Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, during rollcall vote No. 273 on H.R. 4745, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``yes'' when I should have voted ``no.''

Amendment Offered by Mr. Chabot

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Westmoreland amendment to the fiscal year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. It strikes section 341 which would negatively impact the venerable and highly effective F117 engine that powers the Air Force workhorse personnel and cargo transport, the C-17 aircraft. The existing language requires disclosure of proprietary information which would hamper contract negotiations, having the potential of posing a detrimental impact to the readiness of the fleet.

Today, F117 engines are sustained through an award-winning performance-based logistics contract that minimizes life cycle costs with fixed fees based on flight cycles. This contract type requires comprehensive understanding and investment by the service provider along with the engineering design expertise to develop and implement improvements in response to actual mission experience. It is vital that we use every practical means of providing for the defense of this country and the protection of our warfighters, including the appropriate use of competition and any other contracting method.

In fact, the Air Force has already taken steps to ensure these outcomes are achieved on the C-17 sustainment contract. Just last year, the Air Force held an open and transparent bidding process for the F117 and there was only one bidder. Under the current structure, the F117 service provider is incentivized to reduce total maintenance cost by improving reliability, increasing time on wing, and controlling shop visit cost. All of these factors have been good for the Air Force by minimizing operational disruption and reducing maintenance crew requirements and logistics infrastructure.

Section 341 of this bill jeopardizes the efficiencies and success the F117 performance-based logistics contract has achieved. This language could be interpreted as requiring the Air Force to significantly change contract structure for maintenance instead of requesting a robust price reasonableness assessment as is already required by procurement regulations. Changes in the F117 maintenance structure could be less effective in supporting the C-17 and may result in higher sustainment costs and lower readiness. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen and servant of humankind, Mrs. Sue Marie Thompson Turner. Sadly, Mrs. Turner passed away on Thursday, May 8, 2014. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

A Columbus native, Mrs. Turner was born on August 28, 1929 to Dr. John Barkwell Thompson and Mildred Marie Dykes Thompson. She graduated from Columbus High School and attended Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. In 1948, she returned to Columbus to marry the love of her life, William

``Bill'' B. Turner. During their remarkable sixty-five years of marriage, Mrs. Turner was the epitome of a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A strong-willed woman, she was fiercely committed to raising a loving family by instilling in each of them the good values and morals that she and her husband embodied. Known as ``Precious'' to her family, she showed her support for her six children, 21 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and countless friends at hundreds of ball games, dance recitals and birthday parties.

One of the things I admired most about Mrs. Turner was her ability to make each person she met feel special because he or she was indeed special to her. No person was ever a stranger to her because she could make anyone feel like part of the family from the moment they met.

Mrs. Turner loved her community dearly and was constantly working to improve it. She was active in the Bradley-Turner Foundation, a charitable non-profit organization that has given millions of dollars to various projects in Columbus and the Chattahoochee Valley region. The Turner family also helped launch the Pastoral Institute forty years ago. The organization provides counseling and educational resources to assist people who are going through difficult and traumatic times in their lives. The Pastoral Institute established the Sue Marie and Bill Turner Servant Leadership Award to honor couples who have made significant contributions to the community. The Turners received the first award in 2012. In addition, the Turner family has long supported St. Francis Hospital. The new Women's Hospital was named in Mrs. Turner's honor last fall.

George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are all so blessed that Mrs. Sue Marie Turner passed this way and during her life's journey did so much for so many for so long. She leaves behind a great legacy in service to her beloved family and to all those whose lives she touched and brightened with her radiant smile and rich laughter. She will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the Columbus, Georgia community in paying tribute to Mrs. Sue Marie Turner for her outstanding contributions to her community. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Greater Peace Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrates a remarkable 75 years. The congregation celebrated this very significant anniversary on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at 3 p.m. at the church in Columbus, Georgia.

Greater Peace Baptist Church was founded by a group of Christian missionaries from New Mount Zion Baptist Church in 1939. Rev. H. Hunter served as the church's first pastor during its humble beginnings. With the hard work and perseverance of dedicated deacons and members, Rev. Hunter was able to keep the church alive until Rev. George E. King became the pastor in 1940. Unfortunately, the church was completely destroyed by a fire in 1951. Instead of regarding the event as a tragedy, the members of Greater Peace Baptist Church saw the fire as an opportunity to come together, reconstruct the church, and help it move forward.

In 1952, Rev. Oliver L. Holston became the pastor and brought new ideas to enhance the church. He oversaw the renovations and expanded the church to accommodate new members. Rev. Holston ordained many Christian men during his leadership, some of whom later became pastors themselves. In 1984, Rev. Holston passed away and later in the year, Rev. E.L. Sullivan took over leadership of the church.

