Larry Combest

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Lucas]. (Mr. LUCAS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas].

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I would like to have the gentleman concur in this comment. One of the concerns we have heard throughout a lot of the discussion is the fact that there are payments being made for doing nothing. There are no marketing loan payments being made for doing nothing. A farmer has to produce. The cotton has to be produced, the cotton has got to move into the marketplace, and as the gentleman from Massachusetts said in his statement, there has been no cost for the program. The program is working.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 additional minute to the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Stenholm], and I ask him to yield to me as well.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to make some general comments, not specific. Mr. Speaker, I will never forget when I first had the opportunity, actually my first trip to Washington, DC, in my life in my mid- twenties, when I went to work for U.S. Senator John Tower. One of the things that we have certainly lost in this House, and that I would like to return to, and I think the relationship with the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi] and with the gentleman from California [Mr. Beilenson] is exemplary, is in terms of the fact that we can work together. We may have some philosophical differences, but it is not a personal matter. Mr. Speaker, I always had a great deal of respect for the fact that Hubert Humphrey, while I disagreed with him on many philosophical issues, there could be passionate debate in the Senate, and he and my boss, John Tower, would basically walk off the floor arm in arm because of a friendship that was there. They understood the passion with which people cared about issues. Mr. Speaker, I have that same respect certainly for the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Frank] and the gentleman from Vermont [Mr. Sanders]. They are very passionate in their beliefs. This is one of those issues in which there are some differences in priorities. It certainly is not that we want to see children starving. We could take all of the money in defense and in intelligence and spend it on other programs, and to many that would not be enough. And, certainly, we cannot do that. Mr. Speaker, we are concerned about a balanced budget. This Congress passed, and it may have been over the objection of many who have spoken, a budget earlier in the year and we conform to that budget. We fit within it. We will take those reductions as they come. Mr. Speaker, I would say to the gentleman from Massachusetts that we are substantially below where we were when this House passed this bill some months ago. Mr. Speaker, I want to comment on what the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi] said. There is no Member of the House that has more of a concern, a very dedicated concern in the areas that she has those concerns in our foreign relations policies. I have stated on this floor as well that we should not, and we cannot, justify expending money in the intelligence budget on economic intelligence. I would have a very difficult time coming and suggesting that that is what we ought to be doing. Mr. Speaker, if there is information in the bigger national security issue that we would gain and glean from that, I think that is as well, as the gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Rchardson] so ably pointed out, an area in which we can be very helpful to our own commerce. But it is not company-specific; it is not giving one company advantage over the other. Mr. Speaker, it is not that just the agencies within the intelligence community are going out and searching for new roles in order to justify their existence. They are being asked to do these things. The Vice President is very concerned about the role that intelligence can play, and past intelligence information that has come together, on the environment. And if there is information that we can get on the environment, and information we can get about economic intelligence and other areas, I think that is a very legitimate cause. I think it would be very difficult to justify expenditures solely for those purposes. They are not the major priority and role of the intelligence community. They are an offshoot. The country is better served by it. And as long as it does not infringe upon or become more significant or important than that dealing with national security and the intelligence community, I will continue as well to support it. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Washington only had 1\1/2\ minutes remaining. Does the gentleman need additional time?

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California [Mr. Dornan].

