Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chair of the full committee for yielding, and I rise in support of the continuing resolution.

We must pass this continuing resolution to keep the Federal Government open and operating for taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, as you know, this legislation continues funding to pay our troops, for the Department of Defense operations, and for defense and maintenance, research and development, and procurement at fiscal year 2014 levels.

But a word of caution to my colleague. We have had a great deal of talk lately from some quarters about

eventually extending this continuing resolution to September of next year, 2015. That would be a very bad idea for the Department of Defense and many other important agencies and programs. While this approach might hold the line on spending in other agencies and programs, a yearlong continuing resolution has proven to be terribly costly for the Department of Defense.

Funding under a CR promotes budget uncertainty that makes defense planning and managing programs nearly impossible. It is damaging to our men and women in uniform, our military readiness, our defense industrial base, and our defense posture as we face challenges around the world, in the Middle East, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and considered additional actions in Iraq and also Syria.

Three months ago, our full committee and our Defense Subcommittee produced a strong, bipartisan fiscal year 2015 Defense Appropriations bill. We hope the Senate will now join us to complete the process, allowing us to fulfill our responsibilities under the Constitution for a strong national defense.

Mr. Chairman, I commend your strong efforts and that of the staff and urge support of the resolution.

But before I conclude, may I also join with Chairman Rogers in saluting Tom McLemore, the clerk to the Defense Subcommittee on Appropriations, for his years of hard work on behalf of all Members, Republicans and Democrats, his strong work on behalf of a strong national defense, for his work with me in my brief tenure as chairman, but for the many years of loyal support he gave to our late chairman, Congressman Bill Young of Florida.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the McKeon amendment, but with serious reservations, reservations that have nothing to do with the substance of the amendment.

I applaud Chairman McKeon for his very diligent work to craft an amendment that responds to our Commander in Chief's proposal to address the very real, serious threat we face in a thoughtful and responsible manner while preserving Congress' constitutional authority and oversight in these matters.

Let me be clear, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria poses a clear and present danger to the United States, our homeland, our friends and partners in the Middle East and around the world.

The President has proposed that he be granted the authority to train and equip Syrian opposition groups in hopes that they will use their training and turn their weapons on ISIS, a truly savage and cruel cult of extremists.

We all watched the President's television address last week. That address left this Member and many constituents with more questions than answers.

The strategy the President announced is not so much a strategy as a continuation of a counterterrorism policy that relies on others to be on the front line to protect United States national security interests when their motivations, interests, and capabilities may or may not align with our interests.

I have to state here and now that I am concerned that the President's plan is, first of all, very late; secondly, may be based on unrealistic assumptions.

We have been told that there is a comprehensive strategy and a multinational coalition of the willing to fight the terrorists who have gained massive amounts of ground in both Syria and Iraq. To date, neither the Congress nor the American people have been told all of the details on that strategy or how it will be implemented.

The President has repeatedly proclaimed that there will be no American boots on the ground, but our constituents should not be misled. There are American boots on the ground currently in Iraq, and there is a strong likelihood there may be boots on the ground in Syria and, in the skies above, planes, and those who fight will remain in harm's way.

The White House is relying on so-called moderate rebel groups to fight ISIS, groups that do not and will not exist in any great numbers and whose primary target is the Syrian dictator, President Assad. How do you reconcile those competing goals?

Indeed, there are many complicated questions in a complicated region of the world with ever-shifting alliances and loyalties, but this is where the terrorists who want to do us harm have taken hold.

Despite reservations and questions, we must take action. The threat is real, and ISIS must be confronted now. I support the McKeon amendment because it will provide the experts and the Department of Defense the authority they need to put together a clearly defined, realistic strategy and address unanswered questions for both this Congress and our constituents.

That, however, does not and must not mean that Congress will cede its constitutional obligations. We must exercise our responsibilities and not give the President a blank fiscal check.

I commend Chairman McKeon for recognizing that Congress must be informed and a full partner with the administration. This amendment does not provide the administration with the blank check they originally sought.

