Steve Austria

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. 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.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional district to honor the life and memory of Specialist Gerald Jenkins. Gerald Jenkins, of Circleville, Ohio, joined the U.S. Army at age 17. He served as a combat engineer assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troop Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky. Most recently, Gerald served with his division on deployment in Afghanistan. On October 20th, 2010, Gerald Jenkins died in the line of duty while his unit was on foot patrol in Maquan, Zhari district. Gerald Jenkins, 19, was a young man dedicated to his friends, family and country. His family remembers him as always putting others first and for the pride he took in serving this nation. He excelled in his job and aspired to make a career in service in the Armed Forces. During his service, Gerald was the recipient of many awards including the Army Achievement Medal; Army Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge. Gerald Jenkins will be remembered for his selflessness, his bravery and for his life of service to this country.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Virgil Brantley for his lifetime commitment and service to the Xenia community and state of Ohio. Mr. Brantley's contributions to his country and the community are invaluable. He was an active Board member and distinguished trustee emeritus of the Golden Age Senior Citizens, Inc. to which he worked countless hours to ensure the growth and success of the Xenia Adult Recreation and Services Center by assisting with construction of the tornado shelter for the Center, developing a home-delivered meals program and starting the tradition of providing desserts for the Center's monthly luncheons. Mr. Brantley was also a very well-respected Xenia Rotarian, friend and colleague. His civic, cultural, religious and educational endeavors over the many years never went unnoticed as the following list of awards indicate: the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce Award, the Xenia Community Schools Hall of Honor, Greene County Citizen of the Year, the Nutter Award, induction into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame, nomination for the American College of Health Care Administration and numerous others. Along with his natural penchant for civic engagement, Mr. Brantley and his late wife, Helen, established Hospitality Homes in 1961. The skilled-nursing and rehabilitation facility has been a vital asset for seniors in the Xenia area and has carried on the many great traditions that Mr. and Mrs. Brantley built it upon. Finally, as a husband, father of three, brother of four and grandfather to many, Mr. Brantley demonstrated the importance of balancing various obligations and activities with the needs of family. His belief that service to his family and community is imperative to a meaningful life has inspired many to follow his example. Thus, with great pride, I recognize Mr. Virgil Brantley for his lifetime of remarkable achievements and his unparalleled contribution to our community.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Major General Harry ``A.J.'' W. Feucht, Jr. for his outstanding service to our Nation, and the State of Ohio, on the occasion of his retirement. It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating General Feucht upon his retirement as assistant adjutant general for Air, and as a commander for the Ohio Air National Guard. He also served as the Air National Guard assistant to the commander, Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In this role he provided support necessary to maintain and sustain Air Force weapon systems readiness. In 1968, General Feucht joined the Ohio Air National Guard and during his service obtained a bachelor of business administration from the University of Cincinnati. He has commanded the 180th Fighter Wing and the 121st Air Refueling Wing in the Ohio Air National Guard and in 2004 was promoted to major general. General Feucht is an accomplished command pilot with over 4,700 total flying hours with more than 4,000 in the F-100, A-7, and F-16 and over 700 in the KC-135. For his distinguished service, he was presented the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of outstanding services and achievements. For his many years of dedication to our Nation, I again join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending our best wishes upon his retirement and wish him ongoing success in all future endeavors.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional district and the citizens of Springfield, Ohio to honor the life and memory of Richard Kuss. Dick was well known in our community as a generous philanthropist, family man and entrepreneur. Born in Springfield, Ohio on January 4, 1923 he lived a full and inspiring life, having graduated from Wittenberg University in 1945 and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business. He served his country in World War II under the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant JG in the Navy Supply Corps. In 1946, he joined the Bonded Oil Company and became president in 1967, retiring in 1983. Under his leadership the Bonded Oil Company became one of the top independent oil companies in the industry. Later he served as the first president of Emro Marketing, now Speedway SuperAmerica LLC. He and his wife, Barbara, Deer, Kuss, together raised three sons and a daughter and were deeply involved their community. Dick remained active with his alma mater where he served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, and president of the alumni association for Wittenberg University. In 2003, the university dedicated the Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center in memory of his wife. He was an active participant in many local and national organizations, including the local and state Freemasons, who awarded him with the Grand Lodge Rufus Putnam Award. As a 65-year member of the Covenant Presbyterian Church, Dick served as an Elder, Trustee and Deacon. Dick Kuss, 87, was a business and community leader who took a personal interest in serving and improving the lives of those around him. His dedication to his family and the City of Springfield will not be forgotten.