Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an outstanding individual, Constance Seymour Ulrich, who passed away at the age of 87 on February 29, 2020. Connie, as she was known, was a loving wife and mother and she will be deeply missed. Connie was born in Eugene, Oregon on March 22, 1932, the first daughter of Darle and Vada Belle Seymour. Her parents owned the iconic Seymour's Cafe in downtown Eugene by the University of Oregon Campus. She grew up in Eugene, attending grade school near the MacKenzie River in Vida, Oregon where her father owned Heavens Gate Cabins. After the war, she and her family moved back to Eugene and she attended Roosevelt Junior High and then Eugene High School, graduating with the Class of 1950. Connie attended the University of Oregon, majoring in Music and was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. After college, she moved down to San Francisco where she ultimately joined American Airlines as a Stewardess. It was while working for the airlines that she met her future husband, Edward ``Duke'' Ulrich. They soon married and immediately transferred to Kansas City, Missouri and subsequently to Chicago, Illinois. She was then excited to return to California where they settled in Sunnyvale, the heart of Silicon Valley. They raised their two children, Gregory and Linda and resided there for 47 years. Connie, blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, loved music and would frequently burst into an operatic solo. She enjoyed horseback riding as a young girl, and loved all animals, especially cats and dogs. I had the good fortune of getting to know Connie through Linda who was an integral part of my DC staff for many years. I can tell you that Connie had an infectious zest for life and a sparkle that drew people to her. I will long remember her sense of fun and humor which so clearly live on through her daughter. Connie's husband, Duke, predeceased her in death, as did her son Gregory, and more recently her sister, Kathryn Seymour of Eugene. Connie is survived by Linda and son-in-law John ``JY'' Yeagley of Vienna, Virginia. A celebration of her life will be held in McLean, Virginia. She will make Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto her final resting place and will join her husband and son. I extend my heartfelt condolences to my dear friend Linda and to all those who knew Connie. Although she may no longer be with us, she will continue to have a lasting impact on the lives of her family and community.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona in Riverside County, California are exceptional. On Thursday, February 6, 2020, Dean Seif will be honored as the 2019 Citizen of the Year by the Corona Chamber of Commerce. The mission statement of the Corona Chamber is to promote business, advocacy, community and economic development while serving as a catalyst for improving the overall quality of life in our community and region. Dean exemplifies this mission statement in all that he does in business and beyond. Dean has served the Chamber through various roles, including as the Chairman of the Board in 2016, and remains a strong advocate for the Chamber and their principles. Today, Dean continues to serve our community as a Board Member for the Corona Chamber and as the President of the Corona Chamber Foundation. He is also a Corona-Norco United Way Board Member, sits on the Governing Board of the Corona Regional Medical Center, and is a Member of the Corona Rotary Club. Dean is a local business owner, an active community member, and role model for many. Considering all that Dean has done for the community of Riverside County and the city of Corona, it is only fitting to honor him as Citizen of the Year. Dean has contributed immensely to the betterment of our region and I am proud to call him a friend, a fellow community member, American and a constituent of the 42nd Congressional District of California. I add my voice to the many who will be congratulating Dean Seif on being named Citizen of the Year by the Corona Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to amend the rule to make in order the Cole-McCarthy amendment that would ensure that the President can protect the United States and our ally, Israel.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, my friends on the other side of the aisle have been clamoring for this day since President Trump was elected. The refusal to accept the election results and, later, the findings of the Mueller investigation have brought forth Articles of Impeachment that are negated by two simple facts, namely, the military aid to Ukraine was provided, and no investigation was ever started. The real offense is that the President won the election, and their fear is that he will win again, despite all of their efforts. I will vote against the partisan attempt to overturn the election.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee has done a tremendous job navigating all these bills through a very difficult negotiation in such a short timeframe. Her steady leadership, experience, and focus completing this difficult task was critical to ensuring an end product that will garner Republican support and that the President will sign. I also want to thank Chairwoman Lowey for keeping the process on track during the very difficult political times that we are in. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to my chairman, Mr. Visclosky, from the great State of Indiana. Mr. Visclosky has been a tremendous partner to me and our side of the aisle throughout this whole process maintaining the bipartisan nature of the Defense Subcommittee. He has been very gracious and accommodating, and I thank him sincerely. I look forward to continuing to work in a collaborative manner during the coming year. The bill includes $693 billion for the Department of Defense, including $624 billion in base funds, $70.7 million for Overseas Contingency Operations, and $1.8 billion in disaster assistance. In total, this bill is nearly $19 billion more than the fiscal year 2019 level. After thoughtful negotiations between the House and the Senate, we have a good, balanced bill that we look forward to passing in both Chambers and getting to the President for his signature. Our number one priority is to provide for the Nation's defense. The world remains a dangerous place. We have got troops in combat against ISIS, al-Qaida, and associated forces. Authoritarian competitors-- especially China and Russia--are seeking regional dominance and trying to upend the post-World War II international order. North Korea continues to modernize its nuclear weapons capability and means of delivery. A hostile Iran remains a threat to Israel and other U.S. partners, as well as our forces in the Middle East. Instability to our south has produced conditions that bring people, which tragically includes unaccompanied children, into our Nation illegally. For all these reasons, we must get this bill done. As we all know, operating under continuing resolutions actually costs more money and results in delayed capabilities. The department needs stable, predictable, and timely funding to ensure it is prepared to meet the threats we face now and in the feature. The funding in this bill recognizes threats of U.S. interests throughout the world while continuing modernization efforts to maintain the peace and deter our near-peer adversaries. It also supports the men and women in the military by addressing quality-of-life issues that Chairman Visclosky has championed by including additional funds to address childcare and medical care. Of course, we fund the 3.1 percent pay raise and provide additional funding for medical research. The bill increases funding for operations and maintenance to sustain and improve readiness levels. Funding is provided for robust procurement of next generation equipment to ensure our men and women in uniform always have the tactical advantage. We also increase funding for research and development to ensure we can meet and preferably deter near-peer threats. Madam Speaker, I encourage everyone to vote for this bill. It is a strong bill and ensures that our military has the resources it needs. I want to thank the staff on both sides for all their hard work.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual from Riverside County and the 42nd Congressional District who has inspired people around the country. On September 18, 2019, Kodi Lee from Lake Elsinore, California was named as the winner of the NBC talent show competition ``America's Got Talent.'' Kodi's voice is amazing. His life story is even more extraordinary. Kodi was born legally blind and diagnosed with autism when he was four years old. Yet, when he was just two years old, Kodi's musical talents began to shine after his father tapped out ``Mary Had a Little Lamb'' on a toy piano and he immediately played it back. At the age of three, Kodi was already replicating tunes he heard on a real piano. Throughout his childhood, music became an essential form of therapy for Kodi and provided a unique form of treatment for his autism. It was determined that Kodi has an audio photographic memory, in which he can recall music he hears after just one listen. Incredibly, Kodi started to perform publicly at the age of six and has sung and played the piano at over 200 charity events and in Korea, China and Japan. As a contestant in the America's Got Talent competition, Kodi drew instant attention in May by singing the Donny Hathaway version of ``A Song For You.'' Later in the competition, Kodi earned a spot in the semi-finals with a memorable rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's ``Bridge Over Troubled Water.'' During the competition's finale, Kodi earned the top prize thanks to an inspired performance of Freya Riding's ``Lost Without You,'' that drew a standing ovation from both the fans and judges. It's hard to think of anyone who has represented our region as well as Kodi Lee has on an worldwide stage. To say Lake Elsinore and Riverside County is proud of Kodi and all that he has accomplished is a tremendous understatement. To conclude, Madam Speaker I want to thank Kodi for inspiring us and congratulate him on winning the America's Got Talent competition.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in proud recognition of the Operation Recognition Class of 2019. Operation Recognition is a program organized by the Riverside County Office of Education, with assistance from the Riverside County Department of Veteran's Services, that presents diplomas to residents of Riverside County who missed completing high school due to military service in World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, or due to internment in WWII Japanese- American relocation camps. Riverside County's Operation Recognition is modeled after programs implemented in other states. Numerous county offices of education and school districts throughout California operate similar programs. The programs are an important way to express our appreciation and gratitude for the significant contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans. The Operation Recognition Class of 2019 includes: Gilberto O. Allen, U.S. Army, Vietnam War; Vallie Lee Engelauf, U.S. Navy, World War II (posthumously); George B. Flowers III, U.S. Army, Vietnam War; Raul Garcia, U.S. Army, Vietnam War; Richard Leonard Granados, U.S. Army, Vietnam War; John C. Hudson, U.S. Coast Guard, World War II; Franklin M. Stevens, U.S. Navy, Vietnam War. On behalf of all Riverside County residents and a grateful nation, I want to thank these veterans for their service to our country and congratulate them on being part of the Operation Recognition Class of 2019. CONGRATUALATING BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT ON RECEIPT OF THE CHAMBER CHAMPION

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group of heroes who went above and beyond to save the life of one of my district office staff. It is important to note that my district office is located at the Corona City Hall, a detail that was vital in the events that transpired. On November 4, 2019, at 1:50 p.m., a member of my staff experienced a medical event that required immediate attention. Jackie Lansing noticed the event and brought it to the attention of the other district staff, who responded quickly and calmly. While Jackie provided immediate assistance to the staffer, Kathleen McGravan called 911. Danielle Shade hurried to a number of offices in city hall to find on-site medical personal. At the same time, Shawna Rimke directed our intern, Noah Ritter, who had previously received CPR training, to administer chest compressions. Shawna then ran to retrieve Cari Lee Smith, a volunteer at city hall who Shawna knew was also a Corona Fire Department volunteer. Cari assisted Noah in CPR compressions but quickly realized that she needed a defibrillator. She sprinted off to secure one of city hall's AEDs. While this was taking place, Ryan Cortez, a Corona city employee and an off-duty EMT, was in a meeting with the City Manager's Office when he received an alert on the PulsePoint Respond app. This app notifies certified personnel of a medical emergency near them. While Ryan rushed downstairs to respond, Cari and Noah administered the first AED shock. Upon revival, Ryan administered the second AED shock, which stabilized the staff member. At 1:56 p.m. the firemen arrived. Ryan was able to explain to the firemen exactly what transpired as well as brief them on the AED readings. I am very grateful to say that this member of my staff, who has been a dedicated and instrumental part of my team for many years, is recovering and doing well. That day may have ended very differently if not for the quick actions of my staff and the lifesaving techniques administered by Noah Ritter, Cari Lee Smith, and Ryan Cortez. To those three individuals, the entire Calvert team sends their heartfelt gratitude.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. The bill under consideration is an attempt to protect our elections from foreign interference. That is a goal that I certainly share, and I think all of us share. In fact, I tried to offer an amendment to the bill that would have closed a gaping hole in the security of our election system. It is a weakness that basically rolls out the red carpet to foreign interference. Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle blocked my amendment. My proposal would have prohibited the practice known as ballot harvesting, which is something that is only legal in a few states, where literally anyone can collect absentee ballots. In California where ballot harvesting is legal, anyone, including paid campaign workers and foreign nationals, are allowed to collect an unlimited number of ballots. California Democrats have refused to put any guard rails on ballot collection, leaving it wide open to fraud and abuse by both foreign and domestic bad actors. Every time I voice my concern about ballot harvesting, my friends on the other side of the aisle and the media keep asking for evidence of abuse. Mr. Chairman, the reason there is no evidence of ballot harvesting fraud is because California Democrats have designed a system that doesn't collect evidence. If you collect ballots in California, you aren't required to give your name to the voter whose ballot you are collecting, and when you turn in that ballot to election officials, you are not required to give your name at that point either. There is no requirement to document the chain of custody of ballots. And there is nothing in the State law prohibiting foreign nationals from collecting and handling ballots. Let me repeat that. There is nothing in California law prohibiting foreign nationals from collecting and handling ballots. You know, in reality, the only rule is there are no rules. Mr. Chairman, this isn't the Wild West. We shouldn't wait for fraud and abuse to occur before we act. By rejecting my amendment, Democrats have not only left a door open to foreign involvement in our elections, they have laid out the welcome mat.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to our region have been exceptional. After serving ten years on the Murrieta City Council, my good friend Randon Lane recently stepped down to take a position with the U.S. Department of Transportation, here in Washington, D.C. After graduating from college, Randon began a career in business working for Fortune 500 companies including AT&T Broadband, Nextel and Sprint. Until recently, Randon served as a Public Affairs Manager for The Southern California Gas Company, the largest natural gas provider in the nation. In addition to his business career, Randon has long been active in public service. In 2003, he was appointed to the Murrieta Planning Commission. In the following years Murrieta witnessed an incredible 70 percent population explosion, one of the largest population increases in the nation during that period. In 2008 Randon was elected to the Murrieta City Council. While successfully leading Murrieta as Mayor in 2011 and 2016, he along with the City Council continued to prioritize investments in infrastructure and public safety. Forbes named Murrieta the No. 1 post-recession ``boom town'' in America and FBI statistics rank Murrieta the third safest city in the Nation among cities with populations over 100,000 residents. Randon's strong leadership led his council colleagues to appoint him to represent them on agencies locally, regionally, statewide and nationally. Randon and his wife, Bridget ``Bo'', have been married for 21 years, 17 of those in Murrieta. Together they have a daughter, Chelsea, 27 and son-in-law Sean and two sons, Randon, Jr., 15 and Joshua,11. Randon has contributed immensely to the betterment of our region and I am proud to call him a dedicated public servant, American and friend. To conclude, Madam Speaker I want to thank Randon for his service to the Inland Empire--his dedication, insight and passion will be greatly missed. I wish him the very best in his new position with the Department of Transportation.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member and chairwoman for their good work. I rise today in support of the continuing resolution. Like many of my colleagues, we are hopeful that, once we had a budget deal, we would move to conference and the appropriations bills and pass them, if not on time, close to on time. Unfortunately, the Senate needs more time, and this will give the Senate the time and the House time to do their work. The CR expires November 21. There is more than enough time to sit down with our colleagues in the Senate to work out our differences. In fact, I would hope we can still move quickly and, if able, pass conference bills before the end of the CR--most importantly, for our U.S. servicemembers. Our military has moved quickly to restore readiness and modernize. Secretary Esper has demonstrated his commitment to a modern, more agile Department that can quickly respond to threats, and he needs our support to continue his efforts. I am confident that once the chairman and I have had a chance to sit down with our Senate colleagues, we can quickly work out our differences and write a bill that keeps the military on the path toward meeting the challenges posed by our adversaries, which there is no lack of. Recent events demonstrate that the world needs our leadership and presence. I urge my colleagues to vote for this CR and avoid the devastating impacts of a government shutdown. Let's get to work on the fiscal year 2020 bills to ensure the continuity of vital efforts at the Department of Defense. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Bipartisan Budget Deal of 2019. Like many of my colleagues, there are parts of the deal I object to and parts I strongly support. As ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I would have preferred a higher top line for defense than $738 billion. However, we will always choose certainty and on-time appropriations rather than another destructive CR. Right now, our military is at an inflection point. As our military readiness returns to appropriate operational levels, we must continue to push forward on modernization efforts that will continue America's superiority on land, sea, air, and space into the next century. Just as former Secretary Mattis woke Americans up to the dire circumstances of our readiness levels, Americans are now beginning to understand that our military superiority can no longer be assumed against near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China. Whether it is hypersonics, low-yield nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, or the militarization of space, the gap has closed. The 2-year budget deal before us today provides the certainty for our military to do what they do best, prepare to win the next war in the hopes that our military might will deter any would-be competitor from ever starting that war. I know many of my conservative friends are concerned about more deficit spending and adding to our $22 trillion debt. I share that concern, but we need to look at the full budget picture. Mandatory spending, if you include interest on the debt, now consumes 72 percent of the Federal budget. National defense actually accounts for 15.6 percent of the budget. That leaves only about 12 percent left in the pie. We cannot balance our budget on the back of 12 percent nondefense discretionary spending. The math does not work. In fact, since 2010, because of the BCA, accounting for inflation, we have reduced nondefense discretionary spending by 4.65 percent, and we have reduced defense discretionary by 17.2 percent. To my friends on the left, we cannot continue to ignore realities of mandatory spending and simply spend more on the discretionary side with no regard to the future. And the solutions need not be drastic. Slowing the rate of growth and making commonsense reforms for future generations would relieve the pressure and allow us to finally have a plan to pay down the debt. The bill before us is not perfect. That is the nature of compromise. But my ``yes'' vote is in support of the brave men and women who wear the uniform. It is our duty to support them and their missions. However, I do not vote blind to our budget reality, which, if left unchecked, will consume our entire budget. I urge my colleagues to support the bill, end the failed experiment of the BCA, and commit to true budget reform that will address our mounting debt.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, as a Member from California, it is hard for me to believe that the majority could possibly propose an election security bill that doesn't address the major vulnerabilities related to ballot harvesting. Ballot harvesting is where paid campaign operatives collect up to hundreds or even thousands of ballots and drop them off at polling places or an election office. The practice is ripe for fraud and a recipe for disaster. Any serious effort to secure elections would address it. Let's be clear: We want to give people who need it an opportunity to vote by mail, and we want to look for ways to make it easier for disabled or elderly Americans to participate in our elections. My concern is inserting campaign operatives into the ballot-handling process without any safeguards. In California, paid campaign staff can collect hundreds of ballots without having to disclose who they are working for. When they hand over those ballots to election officials, there is no requirement to even provide their name. Some of my friends across the aisle claim that the real problem is bad actors committing fraud. But it is the very practice of ballot harvesting being the problem. The reality is this process is an open invitation for fraud. That is why most States have banned the practice. Ignoring the most notable threat to election security is unacceptable in a so-called election security bill. Madam Speaker, American voters deserve better. I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill until we can get serious about real threats to our democracy.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to someone who has made a significant impact here in this proud institution for the past four decades. For the past twelve years, my office and I have been extremely fortunate to have Patricia ``Tricia'' Evans on our staff. Tricia is from Westchester, New York, and to say she is a proud New Yorker is putting it mildly. She's also an Irish Catholic through and through--all the way down to being a devout meat and potatoes eater-- except, of course, on Fridays during Lent. After graduating from Iona College, Tricia taught first grade at Good Shepherd School for a few years before shifting to politics. In the summer of 1979, Tricia launched her career on Capitol Hill as a staff assistant for conservative stalwart and fellow New Yorker Jack Kemp. Prior to joining my office, Tricia served a number of House Members, including dedicated tenures serving my former California colleague Elton Gallegly and Arizonan J.D. Hayworth. In 2007, I was incredibly fortunate to have a seasoned staff member like Tricia join my office. When she first came on board, Tricia wasn't exactly a big fan of flying, especially cross county to our district in California. But after we introduced her to In-N-Out Burger she became more open to flying out West--it's amazing how a Double-Double can ease anxieties. We never quite converted her from a New Yorker to a Californian, but I'd like to think she will always carry within her a little piece of the Golden State. As Tricia winds up her time in my office to take on a new opportunity, it's impossible to sum up her immense contributions. Of all my constituents whom she has helped, I think that the folks from the Monday Morning Group will miss her the most. I know Tricia rightfully takes great pride in her efforts to secure passage of the 9/ 11 Memorial Act into law. She was deeply and personally touched by the 9/ 11 attack as a native New Yorker and by the loss of her friend, Navy Captain Bob Dolan, who was killed at the Pentagon on that tragic day. Tricia took the ''Never Forget'' refrain and put it into action to honor her friend Bob and all who perished. Tricia has also been involved in helping the Capitol Concerts that take place on the Hill every year on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. All Americans who enjoy these patriotic events can thank Tricia for working overtime to ensure their success. Tricia loves her country and everything Disney. There is also no bigger fan of Bruce Springsteen, Tom Selleck or Joe Namath. But nothing in her life comes close to her love for her two children: Shannon and Patrick. They are an incredibly close and loving family, which can be attested to by me and my Chief of Staff who can't help but overhear regular calls from each of the kids that always end with, ``I love you.'' I won't say that these calls happen too frequently, but I have developed a nervous tick whenever I hear her cell phone ring tone. Seriously though, Tricia's love for and dedication to her children are a testament to her fine character. I will deeply miss her and her selflessness, loyalty and impassioned devotion to supporting me and my office. I look forward to my continued friendship with Tricia and wish her, Shannon, and Patrick, the very best in all their future endeavors. Godspeed.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise in support of the en bloc amendment, and I thank the Defense Subcommittee chairman for working with our side to include many amendments important to our Members. The chairman has been a great partner and has been very fair throughout this process. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, this amendment would prohibit the use of 2020 funds for development of a long-range standoff weapon program. A long-range standoff missile will be a nuclear-armed air-launched cruise missile that the U.S. Air Force is scheduled to first deploy in the early 2030s. The LRSO is necessary for maintaining the deterrent capability currently provided by a rapidly aging air-launched cruise missile. According to the Department of Defense, the current air-launched cruise missile is already decades beyond its originally planned service time. As General John Hayden, Commander of the U.S. Strategic Command, has stated: ``The ALCM is encountering sustainability and viability issues from age-related material failures . . . and diminishing manufacturing sources. Parts and materials designed for a 10-year service life are now 35 years old and are obsolete.'' In addition to severe problems with maintenance and reliability, the ALCM has a significant degraded ability to survive modern air defense systems. We also need the long-range standoff weapon because conventional air-launched cruise missiles are unable to effectively meet the same deterrence requirements. Madam Chair, sustaining the nuclear standoff capability in the air leg of the U.S. strategic triad strengthens our deterrence. Conventional weapons are not capable of fulfilling the nuclear-armed cruise missile's contribution to, and role in, an effective deterrence and reassurance of U.S. allies. Effective deterrence requires that an adversary believes that the United States can and may respond in kind to a nuclear attack. For these reasons, I urge the defeat of this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to my colleague from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky).

