Floor Statements

I thank the chairman for yielding and for his great leadership.

Madam Speaker, just a reminder as to why we are standing here again debating another CR on this floor is because the Democrat leadership in the last Congress did not fulfill the most basic function that we have in the United States Congress, and that is passing a budget or a single appropriations bill.

As a member of this Appropriations Committee, I am pleased that today we have a CR bill that will have another $12 billion worth of cuts and that, as importantly, will fully fund the Department of Defense for the rest of this fiscal year.

It was 47 days ago that we passed a bill in this House that would have kept government open, that would have cut $100 billion from the President's 2011 budget and would have fully funded our troops through the end of 2011. Any bill we pass must include full funding for our men and women serving in our military.

I represent Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, one of the largest Air Force facilities in the country, and they could be forced to furlough many of the 27,000 military, civilians, and contractors.

We have to pass this CR budget with the military component included.

Mr. Speaker, while we can never fully express the depth of our appreciation for those who give their lives to protect us, I rise today on behalf of the constituents of Ohio's seventh congressional district to recognize and honor the life of Army Staff Sergeant Joshua S. Gire.

Gire, 28, lived a purposeful life. He served the United States with honor. Regrettably, it was Staff Sergeant Gire's duty as a soldier defending the interests of this great country of ours that lead to his death. He was killed in combat in Afghanistan on March 22, 2011. Staff Sgt. Gire showed exceptional courage and bravery while defending the United States.

Joshua S. Gire graduated from Huntington High School in 2000 and enlisted in the Army in 2001, just prior to the terrorist attacks of September 11th. This was Gire's second deployment to Afghanistan. He also served time in Iraq and Kosovo. Staff Sergeant Gire comes from a family dedicated to military service. He followed his grandfather, a World War II veteran, and father, a Vietnam veteran, into the Army.

He had recently been promoted to Staff Sergeant. Gire was based in Germany before his deployment to Afghanistan, where he lived with his immediate family. Staff Sergeant Gire is survived by his wife Jackie, as well as their 5-year-old son Nicolas and their daughter Riley, who just turned 3.

Those who know Staff Sergeant Gire speak highly of him, saying he is a role model to young children, and that he did his job and he did it right. My heart goes out to his widow and their children. Joshua S.Gire is a true hero who will never be forgotten.

Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of the Ohio's seventh

congressional district in honoring the life and memory of Staff Sergeant Joshua S. Gire.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to recognize and celebrate the grand opening of the new Fisher House located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Ohio.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the birthplace, home, and future of aerospace, but most people are not aware that it is also the birthplace of compassionate care housing in the Department of Defense. The base opened the Nightingale house in May of 1990 by converting a base house, making it the first compassionate care house in all of DoD.

In 1991, Zach and Elizabeth Fisher were asked to build one Ronald McDonald type house at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, Maryland. What started as a request to build one house has blossomed into a network of 53 compassionate care locations world-wide. Although both Zach and Elizabeth have passed on, their legacy continues today through their nephews and grandnephews.

The Wright-Patterson AFB Fisher and Nightingale Houses provide an opportunity for wounded, injured, and ill military men and women and their families to stay together and support each other while undergoing medical treatment. Guests do not pay for their stay in one of the homes. Furthermore, each house has a wonderful staff and volunteers who provide loving support and ensure all of their needs are met. In 2010, the two Wright-Patterson AFB houses assisted more than 600 families from all branches and components of our Armed Forces, and more than 10,000 families since the opening of the first home nearly 22 years ago.

The new Fisher home opening today is a 10,000 square foot single story home, with 12 bedrooms, 12 handicapped accessible bathrooms, formal living room, large family room, large kitchen and dining room, and expanded laundry facilities. This new home will give Wright- Patterson an additional 1,460 bed nights a year, bringing the entire capacity to 7,665 bed nights a year.

Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of the Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in celebrating the grand

opening of Wright-Patterson AFB's new Fisher House and Compassionate Care Facility.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to honor the life and memory of Barbara Ann Zajbel.

As a former Xenia business woman and Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce executive, Barbara Zajbel was known as one of Xenia's most loyal, positive and significant leaders. Those who met or knew Barbara benefited from her uplifting attitude and abundant warmth.

As a dedicated and faithful community servant, Barbara encouraged and motivated others through personal example. Over the years, she spearheaded countless community projects that required hundreds of hours of community service. She would not only organize the projects but would also work with volunteers to perform the necessary tasks in order to make the events successful. Both Barbara and her husband, Tom, are particularly remembered for their 15 years or so of commitment to and involvement with the annual Xenia Old Fashioned Days Festival.