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4842, the Homeland Security Science and Technology Authorization Act of 2010. This bipartisan legislation is the first authorization bill for the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security since the Department was created in 2002. The Science and Technology Directorate is a critical component within the Department of Homeland Security as it works in collaboration with national laboratories, universities and other public and private entities to develop the technologies needed to address our Nation's security needs. The Homeland Security Committee included an important amendment to this bill. It would add ``medical readiness and community resiliency for health care critical infrastructure'' to the existing criteria for the university-based Homeland Security Centers of Excellence program. In bringing together leading experts and researchers in university- based settings, the Centers of Excellence program has been successful in facilitating the development of homeland security solutions. While this program does a good job in strengthening the use of technology and the role of our first responders, such as law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs, when it comes to recovering from and responding to a man-made or natural disaster, it currently lacks a distinct focus on medical readiness and community resiliency for existing health care critical infrastructure. First responders and medical care providers are critical to our Nation's ability to recover from a terrorist attack or from a natural disaster, and they deserve our support and the support of the Department of Homeland Security. In adding medical readiness to the criteria for the university-based Homeland Security Centers of Excellence program, this gap will be addressed, further advancing our country's homeland security initiatives. Again, I strongly support this important and much needed piece of legislation. I would like to thank Chairwoman Clarke and Ranking Member Lungren for their hard work as well as Chairman Thompson and Ranking Member King.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. I thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming for yielding. I rise in support of H.R. 4686, but also H.R. 4514, the Colonel Charles Young Home Study Act, the bill previously discussed. Just to talk about the previous bill, if I may, the bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Colonel Charles Young Home located in Xenia, Ohio, to determine if the home could be designated as a unit of the National Park Service. The Colonel Charles Young Home, built in 1859, is a national historic landmark and has been designated as the future site of the National Museum of African American Military History. Colonel Charles Young was a distinguished officer and Buffalo soldier and the third African American to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served in the Army for 37 years, carrying out a variety of assignments throughout the U.S., Philippines, Haiti, Liberia, and Mexico. When forced into retirement--and this is very interesting--by the Army for medical reasons, Charles Young rode his horse 500 miles from his home in Wilberforce, Ohio, to Washington, DC, to prove he was fit for duty. And I can tell you I drove 8\1/2\ hours over the weekend--that same route. So that's a long way. After petitioning the Secretary of War, Young was reinstated and promoted to full colonel, becoming the first African American to reach his rank by World War II. In addition to a distinguished military career, Colonel Young was also a professor of military science at Wilberforce University in Xenia, Ohio, and the first African American named as superintendent of a national park. Because of his immeasurable contributions Colonel Young has made to not only military history, but our American history, it's necessary we recognize his achievements by passing this legislation to determine if his home can be designated as a unit of the National Park Service. I would like to thank Representative Clay from Missouri for his help also on the bill. Again, I support both these bills. I thank the gentlewoman from Wyoming for yielding, and I strongly support, again, H.R. 4514.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Bradley D. Spacy, for his outstanding service to our nation and the United States Air Force. It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating Colonel Spacy upon his relinquishment of command as the Commander, 88th Air Base Wing, Air Force Materiel Command and Installation Commander, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Colonel Spacy commands one of the largest air base wings in the United States Air Force, with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian, and contractor employees. The wing provides support and services to one of the largest, most diverse, and most organizationally complex bases in the Air Force including a major acquisition center, research and development laboratories, a major command headquarters, an airlift wing, and the world's largest military air museum. The base is home to more than 27,000 employees and is the largest single site employer in the state of Ohio. Colonel Spacy developed the Operation Community Warfighter, an exercise deployment where community leaders could experience firsthand the intense ground operations our men and women in the Air Force face during real-world deployments. I can attest also to his solid reputation of hard work, dedication, loyalty, honor, courage, and pride. For his strong dedication of service to our community, I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending our best wishes upon his new assignment in Washington, DC, as the Senate liaison for the Air Force and wish him ongoing success in all future endeavors and in this new capacity. Ooorah!

