Terry Everett

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson).

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, let me just simply say that we are not spending half a billion dollars to develop a new weapon. First of all, this is a modification of an old weapon, and everyone very well knows that. Secondly, the study period is only $122 billion. Thirdly, the proponents of this amendment are saying, let us just stick our heads in the sand and not study this. Mr. Chairman, I urge the defeat of this amendment. This amendment is not worthy of passing this House.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to include in the Record a letter from the chairman of the Committee on International Relations, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), regarding H.R. 4200, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, and ask that it be printed as part of the debate on that bill.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record a letter from the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, Mr. Thomas, regarding section 585 of H.R. 4200, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005, and a response from the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter). House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, May 19, 2004. Hon. Duncan Hunter, Chairman, House Armed Services Committee, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Hunter: I am writing concerning H.R. 4200, the ``National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005,'' which was reported to the House by the House Armed Services Committee on May 14, 2004. As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means has jurisdiction over tax matters. Section 585 of H.R. 4200 allows individuals to donate their frequent traveler miles through the Department of Defense to deployed members of the armed forces and their families. This provision requires an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code, and thus falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, we will not take action on this proposal. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 4200, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration. Best regards, Bill Thomas, Chairman.

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I submit for the Record a letter from the chairman of the Committee on International Relations, Mr. Hyde, regarding H.R. 4200, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 19, 2004. Hon. Duncan Hunter, Chairman, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC Dear Mr. Chairman: I appreciate the close cooperation between the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on International Relations concerning H.R. 4200, the FY 2005 National Defense Authorization Act. I commend your leadership, and that of Mr. Skelton, in bringing forward this important bill which will give the courageous men and women of our armed forces what they need to continue to prosecute the war on terrorism successfully. Further, several of the provisions of Title XIV (in particular, in Subtitle A concerning export controls) amend the Arms Export Control Act, a matter under the jurisdiction of the Committee on International Relations. These provisions will also make an important contribution to our Nation's interests by ensuring that United States weapons systems and technology do not fall into dangerous hands. Two provisions in particular (sections 1401 and 1402) relate to the controls required by United States law over our most significant military technology and clarify that this technology is to be handled with the utmost care. Because of the importance and sensitivity of these areas, it is useful to set forth for the record an explication of several points highlighted in your Committee's report that have figured in the deliberations between our two Committees during consideration of H.R. 4200. Accordingly, when H.R. 4200 is taken up on the Floor for adoption, I ask that you consent to include the full text of this letter in the record, memorializing our discussions on these matters.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, first of all, let me say how much I enjoy being on this great committee. There is not a member of this committee that is not interested in serving the American fighting man and woman. We owe much of our attitude to our great leadership from our full committee chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), and our ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). I would be remiss if I did not also note it is a pleasure for me to work with my ranking member and partner, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Reyes). He has made great contributions to this markup. Mr. Chairman, ongoing operations in Iraq and against terrorism at large call for a fresh look at military requirements. These lessons learned illustrate that today's defense forces must be powerful, versatile, and be able to deploy globally with great speed. Moreover, our national security investment must continue the development of transformational capabilities of future systems. Given that, this bill supports the administration's objectives while making significant improvements to the budget request and incorporating the chairman's theme of supporting the war fighter. Mr. Chairman, the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces' effort continues to fund missile defense, military space and atomic energy programs. As we quickly approach the deployment of the Nation's first national missile defense capability later this summer, this bill fully funds the GMD system. In the area of military space, the bill shifts funds from longer-term follow-on systems to more near-term capabilities, including the Operationally Responsive Satellite and the Advanced EHF Satellite. The bill adds funding for the SBIRS High program and ensures sufficient technological maturity for the Space Based Radar and the TSAT program. Within Atomic Energy Defense Activities, the bill funds the National Nuclear Security Administration at the budget request. The bill includes modest reductions for directed stockpile work and campaigns while adding $50 million for infrastructure upgrades that are badly needed. The committee recommends $5.88 billion for defense site acceleration completion, an increase of $62 million over fiscal year 2004. Mr. Chairman, the committee's recommendation addresses the administration's objectives, many of DoD's unfunded requirements, and Member priorities. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, due to the flu, I was unable to vote during the following roll call votes on January 28th. However, if I had been present, I would have voted as indicated below. Roll Call No. 8 (On Agreeing to the Baldwin Amendment)--no; Roll Call No. 9 (On Motion To Recommit with Instructions)--no; Roll Call No. 10 (On Passage of S 1920)--yes; Roll Call No. 11 (On Motion to Instruct Conferees)--no.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, Montgomery, Alabama, in my congressional district, is the home to Maxwell Air Force Base and the Air University. It is without a doubt the crown jewel in Air Force excellence and base operations. This didn't just happen by accident. Many people have played major roles in building the necessary synergy of local and federal support to transform Maxwell and Montgomery into the success stories they are today. One of those key players is Jim L. Ridling, who is retiring from Southern Guaranty Insurance. As the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce points out, senior Air Force leaders continue to praise the excellent relationship between the Montgomery and Maxwell-Gunter as the best in the Air Force. No doubt, some of that praise goes to the man who twice presided over the ``Wright Flyers'', served as chairman of the Montgomery Area Chamber. of Commerce's Military Council, and labored as a member of the Executive Committee of the Montgomery Air Force Association. Jim Ridling has worked behind the scenes and sometimes out front to make sure the needs of Maxwell and other area defense activities were met both locally and in Washington. This is no small task and the rewards are big as Montgomery continues to enjoy a local defense economic impact of well over $1 billion annually. All I have mentioned really doesn't begin to scratch the surface of Jim's community service. He's also a member of the Board of Directors of the Business Council of Alabama, a member of Board of Directors of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, a member of the School of Business Advisory Council of Troy State University, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America. And this remarkable record doesn't even include his ``real'' job. This week we pause to honor Jim Ridling as he retires from the post of President and CEO of Southern Guaranty Insurance Company in Montgomery. Jim was never content with building Southern Guaranty into a business success. He also focused his sights on making Montgomery a continued success. And we are ever grateful. I wish him and his wife Catherine all the best, but I somehow believe that Jim's days of service to Montgomery are far from over.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. It is very important that for the first time in well over 40 years we do something about concurrent receipt. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the conference agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2004. This is a solid bill that broadly serves our national security interests and addresses the needs of our armed forces as we continue the fight against terrorism. I will get to some of its strengths in a minute. But first I want to thank you Chairman Hunter and Ranking Member Skelton for the leadership you have provided in putting this bill together. And I particularly want to recognize the ranking member of the Strategic Forces subcommittee, Mr. Reyes, for his efforts on this bill. Together we have tackled some very tough issues. The first long range missiles and nuclear weapons were developed almost 60 years ago. Yet today, we have no means to defend the territory of the United States against even a single long range missile, and have only recently begun to deploy defenses against theater range missile threats. In December of last year, the President announced his intention to enhance the capabilities of our Pacific missile defense test bed to field a modest, initial defensive operational capability to defend the territory of the United States by the end of fiscal year 2004. The President requested $9.1 billion to support that--and other--missile defense efforts. I am pleased to report that this bill fully funds the request, providing the resources required to meet this great and historic challenge. The conferees have also agreed to shift funds from longer term, less mature efforts in order to accelerate nearer term fielding of systems like Patriot that are designed to protect our troops deployed worldwide who face increasing threats from theater range ballistic missile threat. Some of the most difficult issues we addressed in this bill involve nuclear weapons. Since the end of the cold war, we no longer face a monolithic threat. The new national security environment in which we find ourselves requires that we adopt a more flexible and adaptive approach to planning for our strategic deterrent. It further requires that we examine the weapons in our aging stockpile to determine if they continue to meet the Nation's needs for a credible and robust deterrent. Provisions of this bill would allow our scientists and engineers the freedom to explore the full range of options for defeating existing and emerging threats. At the same time, the bill includes ``checks'' that reserve for Congress the authority to approve the development of certain classes of new