Under Rev. Sullivan, numerous new ministries were formed to meet the needs of the church, including the Missionary Circles, Pastor's Cabinet, and Church Program Committee. Rev. Sullivan also helped establish reliable transportation and church hymnals, and procured robes and other items for the church's members. Several members were licensed and ordained under Rev. Sullivan's leadership including the current pastor, Rev. Corey J. Neal. In 2004 and 2005, many amenities were added to the fellowship hall, an administrative office was constructed, and the Pastor's study was remodeled. In December 2007, after 23 faithful years, Rev. Sullivan preached as Senior Pastor and prepared to pass the torch to his grandson, Rev. Corey J. Neal.

Rev. Neal was installed as the new Shepherd of Greater Peace Baptist Church on December 30, 2007. Since his installation, the church membership has increased tremendously. Rev. Neal has continued his grandfather's legacy of forming and developing many new ministries at the church. After Pastor Emeritus Rev. E.L. Sullivan was called home to the Lord, the fellowship hall was graciously named in his honor. By following the vision God gave Rev. Neal, the church was able to pay off the E.L. Sullivan Fellowship Hall two and half years early.

The story of Greater Peace Baptist Church is telling of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who put all their love and trust in the Lord. What began as a small group of people worshipping 75 years ago has grown into an expansive and successful church that has overcome fire and other hardships.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the membership of Greater Peace Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia for their long history of coming together through the good and difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for serving the community through Him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding public servant and dear friend to my wife, Vivian and me, Georgia State Representative Carolyn Hugley. Representative Hugley was honored for her distinguished service at the Columbus Community Center Annual Fundraising Dinner on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia.

Representative Hugley was born in Forrest City, Arkansas to Mr. and Mrs. Walker Fleming, Jr. She earned a degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Master's in Public Policy and Administration from Mississippi State University.

Rep. Hugley was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1992 to represent District 136, which is located within the Second Congressional District of Georgia in Columbus and Muscogee County. She has been continuously re-elected and is currently serving her twelfth term. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with Rep. Hugley over the years and we have become great friends.

During her tenure, Rep. Hugley has built a repertoire of legislative accomplishments. She currently serves as the Democratic Caucus (Minority) Whip. She is a member of the Ethics Committee, Rules Committee, Appropriations-Health Subcommittee and the Insurance Committee. She is also a member of the Women's Legislative Caucus and the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.

Rep. Hugley loves her community dearly, and in addition to representing it in the state legislature, she is actively involved within it. She is a member of Franchise Missionary Baptist Church, where she serves as chair of the Hostess Committee and on the Deacon's Wives board. She is also a member of the Lower Chattahoochee Area Workforce Investment Board; Board of Directors of SISTERS, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., Gamma Tau Omega Chapter; and the Columbus Chapter of The Links, Inc.

Rep. Hugley is a strong advocate for children and family issues both in the Georgia General Assembly and in the Columbus community. She has been recognized for her fine leadership numerous times and has received many awards and accolades for her work in public service.

Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm once said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Rep. Hugley has paid her rent many times over and still continues to give a prodigious amount of love and service back to her community.

Rep. Hugley has accomplished many things in her life but none of this would have been possible without the enduring love and support of her husband, Columbus City Manager, Isaiah Hugley; their two children, Kimberly and Isaiah, Jr.; two adopted children, Jaaliyah and Zajaiq; and two grandchildren, Kandyce and Adam.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife, Vivian, in honoring Georgia State Representative Carolyn Hugley for her dedicated service and exemplary leadership in the Columbus, Georgia community, the State of Georgia, and our country.

Mr. Speaker, May 17, 2014 marked the sixtieth anniversary of the landmark United States Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education.

As Chief Justice Earl Warren wrote in his unanimous decision, ``In the field of public education the doctrine of `separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.'' The Brown ruling declared that state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students were unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Although initially met with resistance, Brown v. Board of Education provided an impetus to education reform, paved the way for integration, and proved an integral part of the American Civil Rights Movement.