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Dr. Lynn Wolaver, who was inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame on May 24, 2010. Dr. Wolaver's contributions to his country and the community are invaluable. A former member of the U.S. Army Air Corp and a World War II veteran, he flew in C-47 aircraft in the European Theater of Operations with the IX Troop Carrier Command Pathfinder Group. Following his military service, Lynn devoted himself to public service, holding positions as a member of the Fairborn City Planning Board, City Council, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Fairborn. He has been an active member of the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce, Fairborn Rotary Club and the American Legion. He currently serves on numerous local boards and committees, applying his knowledge and expertise for the betterment of the region. Along with his service to his country and civic engagement, Dr. Wolaver has an extensive academic background. He studied at the University of Illinois, The Ohio State University Extension at Wright Field and at the University of Michigan, where he received his doctoral degree. Dr. Wolaver spent nearly 40 years as an employee at Wright- Patterson Air Force Base in Fairborn, Ohio, holding various positions, including Dean for Research Emeritus at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. During his time at Wright-Patterson, Dr. Wolaver conducted research in the areas of navigation, astrodynamics, bioengineering and systems analysis, and he has authored over 60 technical papers on these topics. His academic achievements have earned him induction into prestigious honorary societies, and various honors and awards, including the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce's Ed Duncan Distinguished Citizen Award, Fairborn Chamber of Commerce President's Award and University of Illinois Distinguished Alumnus Award. Finally, as a husband, father of two and grandfather, Dr. Wolaver has demonstrated the importance of balancing various obligations and activities with the needs of family. Thus, with great pride, I congratulate Dr. Lynn Wolaver for his lifetime of remarkable achievements and his unparalleled contribution to our community.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Ohio Christian University's graduating class of 2010. Over the past years, these students have earned academic excellence and grown both spiritually and resourcefully. It was a privilege to attend the University's ceremony and witness such an achievement, as our future leaders are sent out into the community. Thus, with great pride, I congratulate Ohio Christian University's graduating class of 2010 for its exemplary success and wish each graduate the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to recognize the Jacob Miller Tavern on the occasion of its historical marker dedication. In 1806, this tavern, a two story hewn log structure was built by Jacob Miller. This building was recently purchased with the purpose of restoring this building to its original condition. Somerset is famous for their local native General Philip Sheridan. The Jacob Miller Tavern will be another landmark that Somerset will be known for. The Historical Society of Perry County and the Perry County Historical Museum are to be commended for their many years of support for Somerset and the Somerset National Register Historic District. Thus, it is with great pride that I congratulate them on this great occasion and extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Dr. Lynn Wolaver, who was inducted into the Ohio Senior Hall of Fame on May 24, 2010. Dr. Wolaver's contributions to his country and the community are invaluable. A former member of U.S. Army and World War II veteran, he flew in C-47 aircraft in the European Theater of Operations. Following his military service, Lynn devoted himself to public service, holding positions as a member of the Fairborn City Planning Board, City Council, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Fairborn. He has been an active member of the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce, Fairborn Rotary Club and the American Region. He currently serves on numerous local boards and committees, applying his knowledge and expertise for the betterment of the region. Along with his natural penchant for service to his country and civic engagement, Dr. Wolaver has an extensive academic background. He studied at the University of Illinois, The Ohio State Extension at Wright Field and at the University of Michigan, where he received his doctoral degree. Dr. Wolaver spent nearly 40 years as an employee at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Springfield, OH, holding various positions, including Dean for Research Emeritus at the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. During his time at Wright-Patt, Dr. Wolaver taught and conducted research in the areas of navigation, astrodynamics, bioengineering and systems analysis, and he has authored over 60 technical papers on these topics. His academic achievements have earned him induction into prestigious honorary societies, and various honors and awards, including the Fairborn Chamber of Commerce's Ed Duncan Distinguished Citizen Award, Fairborn Chamber of Commerce President's Award and University of Illinois Distinguished Alumnus Award. Finally, as a husband, father of two and grandfather, Dr. Wolaver has demonstrated the importance of balancing various obligations and activities with the needs of family. Thus, with great pride, I congratulate Dr. Lynn Wolaver for his lifetime of remarkable achievements and his unparalleled contribution to our community.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, we are honored to recognize the contributions of the 178th Fighter Wing for their 60-plus years of service to our nation during their Hail and Farewell Ceremony on June 5, 2010. The heritage of the 178th Fighter Wing and 162nd Fighter Squadron traces its roots back to the world famous 357th Fighter Group, the ``Yoxford Boys'' and the 362nd Fighter Squadron in England. During World War II, the Wing's combat victories totaled over 695, a mark no other fighter unit anywhere has matched. Ever since, the 178th Fighter Wing has played an active role in air combat and support, training, security forces, engineering, medical, communications, aircraft maintenance, human resources and transportation in support of contingency operations around the world. As the military's needs evolve with the emergence of new threats and advancing technology, the Base and Wing will be transitioning to new missions that will enable our military to meet the unique challenges of the 21st Century. It would have been impossible to imagine, during World War II, that planes conducting missions over nations half a world away would be piloted by the 178th Fighter Wing in Springfield, Ohio. It would be equally difficult to imagine then the quality and speed of the intelligence gathering process that will also take place in Springfield, through NASIC. We are confident the men and women of the 178th stand ready to meet future challenges and missions successfully, as they begin a new chapter in a proud legacy. Thus, with great pride, we congratulate the men and women of the 178th Fighter Wing and their families for their exemplary service to this community and our country and extend best wishes to them for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, our Nation is making history for all the wrong reasons as our national debt reaches $13 trillion. Today, we still have no budget, no plan to rein in this out-of-control spending. For the first time in recent history, the House will fail to even propose a budget at a time when the American people are demanding fiscal responsibility. Our national debt has now hit astronomical proportions, and without a budget, this spending will almost certainly continue to grow. A recent Rasmussen poll found that only 21 percent think that today's children will be better off than their parents. Only 21 percent. And one of the main reasons that our children are going to be in a tough spot is that they are going to be footing the bill tomorrow for our irresponsible spending today. Mr. Speaker, now is the time for Congress to address the issues facing our Nation in a fiscally responsible manner. We need to show constraint, set spending guidelines, make tough decisions, and eliminate wasteful spending programs.