In this measure, we provide authority for a limited train-and-equip program with strong congressional oversight. This amendment does not allow any funds, be they appropriated funds or foreign-partner funds, without prior notification and approval to congressional defense committees in accordance with standard reprogramming procedures.

This amendment does not--I repeat, does not--provide an authorization for the use of military force. Indeed, the amendment includes language that makes it explicitly clear that this train-and-equip authority is not an authorization for the use of military force.

Mr. Speaker, I support this amendment. ISIS needs to be confronted, and sooner rather than later. However, in the weeks and months to come, this House must use its oversight powers under the Constitution to monitor this strategy and demand changes when and if it falters.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 13th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our Nation.

Thirteen years ago, the Nation was reeling in anger and confusion. We were trying to process the enormity of the loss of life we had suffered from the brutal attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and from the downing of the American passenger plane in the field outside Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Thirteen years ago, we did not yet know the full extent of the losses we had suffered or the identities of those responsible or the story of the heroics on the United Flight 93 that in all likelihood saved this historic building from attack.

Thirteen years ago, at this hour, we could not know how these events would change our country and the world, but one thing we do know, even in the midst of all the anger, pain, and the confusion of that awful day, we know that the United States of America would respond with courage and resolve, that the American spirit would triumph, and it has, Mr. Speaker.

So today, let us remember those who died, over 700 from my own home State of New Jersey and from many States and nations around the world. Let's remember those who have fought from that day and given their lives to protect our country over those past 13 years.

Let us renew our determination to honor forever all those whose memories remain a blessing to us and to the Nation we love so much.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Delbarton School in the Township of Morris, Morris County, as it celebrates its Seventy-Fifth Anniversary.

The Delbarton School is an independent, all male, Roman Catholic school led by the Benedictine Monks of St. Mary's Abbey. Founded in 1939, the school has graduated more than 4,000 students and has a current enrollment of about 540 students. The school's motto ``Succisa Virescit'' conveys the value of perseverance, a principle on which the school was founded. Delbarton's first graduating class consisted of only 8 students from grades sixth, seventh, and eighth. It was not until 1942 that an upper school was added by Headmaster Father Stephan Findlay.

In the late 1800s Luther Kountze, a wealthy stock broker from New York, began to purchase land in rural New Jersey and quickly accumulated over 4,000 acres. In 1883 he built a large mansion and decided to call it Delbarton. The name comes from taking a syllable from each of his first three children's names: Barclay Ward, William Delancey, and Helen Livingston. After Mr. Kountze's death in 1918, the property was put up for sale and in 1927 St. Mary's Abbey bought 400 acres of the property, including the mansion and farm. They planned to use the property as a place to start educating their younger members.

Situated on 200 acres in rural Morris County, Delbarton is home to rolling hills and picturesque landscapes as well as impressive facilities. The school boasts a 24,000 square foot science pavilion, 4 science labs, 6 computer labs, a 36,000 square foot Fine Arts Center, a language lab, and a 25,000 volume library. The Delbarton School offers a traditional liberal arts education serving grades 7-12. The school is founded on the 1,500 year old tradition of Benedictine learning which is based on the Judeo-Christian tradition and pursues development of the whole person, both in spirit and in mind. They believe that there is more to the education of men than just academics and strive to create an environment where both personal and religious confirmation can be acquired.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in congratulating the Delbarton School, its teachers and administration, trustees and many successful alumni and supporters, as it celebrates its Seventy-Fifth Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, located in Harding Township, County of Morris, New Jersey, as it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

On September 3, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed one of the most important and successful pieces of conservation legislation: The Wilderness Act. Over the past half-century, the Wilderness Act has led to the preservation of environmentally sensitive land in more than 750 Wilderness Areas in 44 states across America, encompassing 109 million acres.