From arriving to Xenia in the late 1970's, Barbara devoted her life to service organizations like Rotary, civic groups and boards, education committees and governmental projects. She served on boards of numerous organizations, such as Greene County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Xenia Educational Endowment Fund, Miami Valley Military Affairs Association, Greene County Economic Development Roundtable, Xenia Downtown Revitalization as well as many other commendable associations. She was also a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church.

One of Barbara's most favorite quotes was ``I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.'' Barbara exemplified this quote with her love and energy towards Xenia and the many different boards and organizations she served.

After a hard fought battle with cancer, Barbara Zajbel, 67, passed away on March 28, 2011, surrounded by her husband, Tom Zajbel; sons, Jim and Tom Zajbel; and daughter, Tracy Zajbel Palmer. Barbara's life will continue to be an inspiration to all those who loved her and to the community she served so well.

I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this short-term continuing resolution, which must be passed this week to avoid a shutdown of many important programs and services.

Our first priority today is job growth. That's why we are putting into place policies that will stop the runaway spending here in Washington and help bring more certainty to our financial and business markets to grow our economy and create long-term sustainable jobs.

Last week, I had the opportunity to visit the largest single site employer in the State of Ohio, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and I was told that if the government shuts down that thousands of people may be asked not to come to work. If we don't pass this short-term CR, this is one place that would surely suffer from a shutdown, which is responsible for numerous national defense programs that depend on continued funding.

Without funding, programs like this across the country will not get off the ground in a timely manner, may incur programmatic delays and costs, jeopardize the national defense programs they support, and put thousands of jobs, including small businesses, on the line. We must do the responsible thing and pass this short-term resolution, which will buy us time to find a long-term solution to our budget crisis.

Madam Speaker, people across America, and especially in Ohio, have spoken very clearly that Washington needs to cut spending.

Nobody said these cuts were going to be easy, but they are absolutely essential to help put our country back on a fiscally sustainable path that will create jobs and strengthen our economy for future generations.

With the leadership of Chairman Rogers, this House has already passed a CR to help protect national defense, but in addition to that made more than $100 billion in cuts; and when we pass this short-term CR, we will have passed another $4 billion in cuts. It's time for the Senate to do their job and pass a CR. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this short-term CR and show that we're listening to the American people by passing a CR that includes substantive cuts and will put us on a fiscally sustainable path forward.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Judge J. Timothy Campbell for his outstanding efforts of preserving justice in the Greene County Community.

In receiving this distinguished tribute, Judge Campbell has been recognized as an exemplary elected official. Judge Campbell has dedicated nine years to Greene County serving as a Judge in the Greene County Common Pleas Court. Throughout his 37 years of practicing law, he has accepted many roles that range from serving as an Assistant Greene County Prosecutor to serving on educational and service boards. Along with his practice of law Judge Campbell is a renowned author and has published many articles and educational publications. Judge Campbell has also shared time as an instructor and faculty member at RETS College and Wilmington College. He has shown himself to be a prominent and hardworking member of the Greene County community.

Judge Campbell is the epitome of selflessness, commitment and impartial justice. He has demonstrated sincere dedication to providing equality and justice in Greene County. It is his exemplary efforts that assist the progress of our nation in fairly and efficiently protecting our citizens.

Thus, with great pride, I congratulate Judge J. Timothy Campbell for his commendable service to the community and extend best wishes for the future.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding.

I think we all agree that quality education is important, and I rise today to discuss a regulation that will unduly burden our schools and communities.

Last October, the Department of Education released the Program Integrity regulations. Many educators fear that these regulations will have a broad reach and require programs to be licensed in each State where students reside. Let met give you an example of a small university in a small county in Ohio, Pickaway County. This county lost 2,500 jobs and only has an 11 percent baccalaureate rate.

OCU created an online degree program which currently has 1,000 students enrolled from 15 States. In addition to educating these students, OCU has created over 150 jobs in 5 years. If required to be licensed in all 15 States, OCU will be forced to unenroll at least half of the online students and lay off staff. If implemented improperly, this regulation would impact smaller colleges and universities like OCU who don't have the resources to comply with this heavy burden.

Let me just conclude by just saying that the regulations are unclear with States as to what extent they are going to cover this program, and my hope is that the chairman will address this and the Education Workforce Committee will review this job-killing regulation.

Mr. Speaker, today I will be traveling back to Ohio to express my sympathy to the family of Clark County Sheriff's Deputy Suzanne Waughtel Hopper. Deputy Hopper's funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 7, 2011.

Deputy Hopper was killed in the line of duty on New Year's Day while responding to shots fired in a local community. Because of her decisive action, courage and bravery lives were saved. She is a true American hero.