As we commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of this case, we celebrate the achievements that have been made in our country's classrooms to ensure that all students--regardless of color--receive a quality education. We still have a long way to go, however, to ensure that the promise of Brown is fully realized. Many school districts today have not fully desegregated. In addition, many students--particularly those who are minorities and come from low-income families--lack access to advanced placement classes; the latest education technology; safe learning environments; extracurricular activities; and clean, well- functioning classrooms. As we commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of Brown, it is vital that we take stock of its legacy and do all that we can to ensure that our children have equal opportunities to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the achievements that have come to fruition over the past six decades in the American classroom since Brown v. Board of Education. Let us work together to fully realize its promise and create a more perfect Union.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Bethel Baptist Church in Vienna, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrate a remarkable 150 years. The congregation of Bethel Baptist Church will celebrate this very significant anniversary with a celebration on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the church in Vienna, Georgia.

Tracing its roots back to the Civil War era, the church was founded in 1864 as a brush arbor church by Reverend Randolph Beach. Along with Rev. Beach, Deacons William Cobb, E.D. Brown, Sandy Nealy, and Adam Lewis cut logs and rolled them together to form seats. The building was called Bethel.

During the first year, Rev. Beach and the members purchased the one acre of land on which the church still sits today. The first church built on this land was a ``shanty'' church. The membership continued to increase and Rev. Beach served as pastor for eighteen years until he was called home to be with the Lord.

Rev. Beach was succeeded by Rev. Nathan Brown, who facilitated improvements to the church's structure. Rev. Brown resigned and was succeeded by Rev. Daniel Amica, who then resigned after one year. Rev. Brown returned to Bethel and continued to serve for eighteen more years until he was called from labor to reward.

Rev. Brown was succeeded by Rev. Amos Reid, a strong and beloved leader. For the next several years, the church was served by a number of pastors, each leaving their lasting mark on the church in some form or fashion. Perhaps the most notable were Reverend S.P. Miller, who advocated for a brick building to be erected, resulting in the foundation of the present brick structure being laid, and Rev. C.S. Wilkins, who continued the work by raising money to complete the erection of the brick building. The main auditorium and a tower, which cost $10,000, were built, and a seven-hundred-pound bell was installed. Rev. Wilkins, who had stepped up to lead the church at a time when it was experiencing difficulties, set high goals for Bethel Baptist Church. He instituted many internal changes, including organizing the membership into clubs, which raised the spirit and morale of the church. The membership was very sorry to see him resign due to his poor health.

Throughout the years, the church would continue to improve both aesthetically and spiritually under the leadership of several devoted pastors. In May 1957, Rev. Moses A. Lee became pastor of Bethel Baptist Church. The church was transformed during the first twelve months of his pastorate and continued to make progress under his remarkable forty-one year tenure.

In September 1998, longtime Bethel member and ordained deacon, Rev. Dr. Bobby G. West, accepted the pastoral invitation and continues to serve as pastor today. He and his

family not only serve the church and its members, but also work hard to serve the surrounding community through an active and expansive outreach ministry.

The story of Bethel Baptist Church, which began as a small group of people worshipping in a brush arbor 150 years ago and has grown into an expansive and successful church, is truly an inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who put all their love and trust in the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the membership of Bethel Baptist Church in Vienna, Georgia for their long history of coming together through the good and difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for serving the community through Him.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man and dedicated public servant, Lt. Col. Walter ``Randy'' Randall, USAF (Retired). Sadly, Lt. Col. Randall passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at the Base Theater at Robins Air Force Base. Interment with full military honors will be held on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.

``Randy'' was born on November 13, 1946 to the late Katie Randall and Walter Randall, Sr. in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bethune Cookman College and a Master of Science degree from Florida A&M University. After teaching Biology in the Jacksonville Public School System for a few years, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1975.

He earned his commission through Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas in May 1975; completed several assignments at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas before serving a three-year tour in Germany; was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) and served in the Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio before coming to Robins Air Force Base in Georgia in August 1994. He served as the C-5 Transition and Supportability Manager for the C-5 System Program Office since April 1999.

In addition to his faithful service to our country, Randy has served his community with much loyalty and dedication. As the Chairman and longtime member of the Warner Robins Regional Chamber of Commerce, he strongly advocated for a regional approach to improving the Middle Georgia community as a whole. He was a firm leader but his friendly approach to all he met gained him tremendous respect in the region.

Randy served as Vice President of Operations for Cirrus Technology and was Senior Vice President of Progressive Consulting Technologies, Inc. (PCTI). He was also a member of the Warner Robins Rotary Club, Tuskegee Airmen's Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9998. He was an active member of Robins Air Force Base Chapel, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Museum of Aviation Foundation's National Board of Advisors, and a longtime official of the Georgia Recreational Football League. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and ballroom dancing.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' We are all so blessed that Mr. Randall passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. He leaves behind a great legacy in service to all those whose lives he touched.