Almost 7,800 acres of that total is found in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Morris County, New Jersey. One of the most beautiful, peaceful, ecologically diverse and environmentally important areas of the Garden State, the Great Swamp is true wilderness, formed by the retreat of the Wisconsin Glacier. The Refuge remains today much as it has for millennia. But what took nature thousands of years to create was once almost destroyed in the blink of an eye.

In 1961, the Port of New York Authority (as it was then known) wanted to build another airport--the fourth--for the metropolitan area. The new airport would have been enormous: twice the size of Kennedy International Airport. If the Port Authority had its way, it would have paved over New Jersey's Great Swamp, which the PA maintained was the only practical site it could find.

Then, as now, the Port Authority was a powerful player in the region's politics. The Port Authority was used to getting what it wanted. Stopping it would not be easy. But in what would become one of the nation's first modern major environmental battles pitting progress against preservation, preservation and citizen action would win.

Among those who fought to save the Great Swamp was the area's representative in Congress, my father, Peter H.B. Frelinghuysen.

Described by the New York Times as ``a leader of the opposition,'' my father headed the steering committee formed to oppose the Port Authority's plan. He helped mobilize the New Jersey Congressional delegation--both Republicans and Democrats--against the idea. He was joined by literally thousands of citizens in marshalling support and raising money to save what one writer described as ``a natural masterpiece.''

At countless hearings and public meetings, the public came out against the proposal. One of the most effective citizen leaders was Helen Fenske. Her efforts were recently recognized by naming the visitor's center at the Great Swamp in her honor. At one meeting called by the Department of Interior, more than 900 people crowded the room. Only one person spoke in favor of the proposed airport. He was not well received.

Yet despite the enormous outpouring of support for saving the Great Swamp, the Port Authority continued to press forward. But its efforts would never come to fruition. On May 29, 1964, 2,600 acres of the Great Swamp were designated a National Wildlife Refuge, the first such protected wilderness in the country. In recognition of the leadership and generosity of M. Hartley Dodge, who donated a considerable portion of the land for the new refuge, it carried his name.

Had the PA succeeded, the residents of New Jersey and New York would have been the primary losers. The Great Swamp helps regenerate and improves air quality for millions of people in New York City and northern New Jersey, protects water supplies, and provides homes to a wide variety of wildlife, including more than 200 species of birds-- among them, our national emblem, the American Bald Eagle. But the nation would also have lost forever this unique natural treasure.

My father considered his effort to help preserve the Great Swamp as the proudest legacy of his service in the House of Representatives. During my own tenure in Congress, I have followed his lead. Over the years I have secured Federal funds to expand the Refuge.

Today, the tens of millions of people who visit the Great Swamp and the hundreds of other Wilderness Areas across the country can learn about and appreciate some of the most beautiful parts of America's precious natural heritage.

President Johnson called the Wilderness Act one of the ``most far- reaching conservation measures that a farsighted nation'' had ever enacted. As we mark its 50th Anniversary, my hope is that we will continue to build on its legacy for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

Mr. Speaker, because I stand with Israel I rise in strong support of this bill to provide $225 million to the State of Israel to support the Iron Dome system. These funds are in addition to what the

House has already approved in the FY 2015 Defense Appropriations Bill.

For the past four weeks, Israel and the Israeli people have been subjected to a relentless attack by the terrorist organization Hamas.

Hamas has fired thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel, deliberately attempting to kill as many Israelis and damage as much Israeli property as it possibly can.

These indiscriminate attacks would likely have killed large numbers of Israelis and destroyed untold amounts of property except for one thing--the Iron Dome.

The Iron Dome has proven to be a remarkably effective defensive weapon, destroying rockets headed for targets in populated areas, saving lives and protecting property from Hamas's terror from the skies.

It is crucial that the Israelis continue to be able to employ and improve the Iron Dome to repel these terrorist rocket attacks.

The funds we approve today will enable Israel to continue to defend itself and its people from these wanton terrorist attacks.

The clearest way this House can demonstrate that it stands with Israel is by overwhelmingly approving this bill.