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report on H.R. 1655, the Intelligence Authorization Act for fiscal year 1996. The conference report, and the House and Senate bills that led up to it, were the product of a great deal of hard work. As I stated when we debated the original authorization bill, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held 11 hearings, 20 Member briefings, and even more staff briefings to craft this legislation. I wish to take a moment to thank our staff for their hard work. In the course of this year, they have not only helped prepare an authorization bill that will lead us in new and positive directions, but also have had a full agenda of such issues as the Ames damage assessment--which remains the subject of wild claims and few concrete findings in terms of the effects of U.S. policy decisions; allegations about activities in Guatemala; and our major effort for the 104th Congress, ``IC21: The Intelligence Community in the 21st Century.'' I am pleased to report that IC21 is on time and on schedule, and we hope to be back before you next year with legislative proposals that will strengthen and modernize our intelligence community. I want to thank our colleagues in the Senate. I have been engaged in ongoing negotiations with Chairman Specter and Vice Chairman Bob Kerrey of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. They were always dedicated, gentlemanly, and forthcoming as we worked out the necessary compromises. It was a pleasure working with them and the rest of the Members and staff of that committee. I have enjoyed working with the ranking member, Mr. Dicks. Although we have had our differences, we have worked them out to present this report. I would like to say a few words about the authorization we have just completed. This bill authorizes funds for all U.S. intelligence and intelligence-related activities. It is integral to our national security. As I said earlier this year, the original submission we got from the administration was a disappointment. It was a very static bill, preoccupied with this year's funding, but showing no sense of vision, no sense of where they would like the intelligence community to be as we enter the 21st century. That is why we are excited about the new directions we have forged in such areas as the national reconnaissance program. As my colleagues know, a great deal of this authorization is, of necessity, classified. I once again urge my colleagues to take the time to visit our committee offices and go over the classified portions of the bill. You will not only come away better informed, but you will also have a much better sense of the breadth and depth of the intelligence community. What you will not get, unfortunately, is a sense of the thousands of dedicated employees who make it work. It was with some surprise and no little dismay that I read, only a few weekends ago, that the Director of Central Intelligence said he ``did not find many first class minds in the ranks.'' He said that ``compared to uniformed officers, [intelligence officers] certainly are not as competent, or as understanding of what their relative role is and what their responsibilities are.'' That may be the DCI's benighted view of the intelligence community, but it is not one that I or, I am sure, most of my colleagues share. I want to highlight one provision of our bill that is in the classified annex only because of how the bill is structured, but is not classified in and of itself. Members may be aware of an agreement by the Director of Central Intelligence, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to merge a large number of agencies and offices that deal with imagery, into something that they are calling the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, or NIMA. This is a major proposal, involving as it does some of our most useful collection assets and a large amount of the intelligence budget. To date, we have not received any necessary details on what is involved, how this would operate, how this would affect all of the policy makers who rely on this valuable intelligence. I wish to assure my colleagues that we in the Intelligence Committee and they here on the floor will have a full opportunity to review and vote on any such major change. That is why my colleagues in the Senate and I inserted a provision in this bill requesting that no funds be used to begin implementation of such an agency until Congress has had the opportunity to review detailed plans. Let me turn briefly to the prospects for the fiscal year 1997 intelligence authorization. As I said, the fiscal year 1996 administration proposal was lacking in vision and was a disappointment. I have made it very clear to the Vice President and to the Director of Central Intelligence that if the fiscal year 1997 authorization request is similarly lacking in vision for the next several years, then that bill will be dead on arrival. I am also concerned by briefings that we have begun to receive about upcoming intelligence funding. The Director of Central Intelligence is apparently considering large cuts in his own budget in order to fund nonintelligence defense programs. Too often intelligence has been made a bill payer for these other programs. Earlier this week, DCI Deutch testified before our committee and stated that he disagreed ``with people who say where you take the money doesn't matter. It does matter.'' He also said that he wanted to see an ``honest competition between platforms in the defense budget.'' We intend to hold him to these views. Thus far, his actions speak louder than his words. I would hate to see the work we have begun to do on intelligence so quickly undone. Mr. Speaker, the conference report for the fiscal year 1996 intelligence authorization gives the Nation a necessary beginning in reshaping and strengthening our intelligence capabilities. I urge all of my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I call up the conference report on the bill (H.R. 1655) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1996 for the intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government, community management account, and the Central Intelligence Agency retirement and disability system, and for other purposes.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Goss] for his support in pushing this rule. I also thank the Committee on Rules for granting the rule that was requested by myself and the ranking member, the gentleman from Washington [Mr. Dicks]. I also want to thank the gentleman from Florida for this active role in the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where he as well sits, and the gentleman from California, former chairman of the committee, for his continued interest in intelligence activities; for his continued help in the rules process; and, for his continued friendship. Mr. Speaker, I would certainly urge passage of this rule. I strongly support it.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, could you tell me what the remaining time is?