On a personal note, I have been truly blessed by Randy's steadfast friendship and support. I was delighted when, several years ago, his good friend Colonel Curtis Wright, USAF (Retired) introduced us. My wife, Vivian, and I will cherish the wonderful memories we have of Randy's bright smile, upbeat personality, and close friendship.

Randy is survived by his two sons, Walter Andre and Marshall; three sisters, a niece, three nephews, and other beloved relatives and friends.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me and my wife, Vivian, in saluting Lt. Col. Walter ``Randy'' Randall, USAF (Retired) for his outstanding service to his country and to his community. We extend our deepest sympathies to Randy's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lieutenant General Michael Ferriter, Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management and Commanding General, Installation Management Command, for his distinguished service to the United States of America. Lieutenant General Ferriter will be retiring from the United States Army after nearly 35 years of service. He will be honored at a retirement ceremony on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at McGinnis- Wickham Hall at Fort Benning, Georgia.

LTG Ferriter graduated from The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina in May 1979, and was commissioned in the Infantry as a Second Lieutenant. After the Infantry Officer Basic Course, his first troop assignment was Platoon Leader, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, Fort Riley, Kansas. From there, he successfully completed numerous command and staff assignments at Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

LTG Ferriter's first Joint Staff assignment was as Deputy Director for Operations and Plans before he became Executive Assistant to the Commander of the United States Joint Forces Command. In June 2004, he was called to duty as Assistant Division Commander of Operations of the 82d Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He completed a combat tour in Operation Restore Hope in Somalia with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment; two tours in Iraq as Deputy Commanding General (Operations), Multi-National Corps, Iraq; and one tour as Deputy Commanding General (Advising and Training), United States Forces--Iraq.

The Second Congressional District of Georgia gained a respected and compassionate leader when LTG Ferriter was appointed Commanding General of the United States Army Infantry Center and the Maneuver Center of Excellence at Fort Benning. He became a close friend and confidant as he served in my district and when he was appointed Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Management and Commanding General, Installation Management Command, he demonstrated tremendous support for the Congressional Military Family Caucus, which I co-chair with Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). LTG Ferriter and Mrs. Ferriter graciously participated in the CMFC's annual Military Family Summit held at Fort Benning in 2012, demonstrating strong support for our nation's military families.

LTG Ferriter's service to his country is but a small testament of the high caliber of character that he embodies. As the head of a family heavily involved in the military, he recognizes the challenges that face service members, veterans and military families across the nation. Throughout his tenure, he has worked tirelessly to find and implement solutions to these challenges.

LTG Ferriter has certainly excelled in all areas of life, but none of this would be possible without the love and support of his wife, Margie Ferriter. LTG Ferriter's motivation also comes from being a role model to his four children Dr. Meghan Ferriter, MAJ Dan Ferriter, CPT Paddy Ferriter, and former CPT Mary Whitney Whittaker. Mary Whitney and her husband, Garret, are the proud parents of Parker, LTG Ferriter's and Margie's first grandchild.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, the nearly 700,000 people in Georgia's 2nd Congressional District, and all Americans, in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Lieutenant General Michael Ferriter, a ``Soldier's Soldier,'' and Mrs. Ferriter, upon the occasion of his retirement from a stellar career of 35 years in the United States Army.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding to me.

Madam Chair, I just wanted to say a few words in support of this year's Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. I have been honored to serve on this subcommittee for the last 4 years. I am the only member, in fact, to have served on the subcommittee for the last two Congresses.

It may have the smallest budget of the 12 appropriations bills, but it is vital to the work we do here in Congress and our ability to serve our constituents. From paying our staffs, to maintaining a digital and printed record of our work, to getting cost estimates of our legislative proposals, the legislative branch is so important to the proper functioning of our system of government.

It is especially gratifying that this year's bill reverses some of the draconian cuts from the legislative branch which have occurred over the last few years. I said last year that including these cuts would have been like cutting off our nose to spite our face. After all, agencies under the bill's jurisdiction, like the Congressional Budget Office and the Government Accountability Office, help Congress to identify potential savings and efficiencies throughout the government.

Or consider the Architect of the Capitol, which is responsible for the maintenance, operation, development, and preservation of the United States Capitol. Two years ago, the House couldn't find the necessary funds to complete the restoration of one of the most vital symbols of our democracy, the Capitol dome. I am pleased this year that the legislation includes $21.2 million for the last phase of the Capitol dome restoration.

Other agencies in the bill receive much-needed investments, including the Library of Congress, the United States Capitol Police, and the Government Printing Office.