nuclear weapons. The bill would also authorize the budget request of $6.4 billion for the weapons activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration. The United States has observed a moratorium on nuclear testing for over a decade, and NNSA programs continue to maintain the safety, reliability and performance of the nuclear stockpile in the absence of testing. However, recognizing that circumstances may require a return to testing at some point in the future, and that the current test readiness posture of almost 3 years does not provide a real option for any President, the conferees have included a provision that would require the Secretary of Energy to achieve and maintain a readiness posture of not more that 18 months. The conference agreement provides strong support for the military space and intelligence activities that have proven so effective in Afghanistan, and more recently Iraq. Notably, the bill would promote development of the U.S. commercial space-based imagery industrial base, enhance space-based communications to support the warfighter, and robustly fund development of unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Mr. Speaker, the men and women of our armed forces are doing their part everyday in places far from home. Let us do our part, and pass this bill.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district in Alabama who gave his life in the line of duty. Kerry G. Neis of Enterprise died last December as a result of an accident during a training mission at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Neis, a Department of the Army Civilian firefighter stationed at Fort Rucker, leaves behind a wife, Katherine, and their daughter, Sarah. Neis' dedication to duty has earned him the respect of not only his comrades at Fort Rucker and across the Wiregrass, but among his peers around the nation. He will be honored along with America's other fallen firefighter heroes during the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Memorial Weekend conducted this October 4 and 5 in Washington, DC. The following in an excerpt from a tribute to her late husband submitted by Katherine Neis for the Memorial Weekend ceremony. At 31 years old, Kerry was shockingly taken from us on December 4, 2002 in a tragic accident, when his firetruck jumped out of gear and ran away. No one, not his crew, his captain, or fellow firefighters could have expected it, and it was over before any of them even knew what had happened. But even in death, Kerry's life of service and dreams of helping others in need continue. New training procedures have been implemented and new safety mechanisms have been installed on the trucks. Kerry is still working hard to ensure the happiness and security of us all. On behalf of this House, I offer my condolences to Kerry Neis' family as we remember the life and sacrifice of one of America's heroes.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, a 10-county area in southeast Alabama, which I represent, is almost solely dependent on groundwater sources to supply their drinking water needs. The 10-county region includes Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, and Pike counties. Due to the drought conditions during 2000 and 2002, water demand increased by 50 to 80 percent in this region. The Geological Survey of Alabama conducted a 3-year study beginning in 1997 to map the aquifers currently being used in southeast Alabama and to identify other potential aquifers, most of which are at deeper levels. The results of the study reveal that current and future water withdrawals of groundwater within the Choctawhatchee, Pea, and Yellow Rivers Watershed area will be insufficient to meet future demand. Bullock, Barbour, and Pike counties have the most significant, long- range, high-capacity water resources, some of which have not been developed, but counties to the south, including Houston, Dale, and Coffee, will have to rely on their current aquifers and the possible development of a few deeper aquifers. The study states, ``the development of alternative sources of water, specifically surface impoundments, is essential to the long-range achievement of continued growth, industrial expansion, and prosperity of the citizens in southeastern Alabama.'' The Choctawhatchee, Pea, and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority estimates the timeline to build a regional reservoir is approximately 10 years for the reservoir to be operational. The Corps of Engineers conducted a needs assessment for a regional reservoir in southeast Alabama, which helped to reinforce the need for a reservoir at this time. This was completed in December 2001 and the Corps is currently completing an alternative analysis to be finished by the end of 2003 that should show the reservoir is the best available option for addressing this concern. Given these circumstances and the length of time necessary to develop an operational reservoir for water supply purposes, I believe it is imperative that the project receives Congressional authorization to allow the Corps to move forward with design and construction work. Continued delays only prolong the problem and force the local entities to expend scarce resources to develop additional short-term solutions to meet their water supply needs. The more prudent approach is the development of a long-term solution for the region's water supply needs, which could be accomplished through the development of a regional reservoir. I look forward to working with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee next year during the development of the 2004 Water Resources Development Act to authorize the Corps to design and construct a multi- purpose regional reservoir for southeast Alabama.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1472.