Norm Dicks

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank my constituents in Washington's Sixth District for supporting me over the last 36 years. I want to thank Leader Pelosi and Whip Hoyer for supporting me as ranking Democratic member on the House Appropriations Committee, and most of all the Democratic Caucus for allowing me to chair the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee and the Defense Subcommittee. I want to thank Chairman Hal Rogers and Chairman Bill Young for working together to restore regular order in the Appropriations Committee and strengthening America's military strength and especially supporting the men and women serving us in our services. I will miss my colleagues in the House, but will remember my friends in this great institution, the people's House.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. I now yield to Suzan DelBene to address the House.

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure for the Washington congressional delegation to welcome our newest Member, Suzan DelBene, who had the distinction of winning not just one, but two elections last week. She was elected in a special election to fill the remainder of Congressman Jay Inslee's term, and she was also elected last week to be the Representative of a newly configured First District in the 113th Congress. Throughout her campaign, Suzan was able to successfully connect with voters because of her upbringing and because of her experience. She spoke to the struggles her parents went through in raising her family and of working her way through college. She earned a bachelor's degree from Reed College in Portland and received an MBA from the University of Washington. Following her academic work, Suzan had a very successful career at Microsoft and at two high-tech startup companies, and then was appointed director of the Washington Department of Revenue. Suzan is a high-energy person, someone who will work well with our delegation and with all of our colleagues here in the House in the next Congress. At this time, I would like to yield to the gentleman from Washington's Fourth Congressional District, Congressman Hastings, the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, who joins me in welcoming our newest Member.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentlewoman from Washington, the Honorable Suzan K. DelBene, be permitted to take the oath of office today. Her certificate of election has not arrived, but there is no contest and no question has been raised with regard to her election.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Kelly M. Laurel for her exceptional dedication to duty and service to the United States Army and to the United States of America. Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Laurel will be transitioning from her present assignment as the Senior Army Budget Congressional Liaison for the Army (SAFM-BUL) to work on the Secretary of the Army's Strategic Initiatives Group. A native of Laredo, Texas, Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Laurel enlisted in the Wyoming Air National Guard in 1989 and completed Air Force Basic Military Training and Medical Records Technician Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. She later joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Weber State University, where she completed a bachelor's degree in Microbiology and Chemistry in May 1993. Upon her graduation she was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps in the Army Reserve. The following year she opted to enter the active duty Army. Lieutenant Colonel Laurel's assignments have been diverse, including Medical Platoon Leader, 61st Area Support Medical Company; Adjutant, 1st Medical Group; Budget Officer, 13th Corps Support Command; and Company Executive Officer, 502d Medical Company (Dental Service), all at Fort Hood, Texas. In Korea, she served as a Company Commander, for Headquarters, 52d Medical Evacuation Battalion; and later Chief of the Management Division, 18th Medical Command. In Germany, she served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Heidelberg Medical Activity. She was then assigned to Office of the Surgeon General where she served as the Senior Budget Analyst, Chief of the Financial Health Policy Division and as a Congressional Affairs Coordinating Officer. In addition to her regular duties, she also served as the Deputy Consultant for Comptrollers for over three years, where she assisted in recruitment, career development and assignments for all MSC Comptrollers. Lieutenant Colonel Laurel has worked diligently throughout her career to help the Army and take care of our nation's men and women in uniform. As a Senior Legislative Liaison she worked directly with the Senate and House Appropriations Committees to educate and inform Senators, Representatives, and staff about medical issues, soldier issues and various programs. Mr. Speaker, it has been a pleasure to work with Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Laurel during her time as a legislative liaison. On behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in recognizing and commending Lieutenant Colonel Kelly Laurel for a lifetime of service to her country. We wish Kelly, her husband Raymond, and her children Alex, Isabella, Zachary and Daniel all the best as they continue their journey in the United States Army.