I would like to commend the outstanding bipartisan work of Chairman Cole and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz in crafting this year's bill. Chairman Cole has done a yeoman's job stepping in at the last moment following the retirement of our colleague Rodney Alexander and shepherding this measure for the full House Appropriations Committee this morning.

I am also greatly appreciative of Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz, whose institutional knowledge of the agencies in this measure is really unmatched.

Both Chairman Cole and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz were greatly aided by their excellent staff: Liz Dawson, Chuck Turner, Jenny Panone, and Shalanda Young.

I look forward to supporting the bill and doing all that I can to ensure its swift passage by the full House of Representatives.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As you all know, this bill has a strong reputation for finding bipartisan common ground as members work together to fund the construction of military facilities and strive to improve the quality of life and the care afforded to our veterans and our military families. Once again, Chairman Culberson has continued this tradition. The bill before us provides funding levels that, I think, most Members on both sides of the aisle agree are appropriate while avoiding the contentious legislative riders that complicate passage.

I am pleased to join Chairman Culberson as the House takes up the fiscal year 2015 appropriations bill for Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies. The MilCon-VA bill is critically important to the strength and well-being of our military, our veterans, and the families who sacrifice so much to defend our country.

In working with Chairman Culberson and the members of the subcommittee, we have crafted a bill that will address the funding needs for military construction and family housing for our troops and their families as well as other quality-of-life construction projects. In addition, it will provide funding for many important VA programs as well as for agencies like the Veterans Court of Appeals and the American Battle Monuments Commission. The bill before us today touches every soldier, sailor, marine, and airman. In addition, this bill will also impact military spouses, their children, and every veteran who participates in VA programs.

I want to commend the chairman for his work. Together, we sat through hearings and gained valuable insight to the workings of all agencies under the subcommittee's jurisdiction. I also want to thank all of our subcommittee members and recognize them for their hard work in crafting this bill. I believe that the minority was treated fairly during this process, and I want to thank Chairman Culberson for ensuring this bipartisan result.

Chairman Culberson has already provided the funding highlights in the bill, so I won't repeat them all, but I will say this: In my opinion, the FY '15 bill adequately provides for the Department's priorities in military construction for each of the services. If the Department needed something, it is in the bill, and if it didn't need it, it is not in the bill. The Department of Veterans Affairs is funded at $64.7 billion, which is $1.8 billion above the '14 enacted level. Overall, the bill meets the discretionary budget request in all areas of administrative expenses, research, and facilities. In addition, the bill includes $58.7 billion in advances, which is the same as the budget request.

While I am pleased with the healthy funding increase for the VA, many constituents from my district are still extremely frustrated with the claims backlog. Frankly, I would have to agree. Now, while the VA has made some progress on lessening the backlog, there are still over 300,000 claims considered as backlogged, so I was pleased that an additional $20 million was included in the bill to assist the VA in making even more progress on the backlog. In addition, Mr. Chairman, it is my hope that coupling the Veterans Claims Intake Program with continued rigorous reporting requirements, while fully funding the Veterans Benefit Management System, will help the VA reach its goal to end this backlog in 2015.

On the issue of electronic medical records, you all know my frustration, and I could spend all of the time yielded to me just on this one topic, but I will say this: We have finally gotten the two Departments' attention, and I expect to see some real progress on this soon. The bill continues the practice of fencing money for this endeavor to make sure that when it is completed we have a system that works, and works well.

Mr. Chairman, I believe that we have a strong bipartisan bill that supports our military, their families, and our veterans, and I would hate to see the hard work of our committee upended by contentious, partisan riders intended to serve in scoring political points instead of those that serve our Nation. I also believe the most important things of this bill are the resources and accountability provided to assist the VA in tackling the claims backlog. So I say to my colleagues that our committee strongly shares the deep commitment of this body in fixing the claims backlog issue. We have looked at numerous approaches and firmly believe our bill has found the optimal approach in dealing with this pressing concern for our veterans.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), the ranking member of the full Appropriations Committee, a very, very, very eloquent and hardworking lady, and who is committed to the support of our veterans and their families.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr), who has offered invaluable help on the committee in crafting the bill and who has a particular interest in the Defense Language School in Monterey and on maintaining our commitment to previous BRAC rounds in the State of California that they not be forgotten.

I yield the gentleman 10 seconds.

Mr. Chairman, at this time I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar), a strong member of the Appropriations Committee and a tireless fighter for our military veterans and their families.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz), the ranking member of our Legislative Branch Subcommittee on Appropriations and a strong voice for the needs of our Nation's veterans, with a unique interest in the needs of our female servicemembers and veterans.