Let's show the people of Israel that we stand with them and let's show Hamas, and anyone else who would threaten Israel's right to exist, that we will not stand by and give their ruthless mission even the slightest possibility of success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of the Borough of Madison, County of Morris, New Jersey.

The first residents of the borough of Madison were Lenape Indians with small villages located near rivers and streams. In 1715, when the first European settler, Barnabas Carter, reached what would become Madison, the Lenape had already left the area. The Presbyterian Church of South Hanover acquired a piece of land from Carter and built a meetinghouse on it. This place, known as ``Bottle Hill,'' became a center for Presbyterianism.

When the Revolutionary War began, the 20 families who resided in Bottle Hill joined the Morris County militia. The group was led by Reverend Azariah Horton, a Presbyterian minister. Bottle Hill provided a direct route to and from Morristown. The town served as a camp for the largest Continental Army in the Revolutionary War during the winter of 1777. Officers took up quarters in Bottle Hill, and General George Washington was offered hospitality in homes that are still located on Ridgedale Avenue today.

Once a part of South Hanover, Bottle Hill was divided between Morris and Hanover Townships until 1806 when the village joined with Florham Park, Chatham Township, and Chatham Borough to create one Chatham Township. Bottle Hill was the name originally given to Madison, and there are two beliefs surrounding this moniker. One idea is that the name is derived from the bottle-like shape of the town's original land, which was formed by two hills. The other, more likely idea, comes from a tavern that was once located on top of a hill at the meeting of Park and Ridgedale avenues that advertised by hanging a bottle-shaped sign outside. The nickname is also used for Madison's annual ``Bottle Hill Day'' street fair. In 1834, to pay tribute to James Madison, the fourth President of the United States and father of the U.S. Constitution, Bottle Hill's name was changed to Madison. In 1889, Madison seceded from Chatham Township to create the Borough of Madison.

In the mid-1800s, Madison was nicknamed ``The Rose City'' during a time when Madison was a popular destination for wealthy families from New York City seeking fresh-air and an area on which to build their country homes. So as to ornament their estates, these families wanted fresh flowers every day. Thus, they used individual greenhouses to grow roses for themselves and, later in 1856, for the commercial market. The growth of Madison's rose production was made possible by the Morris and Essex Railroad service that began in 1937. Roses and rose shows in Madison became internationally known, and working-class immigrants from Germany, Italy, and Ireland were attracted to Madison because of jobs in the rose industry and on the estates there. The descendants of these ancestors that still reside in Madison make it the diverse municipality that it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating with the residents and the officials that represent the wonderful Borough of Madison on the occasion of their one hundred and twenty- fifth anniversary.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with Israel.

There are certain principles that govern the conduct of nations that are so basic--so fundamental--that the world should never have to be reminded of them. The most fundamental of these is simple and straightforward: a nation has the right and the obligation to defend its people and its territory from attack. Unfortunately, however, this fundamental principle does not bear repeating tonight because too many around the world seem to have forgotten it or too many seem to think it only applies to every nation but one--the State of Israel.

Make no mistake. It applies to Israel just as it applies to every nation on the face of the Earth.

Every nation--every one--has the right and the obligation to defend its people and its territory. The thousands of rockets launched against Israel by the terrorist group Hamas are a deliberate attack on the State of Israel and the Israeli people.

I stand with Israel's right to exist in peace and to protect itself. I stand with Israel in terms of its efforts to defend itself, and I support the very important Iron Dome, Arrow program, and David's Sling program, which keep the Israeli people safe. I stand with Israel in its effort to destroy the ability of Hamas' to attack Israel's people and its territory.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with Israel.

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

Mr. Chairman, this amendment would reduce the amount available for the National Security Council staff by $4.2 million, or by approximately one-third.