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the United States Capitol Historical Society, which is celebrating 50 years of history and service to the United States Capitol. Congressman Fred Schwengel, Senator Hubert Humphrey, and a group of 15 other Members of Congress, historians, and civic and business leaders organized the United States Capitol Historical Society on July 17, 1962. Fifty years later, the USCHS continues to fulfill its mission by teaching the public about the founding, growth and significance of the Capitol of the United States as a tangible symbol of its representative form of government. Convinced that an understanding of history was inextricably linked with responsible citizenship, the founders of the United States Capitol Historical Society adopted a mission statement committing the nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational organization to the role of ``history teacher to the nation.'' More than 50 years after its founding, the Society continues to develop new and creative ways to bring the fascinating story of the Capitol to the public's attention. Among its tools are educational tours, scholarly symposia, observances of historic events, enhancement and preservation of the Capitol's collection of art and artifacts, sponsorship of research, the sale of publications and mementos of an historical nature, and assistance to Congressional and other Capitol offices. The partnership of the USCHS with the National Archives and Old Town Trolley in the We the People Constitution program is particularly innovative. The Society has committed to working toward seeing every eighth grade student in the Washington, DC public schools tour ``monumental'' Washington to learn about the U.S. Constitution. This educational tour's sole purpose is to help students understand their place in American history and their role in the process of government. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring a great organization dedicated to preserving the history of the most recognizable symbol of representative government in the world, the United States Capitol.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Commander Marc A. Hone, as he prepares to retire after 21 years of service to the United States Navy and to the United States of America. I have worked with Commander Hone personally over the past 4 years-- first in 2009, when he was a Defense Legislative Fellow assigned to my office, and then for 3 years as an Appropriations Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller). I would like to share with you some highlights of Marc's career. Commander Hone graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. After commissioning, nuclear operator and submarine training, he reported to his first ship, USS Hammerhead (SSN 663), where he served as Reactor Control and Fire Control Assistant. After taking the ship to inactivation at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, the Shipyard in my district in Bremerton, he transferred to USS Atlanta (SSN 712) as the Chemical and Radiological Control Assistant where he qualified as a Nuclear Engineer Officer. He later served at sea as Navigator and Operations Officer on USS Olympia (SSN 717), completing two deployments to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. Marc also served with distinction in a variety of assignments ashore: as a Flag Aide to the President of the Board of Inspection and Survey; as the Staff Warfare Officer (Submarines) for the British Royal Navy's Maritime Battle Staff in Portsmouth, United Kingdom; as the Executive Officer of Submarine Learning Facility, Norfolk; and as the Deputy Director of Fleet Training at U.S. Fleet Forces Command. In 2007, he served as a Counter IED Liaison Officer in Kabul, Afghanistan-- supporting our Embassy and the U.S. military headquarters located there. After completing a Defense Legislative Fellowship, Commander Hone reported to his current assignment as a Congressional Liaison, managing a diverse portfolio containing the Submarine Warfare, Intelligence, and Navy Energy accounts. For 3 years, Marc has demonstrated exceptional leadership and foresight, engaging Members of the Appropriations Committee and the Defense Subcommittee Staff to provide information essential to resourcing the Navy for its role as the world's preeminent sea power. In an increasingly difficult budget environment, Commander Hone provided essential support in shepherding three Navy budgets through the appropriations process. Marc served the Navy and our Nation with integrity, insight and dedication. My office, the Subcommittee Staff, and I have found him to be a pleasure to work with and all respect his professionalism. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues today in saying thank you to Commander Marc A. Hone for his extraordinary dedication to duty and steadfast service to this country throughout his distinguished career. We wish Marc, his wife Marie, and his daughters Natasha and Katarina ``Fair Winds and Following Seas'' as he leaves the Naval Service.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. I want to thank the chairman for his very kind remarks. It has been a deep pleasure working with you and your very able staff. I think one of the reasons for the success of trying to restore regular order is that we've had good staff cooperation at all levels. I want to thank our staff, both the majority and minority, for their excellent work. It has been a great pleasure working with you. Again, let's hope we can convince people that we should get our work done so when we come back in the lame duck session we can finally put the omnibus bill together for 2013 and get this accomplished. I know that's what the chairman wants and that that's what I want, but I appreciate his kind remarks. I appreciate his courtesy and his leadership of our committee. Thank you.