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I offer tribute today to a fallen American soldier in the battle to free the people of Iraq and secure the safety and liberty of Americans here on the homefront. On June 28, while on patrol in Baghdad, Army Airborne Ranger Tim Conneway of Enterprise, Alabama lost his life. He died as the result of a terrorist attack on his vehicle, an attack which killed another Alabamian, Army Spc. Andrew Chris, age 25, of Florence. Despite his young years, Sgt. Conneway, age 22, was no stranger to battle conditions having been in Iraq on a previous combat assignment as well as having served twice in Afghanistan. As noted in press coverage of his funeral service Tuesday in Enterprise, Sgt. Conneway was proud to follow in the family tradition of military service like his father and grandfather before him. His brother, Army Staff Sgt. Mark Conneway noted that Tim ``wanted to be a hero, and he was.'' Sgt. Conneway leaves behind a wife, Catherine, and an unborn child, as well as a whole community of friends in Enterprise. I share their sadness at the loss of such a fine and dedicated young American. America was built upon and continues to be protected by the sacrifice of such heroes. We must never ever lose sight of the fact that freedom isn't free and we shall be forever indebted to patriots like Sgt. Tim Conneway. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and family.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of recently-retired Arizona Congressman Bob Stump. Bob was not only a senior statesman and a great patriot, but he was a good friend. Bob was tough and hard working, always willing to do more than his share. The day after his sixteenth birthday, he enlisted in the Navy and later joined American forces in the World War II liberation of the Philippines and the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, he came home to attend Arizona State University and try his hand at cotton farming. His work ethic and humble nature served him well in politics. Bob's long and distinguished career of public service spanned 40 years beginning with the Arizona State House of Representatives and Senate and ending as a senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Despite becoming the ``dean'' of Arizona congressional delegation and chairing the House Veterans' Affairs and Armed Services Committees, Bob preferred a low-key style. He was often seen opening constituent mail and answering the phone. Nevertheless, Bob was effective. No member of the House Armed Services Committee could have performed as well as he in shepherding critical funding increases for our military after nearly a decade of neglect by the Clinton Administration. The 2003 defense budget appropriately bore his name: ``The Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act.'' One of the highlights of my career was serving as the chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations while Bob was full chairman of the House VA Committee. Under his watch, we made great strides in overseeing the protection and well-being of the nation's 26 million veterans. Bob was not afraid to take a stand when he knew it was in the nation's best interest. I'm reminded of the time he took to the floor to sternly defend the American flag in the face of court protection of desecration. ``Anyone who burns a flag will have to deal with me,'' he warned. As someone who regularly joined Bob for dinner, I was aware that he was suffering health problems which led to his retirement decision last year. I, and many others in the House, will miss his friendship. My condolences go out to Bob's family, friends, and former constituents.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, it's my privilege to pay tribute today to an outstanding Army officer who is retiring this month. Brigadier General Randy Tieszen has served in various positions of responsibility throughout his 31 years of service in the United States military culminating as the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama, in my congressional district. Upon his arrival at Fort Rucker on August 7, 2001, Brigadier General Tieszen immediately immersed himself in planning, developing and resourcing Flight School XXI, the keystone of Army Aviation transformation and divesture of legacy aircraft. The Flight School XXI program will send more qualified aviators to the field units to form their war-time mission, enhancing the effectiveness of our nation's defense and the ability of the Army to act as the vanguard of freedom. His actions have ensured that Army Aviation is ready to meet any challenges laid before it. Brigadier General Tieszen and his wife, Kathy, have been active and highly regarded members of the local community who are leaving a lasting legacy of civic involvement and a wide circle of friends who will miss them both. I am pleased to count myself as one of Brigadier General Tieszen's friends and, on behalf of the Congress of the United States and the people of Alabama, wish him well in the next stage of life's journey.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), a member of the committee.

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, how much time remains on this side?

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Weldon), a very learned member of this committee who has great knowledge on this subject. (Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I understand that this side has the right to close?

Mr. EVERETT. How much time remains on each side?

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, what has not been mentioned is this takes $6 million away from the Advanced Concepts Initiative, one of our few remaining weapon systems with designers with actual test experience left. Keeping this money in there will give them time to train a new generation of designers before they retire. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Thornberry).

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, but I will not oppose the amendment. We will accept the gentleman's amendment.