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the conference report. The previous question was ordered. The conference report was agreed to. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the conference report just agreed to.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the managers on the part of the House may have until midnight tonight to file the conference report on the bill (H.R. 1655) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1996 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the U.S. Government, the community management account, and the Central Intelligence Agency retirement and disability system, and for other purposes.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the recognition of the gentleman from South Carolina. To the gentleman, let me say that we have a number of areas of common interest and I appreciate very much the cooperation of the gentleman and his working with us, and that of his staff as well. Mr. Speaker, I understand that the conference report currently before the House does not authorize any operations and maintenance funds for the SR-71 reconnaissance program; is that correct?

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from South Carolina.

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for that response. Mr. Speaker, it remains my view that this system is no longer a cost- effective platform for conducting strategic reconnaissance and should be retired to storage in the coming year. I would also note that section 504 of the National Security Act specifically denies the ability to obligate appropriated funds for this purpose without a specific corresponding authorization.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated professionals in the home health care industry. Across the Nation, one of the great concerns is the fear of not being able to receive high- quality yet affordable health care. In the search for one of the most effective ways to provide this, one need not look to the future, but rather to our history and to the oldest tradition of health service delivery--Home Health Care. This time-honored tradition of allowing the elderly, disabled, and ill to remain in the comfort of their own homes and receive the medical assistance they need has proven to be one of the most cost-effective and beneficial prescriptions a doctor can dispense. Allowing a patient to stay in their own familiar surroundings allows them to retain their dignity and sense of independence, while still receiving quality medical services. It also allows them to be surrounded by loved ones and family which helps to maintain the ever important family union which can play such a key role in helping to recover from an illness. In the United States today, home health care is regaining the popularity which it once had. As the desire for this important care increases, home care agencies across the country have met the challenge and now offer a full range of valuable services from skilled nursing and social services to physical, occupational and speech therapies. Nationwide there are over 17,500 agencies which help provide home care and this proven alternative to lengthy hospital stays now accounts for an estimated $27 billion of the resources spent on health care, as they provide services to over 7 million Americans. This growing segment of our health care industry deserves to be recognized for its continuing effort to provide affordable and quality care to those in need. We, in Congress and throughout America, can lead the effort to recognize home care agencies and the valuable and cost- effective health care resources which they provide. I call on all Americans to support these valuable agencies and providers who work to enhance the lives of those ill and disabled who are in need of home care assistance. In so doing, I salute all who provide home health care.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ellora C. Carle. After a distinguished career with the U.S. Government she is retiring from the Central Intelligence Agency on October 31, 1995. Over a period spanning nearly 39 years, Mrs. Carle served the CIA and the Nation with patriotism, loyalty, and a strong sense of duty. She deserves the thanks of this body and of the American people. Mrs. Carle began her career in the 1950's and served under nine Presidents and thirteen Directors of Central Intelligence. Throughout these years, she contributed in important ways to the Agency's work on behalf of the Nation's security. First in the CIA's Clandestine Services and later in the offices of General Counsel and Congressional Affairs, her skills and perseverance achieved operational successes and provided the day-to-day support necessary for the CIA to function effectively. In the Office of General Counsel, she worked on and supported voluminous litigation in the Privacy Act, the Freedom of Information Act, and Graymail suits. Her excellent organizational skills made her invaluable in marshalling the Government's case. The result was that important secrets were protected. I would note in particular the part that Mrs. Carle has played in supporting the House and the Senate for the past 7 years. During this period, she has managed--and in many cases prepared--the Agency's responses to hundreds if not thousands of constituent requests. Congressional offices here in Washington and in districts across the land have benefited from the expertise and the integrity that she has brought to this work. As chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am pleased to take this opportunity to bring to your attention a citizen whom the public may never know, but who has worked in quiet and unrecognized ways on its behalf. I ask you to join with me in wishing Ellie Carle a long and enjoyable retirement.