gardening, flowers and arts and crafts. She also loves to bake cakes for others. Leona is known around town for her crafts. She spends a lot of time watching Fox News and is very fond of President Trump.

Her friends and family are surprising her with a birthday party on Sunday, September 30th at her home in Phenix City, Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Leona a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th wedding anniversary of Bill and Sherlyn Jackson.

On Friday, August 17, 2018, Bill and Sherlyn celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Savannah, Georgia. The trip was an anniversary gift from their children.

Bill and Sherlyn met as neighbors growing up in Talladega, Alabama, and got to know each other through school. They were 5th grade sweethearts and started dating their senior year of high school and all through college.

Bill and Sherlyn were married while Bill was finishing law school at the University of Alabama. The Jacksons were blessed with two children: Amy and Brad, and four grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating my dear friends, Bill and Sherlyn, on this exciting occasion. Happy 50th wedding anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 86th birthday of Donald C. Frazier.

Don was born on August 31, 1932 in Anniston, Alabama, to Mr. and Mrs. William H. Frazier.

He graduated from Anniston High School where he excelled in both basketball and football. He was even offered a football scholarship to Howard College (now Samford), but chose to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Jacksonville State University with a degree in Business Administration and spent 47 years working at Alabama Pipe (now Union Foundry) until he retired as Sales Manager in 1997.

Don is married to Joan and has three children: Deborah F. Clonts, D. Jeffery Frazier and Drue F. Taylor. Don was blessed with six grandchildren: Matthew M. Clonts, Daniel F. Clonts, Tracy E. Frazier, Michael K. Taylor and T. Frazier Taylor. He also has three great- grandchildren: Chandler P. Armstrong, M. Kenneth Taylor and Evie Claire Clonts.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Don a very happy 86th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Command Sergeant Major George L. Murray, U.S. Army (Retired).

CSM (Ret) George Murray was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Army on April 17, 1939 out of the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was assigned to Company A, 1st Separate Chemical Battalion, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where he was serving on December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He returned to Edgewood Arsenal, Maryland, in 1942 to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS). After graduation he was assigned to Camp Sibert, Alabama. In August 1944, he joined C Company of the 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion in France and served with the battalion for the remainder of World War II.

From the end of the War to 1951, he served in various assignments in CONUS, including the Deseret Chemical Center, UT, the 91st Chemical Mortar Battalion at Fort Lewis, Wash., and the 11th Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. In 1949 he reverted back to the enlisted rank of Master Sergeant. He served as First Sergeant and instructor in the Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) School in Japan from November 1951 to July 1954. Afterwards, he returned to CONUS and served at Fort Dix, N.J., as Committee Chief of the CBR School. He was promoted to Sergeant Major on April 8, 1959 and served as Sergeant Major for the 100th Chemical Group and for the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Training Command From July 1960 to July 1964, he served at Headquarters Chemical Sections in Orleans, France and Heidelberg, Germany. He returned to Fort McClellan, Ala., in August 1964 and again served as Sergeant Major of

the 100th Chemical Group. In January 1969 he was promoted to Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps School, which made him one of the first Sergeants Major to be promoted to the new rank of CSM.

CSM (Ret) Murray is a veteran of both the Pacific and European Theaters of Operations during World II. He is a veteran of Pearl Harbor and the campaigns of Northern France, Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Germany. His awards include the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC).

After his retirement in 1969, CSM Murray accepted a position as Safety Supervisor, with the FMC Corporation in Anniston, Alabama. He continues to be active supporting the Chemical Corps Museum and the Chemical Corps Regimental Association (CCRA). He served as the first Honorary Sergeant Major of the Regiment and is a member of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps Hall of Fame. He currently lives in Anniston with his wife, Theddie, but will soon be moving to Texas.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking George for his service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Sgt Jesse Lee Buchanan, Sr.

Jesse was born on March 3, 1947 to the late John G. Sr. and Margaret Buchanan in Anniston, Alabama. Jesse attended Thankful Elementary School and graduated from William C. Overfelt in San Jose, California. He attended San Jose City College, Daniel Payne and in 1965 attended Florida A&M and played semi-professional football for the 1967 San Jose Patches. He also played with the Oakland Raiders before being drafted in the U.S. Army.

While serving in Vietnam, Jesse was wounded after being shot 18 times.

After being wounded, he was medically discharged with the Awards and Declarations which include: The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Purple Heart.

Jesse re-entered San Jose City College, San Jose State and then became employed with the State of Veteran's Administration and San Jose City as a traffic engineer. He later worked for Eastman Kodak where he retired.

Jesse has been married to Diane for 36 years and has four children: LaShawn Dearing, Celeste Paige, William Buchanan and Jesse Jr. They have also been blessed with eight grandchildren and two great- grandchildren.

Jesse attends Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church and serves as a Trustee and Finance Advisor.

He is a member of the Thomas A. Williams Elks Lodge and was ``Brother Elk of the Year'' in 2014. He is also a member of the American Legion Post and the Masonic Jackson Pride.

In 2018, Jesse flew to Washington, D.C. with the Alabama Freedom Flight to see the Vietnam Wall and Korean Memorial.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking Jesse for his service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5515, the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

This report authorizes additional funding for nuclear modernization efforts. We make good on promises to improve defense-related infrastructure. It authorizes full funding for a low-yield nuclear warhead. It also postures the United States to credibly address the threat posed by Chinese and Russian strategic nuclear weapons in the future.

On missile defense, the conference report includes policy support and funding for space-based sensing, boost-phase intercept, hypersonics, and directed energy efforts.

Regarding national security space reform, this conference report establishes a sub-unified command for space. It tasks the Department with developing an alternative acquisition for national security space, and it directs the Department to deliver a space warfighting policy and readiness plan. These steps begin taking us down a path toward implementing President Trump's directive to establish a space force.

Finally, it also includes significant reforms as to how the DOD calculates work at our Nation's depots in an effort to modernize and streamline that process to better support both the depots and the warfighters who depend on them.

In conclusion, I want to thank the subcommittee's distinguished ranking member, Jim Cooper. He has been a great partner in this endeavor. I also thank Chairman Thornberry and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership in fashioning this outstanding bill.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize the 100th birthday of Ladelle Cochran.

Ladelle was born on August 29, 1918 in Dallas, Georgia.

He is a Veteran of World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. Ladelle retired from the Anniston Army Depot after working there for 25 years.

Ladelle was married to the late June Saxon for 59 years and was blessed with five children, three grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.

He is a member of Gladeview Baptist Church and is an avid Atlanta Braves and Alabama Crimson Tide fan.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Ladelle Cochran a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our guest chaplain, Reverend John Hill. Reverend Hill lives in Alexander City, Alabama, and is the pastor of Flint Hill United Methodist Church.

In 2010, Reverend Hill had his ordination as elder in the United Methodist Church; and in 2017, he achieved senior chaplain status with the International Conference of Police Chaplains, certification in critical incident stress management, and became a certified instructor for group crisis intervention.

Reverend Hill has done chaplain work with several police departments across the State as well as with the Alabama Department of Public Safety. He also was selected to serve as a volunteer chaplain for the United States Secret Service.

Reverend Hill is joined today by his wife, Jill, and their three children, and it is my honor to welcome him to the House of Representatives and our Nation's Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to remember and celebrate the life of Les Pair who passed away on June 27, 2018.

Mr. Pair was born on March 23, 1923, and grew up in Albettville, Alabama. He received his B.S. degree in Agriculture Education in 1948 and Master's Degree in Agriculture Science in 1965 both from Auburn University. He worked for Auburn University in the Alabama Extension Service System for over 30 years.

He was married to Marjorie at Jasper First Methodist Church and later moved to Anniston, Alabama where his family joined Anniston First Methodist Church in 1957. Les served on almost every board, committee and long-range planning committee. He was part of the Carre Sunday School Class and served as President several times. He was also a Charter Board Member for Camp Lee.

He served in World War II in the Field Artillery 1st Infantry Division, landed in Normandy and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Les was a life member of the National Association of County Agriculture Agents, Auburn Agriculture Alumni Association, Epsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity, and Auburn University Alumni Association's Golden Eagles Club.

Les served in many organizations in Anniston including various boards and committees at American Red Cross, United Way of Alabama and Regional Medical Center volunteer organization. Les served as president of the Jasper and Anniston Kiwanis Clubs as well as secretary and treasurer for over 16 years. Les was awarded the Legion of Honor for his 70 years of service with the Kiwanis Club of Anniston as well as the George C. Hixson Award for his significant contribution to the club.

Les was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering Les Pair and celebrating a life well-lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and celebrate the life of Joel Carter Denney. Joel passed away on Sunday, August 13, 2017.

Joel served in the United States Army for 26 years and retired as a well-decorated Colonel in 1993. After retirement, Joel spent his days serving others as Chairperson for Alabama Honor Flight, President of Habitat for Humanity, Co-chair of the Calhoun County Chamber Military and Security Affairs Committee, Member of the Alabama Job Creation & Military Stability Commission, Member of Berman Foundation Board and Museum and a volunteer with Carpenters for Christ.