Madam Speaker, had I been present for votes, I would have voted for the previous question and for adoption of the rule to repeal the Democrats' job-killing health care law, and for H. Res. 27.

Mr. Speaker, while we can never fully express the depth of our appreciation for those who give their lives to protect us, I rise today on behalf of the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to recognize and honor the life of Clark County Sheriff's Deputy Suzanne Waughtel Hopper.

Hopper, 40, was killed in the line of duty on New Year's Day while responding to shots fired in a local community. Even in her last moments, Deputy Hopper showed her courage and bravery as she was the first to respond to the scene. Because of her decisive action, lives were saved.

Deputy Hopper joined the Clark County Sheriff's Office in 1999 and protected residents for 12 years. She received numerous commendations, citations and awards. Hopper was an outstanding deputy and a strong leader. She was often described as having a ``motherly'' demeanor, full of encouragement and compassion.

Beyond her dedication to service, Hopper was a loving and devoted wife and mother. In her spare time she continued to serve others by working with local charities and service organizations. She had a passion to serve, a kind spirit and always cared about others.

Suzanne Waughtel Hopper is survived by her husband, two children, two step-children and her parents. Her life was taken suddenly while she unselfishly protected the community to which she dedicated her life's work. The impact she had on the community, and in the lives of her family and friends will never be forgotten.

Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of the Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in honoring the life and memory of Deputy Suzanne Waughtel Hopper, a true hero.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Matthew Kambic for his service to the State of Ohio and our nation on the occasion of his retirement.

It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's 7th Congressional District in congratulating General Kambic upon his retirement as the Assistant Adjutant General for the Ohio Army National Guard for the State of Ohio.

Showing exemplary leadership, he has commanded at many levels including the detachment, troop, battalion and brigade levels. As Assistant Adjutant General for Army he worked to support Ohio's Army National Guard by overseeing the readiness of over 11,000 service members and creating administrative policies and priorities.

General Kambic has a distinguished military background. Prior to joining the Ohio National Guard, he served in the U.S. Army, 66th Armor Battalion, 2nd Armored Division for four years achieving the rank of Sergeant.

He joined the Ohio National Guard while attending Youngstown State University and was commissioned as an armor officer in 1981. In his career, General Kambic also earned his Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Previous to his role as Assistant Adjutant General, he served as the Chief of Staff at Joint Force Headquarters, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans at Joint Force Headquarters, and Commander of the 37th Armored Brigade.

General Kambic holds many awards and distinctions including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

For his many years of dedication to the State of Ohio and to this nation, I again join the people of Ohio's 7th Congressional District in extending our best wishes upon his retirement and wish him success in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Gregory Wayt for

his service to the State of Ohio and our nation on the occasion of his retirement.

It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's 7th Congressional District in congratulating General Wayt upon his retirement as Adjutant General for the State of Ohio. Serving as Adjutant General since 2004, General Wayt commanded the Ohio National Guard and was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation and management of the readiness, fiscal, personnel, equipment, and real property resources of the Guard.

The Ohio National Guard consists of the Ohio Army National Guard, Ohio Air National Guard, Ohio Military Reserve, and Ohio Naval Militia, totaling more than 17,000 personnel.

A 1975 alumnus of The Ohio State University, General Wayt is a Distinguished Military graduate of the university's Reserve Officer Training Corps program. He then served on active duty as an Air Defense Artillery Officer with the U.S. Army until joining the Ohio Army National Guard in 1980.

As a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, General Wayt has commanded and has held staff officer assignments at all levels. Prior to serving as Ohio's Adjutant General, he served as the Commander for the 145th Regiment and the Ohio Regional Training Institute.

He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Operations, Training, and Military Support and as the Joint Chief of Staff for the Joint Force Headquarters for the Ohio National Guard.

General Wayt has led a distinguished career and holds many awards including the Legion of Merit with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Meritorious Service Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Army Commendation Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters.

Ohio's 7th Congressional District has been well served by General Wayt as the district includes the Springfield Air National Guard Base and the Air and Army National Guard Units located at the Rickenbacker International Airport. He has also coordinated efforts in cooperation with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Defense Supply Center of Columbus. I personally have worked alongside General Wayt as he has been an integral part of supporting our national guard and military facilities across Ohio and our nation.

For his many years of dedication to the State of Ohio and to this nation, I again join the people of Ohio's 7th Congressional District in extending our best wishes upon his retirement and wish him success in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Charles Metcalf upon his retirement as director of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Prior to his service as director, he served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 36 years on active duty in a variety of financial management and planning positions, retiring in 1991 in the grade of major general. His awards and honors include the Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit.