The National Security Council staff is the President's staff. They serve solely to provide advice to the President on national security matters. They have no authority to manage programs. They have no authority to allocate funds or otherwise decide spending levels. And they have no authority to determine or dictate congressional access to classified information involving sensitive military matters or operations. As the President's staff, it is appropriate that they are accountable to him, just as our staff is only accountable to us. Therefore, they are not subject to congressional questioning nor other forms of oversight.

Over the past few years, the size of the National Security Council's staff has grown, and it appears that they have moved beyond their Presidential advisory role to involve themselves in decisions which are not in their purview. Over the last few months, we have had several instances in which the National Security staff has mandated that the Department of Defense and other agencies selectively withhold information from congressional oversight committees.

While the President has constitutional authority as Commander in Chief to provide for the Nation's defense, this Congress was vested exclusively with the constitutional authority to fund that defense, a constitutional authority that is vested in the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. Chairman, it is important that all appropriate oversight committees are not restricted from the information they need to have to do their jobs.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Let me thank Chairman Crenshaw and Ranking Member Serrano for this opportunity to propose this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I am happy to yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Crenshaw), the chairman of the committee.

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

Offered By: Mr. Frelinghuysen

Amendment No. 13: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the time to recognize the Borough of Ogdensburg in Sussex County, New Jersey as it celebrates its Centennial Anniversary.

This beautiful community was originally part of Sparta Township until it became its own self-governing community in 1914. Ogdensburg acquired its name from its first settler, Robert Ogden. When the borough first formed, the population was less than 1,000 citizens. Now, Ogdensburg is home to more than 2,000 citizens and stretches across 2.3 square miles of land. New Jersey Monthly magazine ranked Ogdensburg 27th in its 2008 rankings of the ``Best Places to Live'' in New Jersey.

Ogdensburg provides public education from Kindergarten to eighth grade through the Ogdensburg Borough School District. For ninth through twelfth grades, public school students attend Wallkill Valley Regional High School, which also serves students from neighboring boroughs.

The National Register of Historic Places recognizes multiples locations in Ogdensburg. The Ogdensburg Railroad Arch, also known as the ``Backwards Tunnel,'' was built in 1871 on Cork Hill Road. Its beauty is only matched by its historic value. The double arch tunnels extend over half an acre and were designed by architect Justin Arnold. The tunnel was nicknamed the ``Backwards Tunnel'' because it was thought that the tunnel should have been wider over the road than over the river.

Another recognized site in Ogdensburg is the Sterling Hill Mining Museum This historic zinc mine provided minerals and jobs to the people of the region until it officially closed in 1986. It now serves as a reminder of Ogdensburg's history and prosperity and as a destination for tourists.

The people of Ogdensburg are equally as notable as its sites. Some of the residents go above and beyond the call of public service. Among them was Joseph ``Muzzie'' Masar, a recently deceased decorated World War II veteran, who will be remembered by the people of Ogdensburg as a dedicated member of the community. He worked as an Ordinance Engineer at Picatinny Arsenal, was a founding member of the Ogdensburg First Aid Squad, and served as a member of the Ogdensburg town council. Mr. Masar was also a member of the VFW Post 10152-Ogdensburg and a proud firefighter for the Ogdensburg Volunteer Fire Department. Residents such as Joseph Masar exemplify the truly proud and civic-minded people of the borough.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Borough of Ogdensburg as it celebrates its Centennial Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative

Extension during the centennial year of the Smith-Lever Act.

On May 8, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Lever Act, creating the Cooperative Extension. The Smith-Lever Act established a partnership among federal, state, and county governments, as well as the United States Department of Agriculture and land-grant universities, in order to provide educational opportunities for youths and adults concerning issues of agriculture. A state-by-state network of extension educators brings to the people science-based knowledge and research in areas such as agriculture, sustainability, environment, health, and nutrition.

The Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension uses this science-based knowledge and education to help New Jersey residents improve their lives and communities. The Cooperative Extension provides several programs for both young people and adults in areas such as healthy lifestyles, food safety and nutrition, environment and natural resources, and economic growth and agricultural sustainability in Essex, Morris, Passaic, Sussex and other counties in New Jersey.

One of the areas focused on by the Rutgers Cooperative Extension is 4-H Youth Development programs. Through educational outreach, Rutgers faculty and staff along with volunteers, bring their knowledge and expertise to the young people of New Jersey from kindergarten through high school and one year beyond. Among the 4-H programs are 4-H clubs, overnight camping trips, and afterschool child care education programs.

In addition to 4-H youth development, the Cooperative Extension also delivers assistance, information, and consultation to businesses, residents, and government agencies through the Department of Agricultural and Resource Management Agents. Two of the department's major programs are Rutgers Master Gardner and the Environmental Stewards Program. The Rutgers Master Gardner program accepts volunteers and trains them to help the Cooperative Extension in its efforts to spread information to the public about horticulture. The Environmental Stewards Program trains and educates people so they can contribute in the effort to find solutions to environmental issues facing New Jersey communities.

The Department of Family and Community Health Sciences is another branch of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Its mission is to promote healthy lifestyles for individuals, families, and groups in New Jersey. Through workshops and other resources, Family and Community Health Sciences bring information about nutrition, exercise, wellness, and family development to those communities that are involved. One major program run by this department is, ``Walk Point to Point NJ.'' Through this, the Cooperative Extension encourages young people and adults in New Jersey to walk, or do other physical activity, that would be the equivalent of traversing the entirety of the state.

Through its many programs and divisions, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, in conjunction with the Cooperative Extension network, provides assistance, research, education, and involvement opportunities for New Jersey residents so that they may be healthier and better informed about agriculture, sustainability, environment, health, and nutrition.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Cooperative Extension during the centennial year of the Smith-Lever Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Veterans of Foreign Wars Stuart E. Edgar Post 493 Women's Auxiliary located in the Township of Nutley, Essex County, New Jersey as it celebrates its 90th anniversary.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is a national organization, established in 1899, that supports and honors veterans and their families across the United States. Throughout the organization's history, the VFW has played a large role serving American veterans, including its strong support for the establishment of the Veterans Administration, creation of the National Cemetery system, and the passage of legislation for veterans, such as the G.I. Bill for the Twenty-First Century. In 1996, the VFW launched Operation Uplink, a program that allows deployed service members to call home, free of charge, on three designated days each month.

The Women's Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign War was established in 1924 and brings together the mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters of veterans in order to celebrate those who have served in the military. In 2010, the Post 493 Women's Auxiliary found itself in serious financial trouble. However, through the dedication of its members, coupled with help from local community, the Auxiliary was able to raise the funds to allow the organization to continue and flourish. Today, VFW Post 493 and the Women's Auxiliary continue to bring together about 100 men and women from the Township of Nutley, as well as the Township of Belleville.

In addition to advancing the broader mission and goals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 493 and the Women's Auxiliary carry out a number of duties throughout the year. These duties include marching in local parades as well as performing services at war memorials on holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They also hold events to raise funds for scholarships, services for veterans, and other goals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2010, through the Adopt-A-Unit program, Post 493 sent packages of goods to two Army units--the Second Battalion, 113th Infantry of Newark and First Battalion, 102nd Cavalry of West Orange. Twice a year, members host parties and serve dinner to patients at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in East Orange, New Jersey.

The Auxiliary's efforts and contributions have made an enormous impact on the community, local veterans, their families, and the VFW at large.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Veterans of Foreign War Stuart E. Edgar Post 493 Women's Auxiliary as it celebrates its 90th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Hillside Hose Company #1, located in the township of Morris, County of Morris, New Jersey, as it celebrates its Centennial.

The Hillside Hose Company #1 was founded in 1914 by local citizens as a ``not-for-profit'' volunteer organization. The Company now serves as Station 3 of the Morris Township Fire Department, protecting more than 22,000 residents. When needed, it also helps other municipalities' with mutual aid. Along with fighting fires, their dedicated volunteers also conduct neighborhood safety patrols and ensure safety for events such as the July 4th fireworks, graduation ceremonies, or other permitted events. Recently, Hillside Hose Company received a Unit Citation from the Morris Township Committee for exemplary service during the natural disaster of Hurricane Irene.

Hillside Hose Company also provides community programs to their residents by hosting events for children at Halloween, and Christmas. Some of their most successful events include the Easter Egg Hunt, Halloween costume parade, and the annual Christmas tree fundraiser sale. These events are open to the public and have a high attendance of children that love to participate every year.

A considerable amount of the Hillside Hose Company #1's budget supports scholarships for local students; youth sports teams, and donations to numerous charitable causes. Hillside awards $1,500 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who pursue higher education.

The Company takes pride in educating the residents they serve about the importance of smoke detectors and safety evacuation plans. They offer important information about when to change the batteries in the detectors and teaching children what to do in the event of a fire.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating everyone that is associated with the Hillside Hose Company #1, and as they celebrate their Centennial.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on further consideration of H.R. 4870, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Madam Chair, as we move towards the finish line and consider the last amendments to our Defense Appropriations bill, large thanks should be extended to the remarkable staff that make up the Defense Subcommittee. I know I join with my ranking member, Mr. Visclosky, and wanted to take time to thank the bipartisan staff of our committee: our clerk, Tom McLemore, whose counterpart is Paul Juola on the minority side. Recognition and thanks go to all of our staff: Tim Prince, Sherry Young, Jennifer Miller, Walter Hearne, Paul Terry, B G Wright, Brook Boyer, Adrienne Ramsay, Megan Rosenbusch, Maureen Holohan, Collin Lee, and Becky Leggiere; from my personal office: Nancy Fox, Steve Wilson, Katie Hazzlett; from Mr. Visclosky's office: Joe DeVot and Jake Whiteside; and all the Appropriations staff and House staff that have made this bill move so smoothly.

I also want to thank all of the Members of the House for their active participation and patience over the last few days. We do not always agree on the substantive issues, but I appreciate the spirit in which all of us debated a variety of issues.

In this regard, I know Mr. Visclosky and I would like to extend our thanks to three members of the Defense Subcommittee who are working on their final bill with us: Mr. Owens of New York, Mr. Kingston of Georgia, Mr. Moran of Virginia. Their service and contributions have been enormous and their assistance has been deeply appreciated.

I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

Well, sir, you indeed are a gentleman, too, and it has been a pleasure to work with you. We are blessed with a remarkable staff that has met the needs of every Member of Congress, regardless of political party. We have considered their amendments, and to the extent that we could, we have acted upon them. Thank you so much for your support and all of us. We appreciate the work of our great staff.

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

Amendment Offered by Mr. Rohrabacher

Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

Madam Chair, the gentleman is correct in one respect: the House does not have, nor does our bill show, any specific amount for Pakistan, but we anticipate the administration will come forward with a figure which may be similar to last year.

There are good reasons that we have invested in what is called the Coalition Support Fund. It allows the Secretary of Defense to reimburse any key cooperating nation for logistical and military support, including access, specialized training to personnel, and procurement and provision of supplies and equipment provided by that nation in connection with the U.S. military operations in Enduring Freedom. Pakistan is one of those nations.

Receipts for reimbursements are submitted by Pakistan and other cooperating nations and are fully vetted by the Pentagon and follow strict criteria to meet the standard for reimbursement. All payments are made in arrears and follow notification to Congress as to what the money has been spent for.

Specifically regarding Pakistan, the Coalition Support Fund remains a critical tool to enable Pakistan to effectively deal with the future challenges emerging from the U.S. drawdown. There will be challenges, no matter what the troop number, and the President has set a troop number at approximately 9,500.

It would be cost-effective. It is a cost-effective tool for the U.S. to remain engaged in the region. We can't turn our back on Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly because Pakistan is a nuclear-capable nation. We need to keep a functioning relationship with Pakistan. That is essential.

I would be pleased to yield to my ranking, Mr. Visclosky, for any comments that he might make.

This money is essential, and Pakistan has been an ally in getting after some of the worst terrorists in certain parts of Pakistan. They need that assistance, and we should, I think, continue to give it to them.

I yield to the gentleman from Indiana.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, we need to keep a relationship with Pakistan. There are some issues that have divided us.

When Mr. Visclosky and I were in Pakistan earlier this year, we made it quite evident that we were concerned about some of the things that occurred, including the holding of that doctor whose assistance helped us kill one of those who killed so many of us.

But we need to recognize that holding Pakistan close to us as an ally gives our troops some extra protection, and we need to have that access to Pakistan to make sure that our deployed troops and others there get the assistance they need.

I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment and yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Madam Chair, I insist on my point of order.

Madam Chair, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI.

The rule states in pertinent part:

``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.''

The amendment imposes additional duties.

I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Madam Chair, I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Madam Chair, I insist on my point of order.

Madam Chair, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI.

The rule states in pertinent part:

``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.''

The amendment requires a new determination.

I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Madam Chair, I reserve a point of order against the gentleman's amendment.

Madam Chair, I insist on my point of order.

Madam Chair, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, therefore, it violates clause 2 of rule XXI.

The rule states in pertinent part:

``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.''

The amendment requires a new determination.

I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Madam Chair, I reserve a point of order.

Will the gentleman yield?

Let me associate myself with the ranking member's comments. Whether somebody comes through our office or if we visit a military installation in the Middle East and somebody comes up with an issue that affects them personally--or their families--they have a right, and we have always put these protections in our bill.

So I commend you. I think it is very much in order.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Chair, I want to make it clear that we are not giving any funds and assistance to the Governments of Iran and Syria. When and if the chemical weapons leave Syria, there may be a third party that we are assisting in terms of getting those chemical weapons out of the region, which I think is a good idea. We are not supporting the Assad regime, I can assure you, and we are certainly not supporting what has been happening in Iran over the last decade.

I do support the continuation of the United States' participation in the Middle East peace efforts. I think we need some progress, and I think this amendment would send the wrong signal to our commitment to that process and would undermine that which we are trying to bring-- lasting peace to the area. I think it would be ill-advised, but I can assure you that we are not sending any money to Syria and Iran, so I oppose the amendment.

Will the gentleman yield?

Madam Chair, let me join with the ranking member. Reluctantly, I do oppose it.

I agree that Fort Huachuca is a national asset, and we want to commend you for, obviously, reacting to, perhaps, news that might be on the wire service that there is oftentimes. Sometimes, actually, if there are people who are of the impression that they might be doing something, this is a pretty good way of bringing it to a halt. Traditionally, we oppose these, and, furthermore, there are no funds in the budget for anybody to accomplish this.

For that reason, I am opposing it, but we salute your bringing this to our attention, and I think a message has probably been sent by your strong advocacy.

Madam Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Madam Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise and report the bill back to the House with sundry amendments and with the recommendation that the amendments be agreed to, and that the bill, as amended, do pass.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the motion to recommit.

Mr. Speaker, with strong leadership from Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, our bill already funds the administration's request for electronic health records. This includes $124 million for interoperability efforts for the two current systems of both the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Efforts are already underway to allow clinicians and users now to have operable records.

In regard to sexual assaults, our recommendation provides approximately $275 million, an increase of $50 million over fiscal year 2014, which fully funds the President's request for sexual assault prevention.

Mr. Speaker, with regards to traumatic brain injury funding, this bill, our bill, also includes over $400 million in research and development funds for traumatic brain injury and psychological health, and over $600 million in operation and maintenance funding to care for our wounded servicemembers, not to mention the amendments we have already accepted on the floor over the last couple of days.

These are important programs. They are supported by Republicans and Democrats, and I may say, they are adequately supported in this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for a ``no'' vote on the motion to recommit and a big ``yes'' vote on the underlying bill.

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