During his time in the Army, Joel served in Korea, Vietnam, Germany, Fort Benning, Fort Hood, Fort Carson, Fort Riley, Anniston Army Depot and Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

I knew Joel for many years and can honestly say he spent his life serving others--especially the work he did with the Alabama Honor Flight. His leadership and presence are certainly missed in Calhoun County.

Joel will be laid to rest on June 27, 2018 at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering Joel Denney and celebrating a life well-lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th birthday of Hilda Holley.

Hilda was born on May 14, 1918 in Oxford, Alabama, as the fourth of 13 siblings. She and two other siblings are the only ones still living today.

She married her late husband Ernest Holley in 1944. Hilda worked at Anniston Army Depot and on February 26, 1951, she gave birth to her son, Ernie and Hilda became a stay at home mother.

Ernie was born with Down's Syndrome, and Hilda has devoted her life to taking care of her son. Hilda attributes her long life to eating a red apple and onions every day. Besides caring for Ernie, Hilda spends her time reading her Bible, praying and completing crossword puzzles.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in wishing Hilda Holley a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Simpson and Ranking Member Kaptur and all their subcommittee colleagues for, again, putting together a strong Energy and Water appropriations bill this year.

As the chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, I know how crucial that bill is to our national defense.

The Atomic Energy Defense activities funded by this bill and authorized by the NDAA are critical to our nuclear deterrent, and that nuclear deterrent is not just the warheads and missiles over in DOD; it is also the people, capabilities, and infrastructure in DOE. Together, they comprise our nuclear deterrent.

My amendment would align a key aspect of this appropriations bill related to DOE's nuclear weapons infrastructure with the fiscal year 2019 NDAA that the House passed 2 weeks ago by a bipartisan vote of 351-66.

My amendment provides $24 million in funding to the Material Staging Facility project, which will enable huge security improvements, operational efficiencies, and billions in long-term cost savings at the Pantex plant in Texas.

This project was initiated in the fiscal year 2018 NDAA and fiscal year 2018 omnibus appropriations bill, because Congress recognized its importance.

My amendment would ensure that this project stays on track and align with its fiscal year 2019 appropriation and with the fiscal year 2019 NDAA authorization.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting what they have already supported in the NDAA and vote ``yes'' on my amendment.

Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th Anniversary of the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) which will be celebrated on June 14th.

On June 1, 1998, the Center opened its doors to America's first responders. Over the past 20 years, the staff of the CDP have provided cutting-edge training to first responders from all 50 states, every U.S. territory and many tribal nations. Through the years, the Center's unique training capabilities have prepared the nation's communities to plan for, respond to and recover from disasters. As the nation's only facility that trains local responders with live toxic materials, the CDP's training builds skills and confidence within the response community that can save American lives in a homeland security crisis.

Since its inception, the Center has continued to expand its facilities and curriculum to better meet the training needs of first responders. Today, the CDP serves an essential role within the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency for helping provide critical training that ultimately helps keep our communities safe.

I am pleased to recognize the staff of the Center for Domestic Preparedness today for reaching this important milestone, and look forward to witnessing its continued service to the nation.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the CDP on this exciting milestone in their history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Auburn University Equestrian team for winning the 2018 National Collegiate Equestrian Association (NCEA) National Championship.

The Auburn team defeated number one Georgia 10 to five in the Extraco Events Center in Texas. This is the fifth national title for the Auburn program--with all five under

Coach Greg Williams and the second title in the last three years. 13 of the 14 riders that competed at the 2018 NCEA Championship will return for the 2018-19 season. Associate Head Coach Jessica Braswell was also named National Coach of the Year. This marks the 21st national title for Auburn athletics.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Auburn Equestrian team for this exciting accomplishment and congratulate them on a job well done. War Eagle.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of Clement Clay ``Bo'' Torbert, Jr.

Bo was raised in Lee County. After graduating high school, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy and later graduated from Auburn University in 1951. At Auburn, he was a member of the school's swim team.

In 1954, Bo graduated from law school at the University of Alabama. In 1958, he was elected as a State Representative and in 1966, was elected to the Alabama State Senate. In 1976, Bo was elected as chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court where he served two six-year terms.

After serving in the Supreme Court, Torbert went on to teach at both the University of Alabama School of Law and Cumberland School of Law. He also joined the Maynard, Cooper and Gale law firm and practiced there until he retired.

Bo was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Opelika. He passed away on June 2, 2018 in Opelika, Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in remembering the life and public service of Bo Torbert. He will be greatly missed.