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I am not in opposition to the gentleman's amendment, I just find it unnecessary. There is robust funding in the bill for this activity to fight encroachment on our military bases, and that is really kind of between the local government and local State and local groups. Madam Chair, I make that point, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I rise as the designee of the ranking member from Texas (Ms. Granger), and I move to strike the last word.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Visclosky for the great working relationship we have had going through this legislation in detail. We do this for the men and women who serve the United States military. We want to make sure that they have the best quality of life and, obviously, that we procure the best weapons that are available to make sure that if ever we are in unfortunate circumstances, we do not have a fair fight. It has been a great experience. I also thank all the staff for the great work that they have done on both the majority and the minority. I do want to point out one thing to the chairman. There is going to be a meeting tomorrow at the White House, hopefully, about a budget agreement. Hope springs eternal, but, hopefully, we can get a budget agreement with the White House, the House, and the Senate so that we don't have to go into sequestration later this year, which, as the gentleman knows, would be a disaster for the United States military. Let's wish them well as they try to work out an agreement. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, the Army identified a $75.6 million unfunded requirement for the future vertical lift program, and this amendment helps to address that by adding an additional $9 million, as the chairman brought out, to this program. Madam Chair, this is a good program. I support it, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, we need to stand by our allies and oppose Iran. This amendment is not helpful. I encourage all of our colleagues to vote ``no'' on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, at the outset, it should be clear: There is no country that is more hostile to the interests of the United States and our allies, especially Israel, than Iran. In fact, as we debate this bill, the U.S. and our partners in the region are under serious threat from Iran and its proxies. As our commander of the U.S. Central Command, General Frank McKenzie, said recently, the Iranian threat remains imminent. Just last week, Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces used a type of magnetic mine--a limpet mine--to attack Japanese and Norwegian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman. In addition to this threat to international freedom of navigation and commerce, Iran's Houthi proxies have launched sustained attacks on airports and other infrastructure targets within Saudi Arabia. In this context, it is clearly in the national interest of the United States to ensure that our partners in the region have the capabilities they need to counter a hostile Iran. The sweeping scope of this amendment, however, seeks to block all 22 of these arms sales instead of those few that may be of particular concern. For example, it would attempt to prevent the transfer of precision-guided munitions to our ally Jordan, as well as a number of other seemingly noncontroversial cases. Madam Chair, we need to work with our partners in the region to accomplish common objectives on counterterrorism and in deterring Iran, including through timely U.S. defense transfers. Arbitrarily stopping a large number of arms sales, regardless of their sensitivity, will hinder the ability of our combatant commander to accomplish these goals. It will also undermine the reputation of the United States as a reliable security partner and provide opportunities to China or Russia to erode U.S. influence in the region. I want to acknowledge that all of us are deeply concerned with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. I support the efforts of the executive branch to work with the U.N. Special Envoy toward a political resolution of this conflict. It is also unfortunate that the Department of State decided to utilize an emergency waiver authority on the arms sales that are the subject of this amendment. Congressional oversight over arms transfers is an important responsibility, and it would have been best had these sensitive matters been handled through the traditional consultative process. This is not the appropriate vehicle to vindicate those congressional prerogatives. That responsibility rests with the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Relations Committees, and not in this bill. Madam Chair, accordingly, I oppose this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, I will be very quick. I am shocked: The Russians are cheating. Now that our treaty obligations are suspended, the United States needs to move forward with developing ground-launched INF missile capability. Madam Chair, I support the gentleman's amendment.