Following his retirement from active duty, General Metcalf began his service as head administer for the museum in 1996 and in 2005 he was appointed to the Senior Executive Service.

For the last 14 years he has managed the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum. The internationally acclaimed museum is located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio and portrays the heritage and traditions of the Air Force through specialized exhibits.

Under General Metcalf's management, the museum had flourished. In 2003, the museum began a long-term, multi-phased expansion with the building of the Eugene W. Kettering Cold War Gallery and the Missile Gallery, as well as the renovations to the Korean War exhibit. With these new additions, the museum provides more than 17 acres of indoor exhibition space. Future plans call for a Space Gallery, a Presidential Aircraft Interpretive Center, and a Global Reach Gallery.

During his tenure, General Metcalf increased museum attendance from 800,000 to nearly 1.4 million visitors and achieved the highest national recognition for a museum, the American Association of Museums accreditation in 1998 and reaccreditation in 2008.

General Metcalf also led the charge in changing the name of the museum, which was previously known as the United States Air Force Museum. The change reinforces the museum's national mission and its world-class collection, placing it at a level with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

General Metcalf has been dedicated to supporting the motto of the museum, ``we are the keepers of their stories.'' He will forever be remembered for his advocacy for preserving our heritage to honor our veterans, many who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. The work he has done will stand as a lasting monument to the memory of those who have gone before, as well as his dedication to the exploration of our nation's history.

In addition to his duties as director, he provides technical and professional guidance to the U.S. Air Force Heritage Program which includes 12 Air Force field museums and 260 domestic and international heritage sites.

He also was very active outside of his work at the museum and currently serves as the vice president of the Central Region for Boy Scouts of America, as well as on the organization's Leadership and Standards Committee. He is a former member of the Oakwood, Ohio City Council, and previously served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Dayton United Way, Ohio; the Board of Trustees for the County Corp Development, Dayton, Ohio; the Board of Directors for Greater Dayton Public Television, Ohio; and the National Alumni Board, Michigan State University.

Madam Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me and the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating General Charles Metcalf for his outstanding service to our nation and the State of Ohio. His work today has ensured that the museum will see many future successes and our nation's history will be preserved for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, while we can never fully express the depth of our appreciation for those who give their lives to protect our freedoms, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of Specialist Jesse A. Snow.

A 2003 Fairborn High School graduate and Army service member, Snow was killed while serving this country in Afghanistan on November 14, 2010. He gave his life, along with four other service members, in the defense of our freedoms.

Snow, 25, was full of energy and life. He had a kind spirit and he cared about everyone. He never let an opportunity pass by to make sure those around him were laughing and smiling. He is remembered by many as often telling jokes and expressing his personal care for others.

Snow was content with life but felt a calling to serve. Friends and family remember him as a noble gentleman who always placed others' needs in front of his own. In April of 2009 he joined the U.S. Army, as an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

He served with distinction and his awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and Combat Infantryman Badge.

Survived by his parents, John W. Snow, Sr., and Janice Snow of Fairborn, and siblings, Snow is remembered as a loving son, brother and uncle. His devotion to his family, friends, fellow service members, and to this nation are honorable. A hard worker and a loyal patriot, he selflessly served this country with bravery and valor.

Thus, it is that I stand on behalf of those constituents of the Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to honor the life and memory of Specialist Jesse A. Snow, a true hero.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to honor the life and memory of Carl Day.

As a 50-year veteran broadcaster, Carl Day was known as the Voice of Dayton. According

to the Dayton Area Broadcaster's Hall of Fame, Carl won more awards than any other Ohio broadcaster.

As a news anchor he worked for each of the Dayton TV stations and WHIO Radio, winning seven Emmys during his career. In 1998, The Associated Press renamed its Outstanding Achievement Award ``The Carl Day Award for Outstanding Achievement.'' In 2009, Carl was inducted into the Dayton Walk of Fame as recognition of his dedication to his job and his community. In addition, he was a member of six broadcasting halls of fame.

He was committed to his profession, but what he most will be remembered for is his dedication to this community, his family and friends. He was known to volunteer his time raising funds for a variety of local entities. As the son of a military family, he was devoted to our area veterans and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base community.

One of Carl's aspirations was to create a foundation to support young broadcasters. With the establishment of A Brighter Day: The Carl Day Memorial Foundation, his family has made his plan a reality.

After a hard fought battle with cancer, Carl Day, 72, passed away on November 17, 2010 surrounded by his son and daughter. Carl's life will continue to be an inspiration to all those who loved him and to the community he served so well.