I yield the gentlelady an additional 30 seconds.

Mr. Chairman, at this time I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Lee).

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill. It is a bipartisan bill, and it is a bill that, I think, meets the needs of our services for their military construction, as well as for our veterans and our military families.

As far as our military construction, if our services needed it, it is in the bill. If they didn't need it, it is not in the bill.

I am so happy that we have taken very strong steps to address the claims backlog at the Veterans Administration. We have taken strong steps to ensure that we will soon have coordinated, interoperable electronic health records between the Veterans Affairs Department and the Department of Defense; and I am happy that in this bill, together, we will assure accountability for our Nation's veterans.

Mr. Chairman, when our men and women took the oath to serve our

country as part of our Nation's military, they took an oath to serve and defend; and when they completed that service, our Nation has, in fact, figuratively, written a check assuring that they will have the benefits that they need when they come back following their service.

It is our duty as a Nation, our duty as a Congress, and certainly our duty as a part of this committee, to make sure that that check that we figuratively wrote to those veterans never, ever comes back marked ``insufficient funds'' and to make sure that that check--the benefits of that check don't come back redeemed in a delayed fashion.

So we have done what is necessary to make sure that they get their benefits, that they get them in a timely manner, that the claims backlog is eliminated, and that we facilitate whatever it takes to make sure that they are rewarded for their service to our country because the price of freedom, it is not free.

Somebody had to pay that price, and the people who paid the price are the men and women who served our Nation in uniform and are now veterans and their families who also sacrificed as the servicemembers went to war.

I urge the adoption of this bill and ask my colleagues to support it.

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

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, at this time, I would just like to commend the gentlelady for raising a very, very important issue to the health, safety, and welfare of airmen and those who go to MacDill; and I want to assure the gentlelady that the chairman and I will work very closely to make sure that that issue is addressed.

It is our hope that the gentlelady will withdraw her amendment and that we can work on it together, but I assure the gentlelady that we will work together to make sure that that is a safe environment, a healthy environment, so that no one will be exposed to the consequences of black mold.

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

I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chair, I join the chairman in accepting this amendment. I commend the gentleman for offering it, and I think that our national defense will certainly be enhanced by the adoption of this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, when I learned of the allegations of intentional misrepresentation of wait times, which may have caused some 40 deaths at the Phoenix VA, I was deeply disappointed and downright disgusted.

I am pleased to see a bipartisan approach, and I believe this amendment will provide additional resources to the VA Office of Inspector General to improve oversight and accountability at the VA.

I agree with my colleagues from Arizona that this situation requires answers and a thorough investigation. I believe Congress should allow the VA IG to complete its investigation, so the Congress can take appropriate action, if needed. The last thing I want is a knee-jerk reaction that could cause additional problems.

I believe this amendment is the right approach, and I fully support it, and I urge all Members to do the same. I believe that a thorough investigation of the matter is the only way to restore our veterans' trust and the public trust in the VA health care system.

We owe it to our veterans to ensure that the VA is providing the best possible care and that care is timely and accessible. I think this amendment will help achieve that goal.

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

I would like to thank the gentleman from Washington for bringing this issue to our attention. I will certainly work with you, as well I am sure the chairman will and the members of our subcommittee, as we go forward to find a meaningful solution to this problem.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment.

I believe we need to set the conditions for the closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo. It is in the United States' national security interest to do so.

Guantanamo has become a rallying cry. It serves as a recruitment tool for terrorists and increases the will of our enemies to fight, while reducing the will of others to work with America.

Part of the rationale for establishing Guantanamo in the first place was the misplaced idea that the facility would be beyond the law--a proposition that has been soundly rejected by the Supreme Court. As a result, continued operation of this facility creates the impression in the eyes of our allies and our enemies that the United States selectively observes the rule of law.

There is no reason that we should impose on ourselves the legal and moral problems arising from the prospects of indefinite detentions at Guantanamo.

Working through civil courts since 9/11, hundreds of individuals have been convicted of terrorism or terrorism-related offenses and are now serving long sentences in Federal prison. Not one single person has ever escaped custody.

For these reasons, I believe that the time has come to take the actions needed to initiate closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo. I think this amendment sends that strong message.

I support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, we are all outraged in regards to the claims backlog and the incidences of poor quality health services and safety. The current claims backlog is, indeed, unacceptable.

There is no question that the VA has struggled to successfully deliver one of its key missions: to provide timely ratings of disability. However, the VA has reduced the backlog by 44 percent. Should we ignore that?

It is also clear that some VA health facilities have had serious issues that put the health, safety, and well-being of our veterans at risk. This too is unacceptable. Where have these failures occurred?

It is hard to imagine how the VA leaders of these facilities could have received high performance ratings and substantial bonuses.

However, this amendment will not provide any solution in the short term and, in fact, may have the long-term consequences and compound the very problems that it attempts to address.

This amendment would make the VA a less attractive option than other agencies when it comes to recruiting and retaining quality executive leaders, and it will not have the very talent it needs to solve the problems it faces today, like the claims backlog and the health care deficiencies.

Furthermore, SES pay and bonuses are governed by title 5 of the United States Code and administered by the Office of Personnel Management. Any change to title 5 to address the VA would then also apply to all other Federal agencies.

Attempting an across-the-board, one-size-fits-all fix will penalize those who are dedicated VA executives who are working hard and doing a good job to find solutions to the VA problems.

I urge all Members to vote ``no'' on this amendment. We are throwing out the baby with the bathwater. This is not a good amendment, and I urge this House to defeat it.

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

Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order.

Mr. Chairman, 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 or requires a new determination.

Mr. Chairman, I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding Man of God, Dr. Maurice Watson, who will celebrate his 10th anniversary as the distinguished pastor of Beulahland Bible Church as well as thirty-seven remarkable years in the gospel ministry. A celebration will be held on Thursday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Beulahland Bible Church in Macon, Georgia.

On July 21, 1960, Dr. Watson was born the seventh of eight children to Ulysses and Juanita Watson in Little Rock, Arkansas. He accepted the call to preach the Word of the Lord at the young age of sixteen and two years later, he was ordained.

Dr. Watson earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Philander Smith College in Little Rock, where he was Valedictorian of his class. He earned a Master's in Theology from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Watson's first pastorate was at St. Mark Baptist Church in Little Rock, where he served for seven years. In November 1988, Dr. Watson was called to pastor the Salem Baptist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, where he served for fifteen and a half years. During his tenure, the church's membership almost tripled from 1,200 to 3,500 souls.

Middle Georgia gained an extraordinary leader when Dr. Watson accepted the senior pastorate of Beulahland Bible Church in early 2004. With the vision of ``Changing the World from Middle Georgia,'' Beulahland opened a second location of worship in Warner Robins, Georgia in February 2005 under Dr. Watson's leadership. The church also constructed a second worship facility on its Macon campus. The congregation now enjoys a state-of-the-art 3,000 seat sanctuary in which to rejoice the Word of the Lord. Using Dr. Watson as a vessel, God has reached into the hearts of many so that Beulahland has welcomed thousands of souls to this prolific ministry.

Dr. Watson's vision of ``Faith on the Fast Track'' has taken Beulahland Bible Church to greater heights than ever before. A dynamic and ever faithful pastor, his ministry has stretched across the globe. As one of the premier preachers of our generation, Dr. Watson is well- known and sought after for his anointed sound and understandable proclamation of God's Word. He is motivated by his love for people, his love for preaching, and his belief that no one is beyond God's reach.

Dr. Watson has achieved numerous successes in his life, but none of this would have been possible without the grace of God and his loving wife, Janice, and their two beautiful daughters.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in thanking Dr. Maurice Watson for ten wonderful years of changing Middle Georgia for the better, thirty-seven remarkable years of ministry, and a lifetime of selfless service to God, the church and to humankind.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a generous community leader and outstanding public servant, and friend of longstanding, the Honorable Buckner F. ``Buck'' Melton, Sr., Former Mayor of Macon, Georgia. Sadly, Mr. Melton passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2014. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family, friends and the Macon, Georgia community.

On Saturday, March 8, 2014, friends and family gathered to celebrate the life and career of this influential man at a memorial service held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Macon.

Buck Melton was born on October 24, 1923, in Arlington, Georgia to the Reverend and Mrs. Henry Martin Melton. He grew up in Moultrie, Georgia, but moved to Macon to attend Mercer University. He went on to graduate from Mercer University's Walter F. George School of Law and began his career as an attorney in Macon.

After serving as city attorney during the 1960s, Attorney Melton was elected to the office of Mayor in 1975. During his one term as Mayor, Mr. Melton helped to establish Mercer University's School of Medicine as well as the city's local option sales tax, which is still used today. Mr. Melton was also particularly proud of the seventy miles of roads paved in Macon during his tenure.

The World War II and Korean War veteran loved his adopted hometown of Macon and he served his community in many capacities. He was president of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce in 1971, president of the Macon Bar Association in 1973 and he served on the board of the Macon- Bibb County Urban Development Authority, among the numerous other civic organizations he belonged to during his life.

George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' Buck Melton left behind a legacy of leadership and kindness that is still felt throughout the Macon, Georgia community today.

Buck is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Tommie; children, Leigh and Buckner, Jr.; grandson, Grady; nephews, Tim, Hank and Will; and niece, Mary Ann.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the Macon, Georgia community in honoring the life of Former Mayor Buckner Melton, Sr. He will truly be missed, but his legacy will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding and truly one-of-a-kind woman, Dr. Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell. Sadly, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell passed away on Friday, February 28, 2014. A Repast and Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gallery at Fountain Park in Columbus, Georgia.

Dr. DeVore-Mitchell was widely known as one of our nation's first African-American models and the founder of the first black model agency. She was more well-known in Columbus, Georgia as the longtime owner of the Columbus Times newspaper, which is now owned and operated by her daughter, Ms. Carol Gertjegerdes.

Dr. DeVore-Mitchell was born in 1922 in Edgefield, South Carolina but moved to New York City, where she majored in Mathematics at New York University. At the age of 16, she was working for Ebony magazine and in 1946, she enrolled in the Vogue School of Modeling, which up until then had excluded women of color.

She was acutely aware of how African Americans were stereotypically depicted in the media, and she made it her mission to change this public perception. In 1946, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell opened the Grace del Marco Modeling Agency and in 1948, she founded the Ophelia DeVore School of Self-Development and Modeling. These agencies were pivotal in transforming the social landscape of America by paving the way for African Americans to pursue careers in the fashion and entertainment industries at a time when it was not the norm for black women to be recognized for their beauty.

In 1955, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell and her models made history as the hosts of ABC's ``Spotlight on Harlem,'' New York's first television program produced by and for African Americans. She went on to produce several other New York cable television shows, including the ``Ophelia DeVore Show.'' She again made history in 1959 and 1960 when two of her clients, Ms. Cecilia Cooper and Ms. LaJeune Hundley became the first Americans, Black or White, to win titles at the Cannes Film Festival in Paris, France.

Dr. DeVore-Mitchell helped shape the lives and careers of the country's top African-American models and entertainers. She has received more than 300 awards and honors over her lifetime and in 1985, she was appointed by President Reagan to the John F. Kennedy Center Committee on the Arts. In addition to her accomplishments in modeling and producing, Dr. DeVore-Mitchell was a newspaper owner and publisher, business executive, and consultant.

Maya Angelou once said, ``In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength. We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of that tapestry are equal in value no matter their color.'' Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell used beauty as a public platform to address injustice and prejudice, blazing a trail for countless others along the way. By challenging the status quo and championing diversity, she helped to ensure that future generations would enjoy a robust and truly unique American culture that recognizes all members of society.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the nearly 700,000 people in Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell for her numerous outstanding achievements and her everlasting dedication to promoting African-American power, pride, and presence. May her family members and friends be consoled and comforted by the knowledge that she made a great difference in this world and helped to build a better, more equitable America.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man and close friend, Mr. Ira Loomis Flowers. Sadly, Mr. Flowers passed away on Friday, February 28, 2014. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday March 8, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia.

Mr. Flowers was born on January 4, 1953, in Washington, DC, to Bessie Lee Flowers Moore and the late Guyte Smith, Sr. After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Stillman College, Mr. Flowers dedicated much of his life to youth development. He served in the Boys and Girls Club of Houston, Texas, before serving as a director at the YMCA in Columbus and Thomasville, Georgia, as well as the director of the Thomasville Resource Center. He worked for the Colquitt County Board of Education before retiring. He was steadfastly dedicated to furthering the success of men and women in his church, workplace, and community. He worked tirelessly to open doors and to level the playing field for at-risk youth in Southwest Georgia.

Mr. Flowers was an influential member of society and a local civil rights legend. He organized and was president of the Malcom X Liberation Front. My Brother in the Bond, Mr. Flowers was also devoted to our beloved Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and was heavily involved in fraternity activities.

Most important to Mr. Flowers was his sturdy and enduring relationship with the Lord. He was a longtime member of First Missionary Baptist Church.

Maya Angelou once said, ``A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies.'' We are all so blessed that Mr. Flowers passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. He leaves behind a great legacy in service to all the children, families, and members of the community whose lives he touched.

The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Mr. Flowers has run the race of life with grace and dignity and God has blessed him over his lifetime.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife, Vivian, in saluting Mr. Ira Loomis Flowers for his outstanding service to his community. We pray that Mr. Flowers' family, friends and loved ones will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.