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Floyd I. Stumbo. On October 1, 1995, Mr. Stumbo retired after 38 years of service to the Children's Home of Lubbock, TX. Floyd has been associated with the Children's Home of Lubbock for the past 38 years. Since 1957 he has selflessly served in many roles with the home. In 1970 he was named their chief executive officer, in which capacity he served until 1989, when he was named president. During these years the Children's Home of Lubbock flourished and steadily grew under his leadership and service. Today, the home stands as a modern progressive institution which provides care for over 4,200 children. It operates as a debt-free campus, which boast 20 buildings, thanks to his guidance. Floyd has also given of himself to many other professional and community organizations. He has served in the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Lubbock, Texas Association of Executives of Homes for Children, Texas Association of Licensed Homes for Children, Southwest Association of Executives of Homes for Children, the National Association of Homes for Children, and the Texas Association of Licensed Children's Services, as its President. Even with the demands of these many organizations and responsibilities, he still has the time and energy to serve as an elder of his church, the Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock. His leadership abilities have not gone unnoticed; he has received numerous awards for his dedication to the children of Lubbock, among which are the Lubbock Christian University Leadership Award of 1986, the Christian Child Care Recognition for Leadership for 1985, the Pepperdine University Christian Service Award for 1983 and Citizen of the Year, Lubbock Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for 1976. Now that he has stepped down from the Presidency, he has taken up the directorship of the Children's Home Foundation. This will enable him to enjoy some of life's finer pleasures such as golfing, travelling, visiting with friends of the Home, and spending more time with his family. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly thank Floyd for his dedication, untiring efforts, and his giving spirit of which the Children's Home of Lubbock is the greatest benefactor. I would also like to wish Floyd and Pat, his beloved wife, a happy and fulfilling retirement.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 1655) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1996 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to the conference asked by the Senate.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John Henry Walbridge. After a distinguished career with the U.S. Government he is retiring from the Central Intelligence Agency's Clandestine Services. Mr. Walbridge is an exceptional American who has dedicated his life to service to his country. Mr. Walbridge began his career in Government service as a cadet at the Citadel, graduating in 1969. Thereafter, he entered service in the United States Army as a commissioned officer serving in Vietnam with distinction with the Green Berets. Following Vietnam, Mr. Walbridge joined the Foreign Service working there for 5 years when he concluded that he wanted to seek higher education and spend several years in Africa working on an advanced degree. His broad experience in the military, independence, and tenaciousness came to the attention of the Central Intelligence Agency as they were looking for bright young officers who could accept the challenging task of recruiting and handling human intelligence sources around the world. In 1982, Mr. Walbridge began a successful career at the Central Intelligence Agency serving in Africa, Europe, and Latin America. I wish to highlight that Mr. Walbridge served with great distinction in Central America making an important and lasting contribution to the establishment of democratic governments in the region. This contribution directly reflected his many talents, his steadfast loyalty, and his willingness to go to extra measures to ensure that this Nation's interests were well served. His performance was of such high caliber that he has been strongly recommended for the CIA's Career Intelligence Medal in recognition for a lifetime of achievement. As chairman of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I am proud to know that Americans like Mr. Walbridge are serving in our intelligence community. They are our first line of defense in a world that continues to be fraught with dangers. Please join me in wishing John Walbridge a happy and prosperous retirement.

Mr. COMBEST

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

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of the bill H.R. 1655 the Clerk be authorized to make such technical and conforming changes that will be necessary to correct such things as spelling, punctuation, cross-referencing, and section numbering.

Mr. COMBEST

Mr. COMBEST. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include therein extraneous material on H.R. 1655, the bill just passed.