Mr. DICKS. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price), who's the ranking member on the Homeland Security Subcommittee.

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. While I would prefer to be doing our regular appropriation bills, I support this continuing resolution. H.J. Res. 117 avoids a government shutdown by continuing the full range of Federal activities at last year's rate of operations, plus six-tenths of 1 percent. The CR also preserves the agreement on spending levels and the reforms in budgeting for disaster relief as set out in the Budget Control Act. On defense, the CR caps overseas contingency operations at the President's request for FY 2013 at $88.5 billion instead of continuing last year's level of $115.1 billion, a reduction of $26.6 billion. The CR grants some flexibility for transferring funds within OCO since last year's priorities do not meet this year's defense needs in the region. Beyond that, however, the CR is stringent on defense. DOD requested limited authority for new starts and changes in production and procurement rates. Those requests were all denied. The CR includes only a handful of spending anomalies, providing additional funding only where absolutely necessary. Wildland fire suppression receives more funds than last year's level. The Interior Department and the Forest Service have already spent all of their FY12 fire suppression funding, in addition to $400 million that was reprogrammed to respond to a harsh fire season. VA operating expenses are also increased because disability claims are expected to increase significantly in FY 2013 as more vets return. Without an increase above last year's level, the launch schedule for the weather satellites would be delayed, causing significant gaps in data collection essential for severe weather forecasting. Increases are provided for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, child nutrition, and Commodity Supplemental Food program, which all need additional funds to meet current caseloads. There are even fewer extensions of expiring authorizations. Only those affecting spending are addressed. The CR includes a 6-month clean extension of TANF. Without the extension, cash assistance and work support for working families would stop at the start of FY 2013. The CR also specifies the LIHEAP State allocation formula to ensure that States receive adequate funding for the winter heating season. I must mention two concerns. First, I am very disappointed that we have yet to enact a single FY13 bill in the Congress even though we passed seven bills in the House of Representatives. I know Chairman Rogers shares my disappointment. A CR is not a replacement for the appropriations process. Federal agencies need much more direction than what is provided in a CR, and I believe this measure serves to underscore the need for timely, regular appropriation bills. Lastly, I am deeply concerned that the threat of a sequester inhibits current economic growth and slows job creation. The sooner we deal with all the fiscal cliff issues, the sooner our economic recovery will be strengthened. Just yesterday, Moody's threatened a potential downgrade of the U.S. Government's credit rating in 2013 unless Congress averts the fiscal cliff. I wish we could turn off sequestration in this CR and enact a balanced package of deficit reduction to replace it. Unfortunately, any serious discussion seems impossible until after the election. As Chairman Rogers said, this is a streamlined CR, free of any new riders and negotiated in a bipartisan fashion. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. I want to commend the chairman for working so hard and being so diligent in his efforts to restore regular order in the appropriation process, and I concur in his judgment that we should try to put together an omnibus between now and the holidays in order to get our work done this year. That would be the best course of action, rather than waiting until March. Again, let's vote for this CR and do our work and get it done. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Lowey), the ranking member of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee.

Mr. DICKS. I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Kaptur).

Mr. DICKS. I yield an additional 15 seconds.

Mr. DICKS. I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Visclosky).

Mr. DICKS. I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding on this vital matter, and I completely concur with his stated clarification on this CR's funding and language regarding cybersecurity. I strongly supported the inclusion of this anomaly, and see it as essential but also limited in scope to only the securing of our vulnerable Federal civilian networks. This provision does not intrude upon the authorizers' jurisdiction or enable a new executive order in any way.

Mr. DICKS

Mr. DICKS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. DICKS. In that respect I am totally supportive of what the gentleman is trying to accomplish. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. I yield.

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

Mr. DICKS. The New START Treaty limits the total number of weapon delivery vehicles by 2017. According to the Air Force, they are funded for New START implementation, but are awaiting final force structure decisions to determine numbers of weapon delivery vehicles to be reduced in FY 13. We should carry out our obligation under the New START Treaty and not restrict the Department's obligation to implement it. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment. I want to make it clear to my colleagues just what we're talking about. Under the New START we will have 520 ICBMs with 420 warheads. We will have 60 bombers, 42 B-52s and 18 B-2s that are nuclear capable, and they have many warheads. We have 240 sub-launched missiles. The number of subs are not restricted, but we have 14 Trident submarines. I would, with all due respect, just say this, this is one area where we can, if we can come down on a mutual agreement with the Russians to a lower level, we can save ourselves the money of not having to replace all of these weapons systems. A lot of very thoughtful people have looked at this issue, and they believe that the two most survivable legs of the triad are the ballistic missile submarines and the bombers. The land-based missiles are vulnerable. Now, we had great debates over the MX missile. We got into how many RVs coming in to take out an existing missile, usually it's two, so the enemy would be using up weapons. But the point of it all is, the last thing that we're going to be using is nuclear weapons. It just is not going to happen; it would destroy the world. So we can come down to a lower level and still have a credible deterrent. We can't afford to do everything. The most important thing today, I think, is to build up our Special Forces, build up our intelligence capabilities, and look at the threats that we're facing out there with al Qaeda and the terrorists. Frankly, nuclear weapons are a relic of the Cold War, and we should bring down the size of this. General Cartwright, one of the most thoughtful former members of the Joint Chiefs, has suggested that we go to a DYAD, just having ballistic missile submarines and bombers. That's something that we should consider. The Markey amendment would have started us in a way of reducing the number of land-based missiles. I just think it's not right for us to get in the middle of this. The Senate had long hearings. They went through a process of ratification. This treaty was ratified by the United States Senate. Again, I just think if there is one area where we can make some reductions, it's in the area of nuclear weapons. We're just not going to need as many as we've had in the past, and we can have great deterrents at a lower level. I hope we can reach that. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DICKS. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote.