Terry Everett

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I submit the following information regarding one earmark I received as part of H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act (P.L. 110-329). Requesting Member: Congressman Terry Everett. Bill Number: H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act. Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDTE), U.S. Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lockheed Martin. Address of Requesting Entity: Pike County, Alabama. Description of Request: The Close Combat Missile System Modernization for Javelin earmark funding is for $3,700,000. This funding will help the Army meet its requirements in the Concept Development doctrine stating that the Javelin missile be modernized to meet modern and irregular warfare needs. The modernization addresses known obsolescence issues such as parts replacement and decreasing inventory levels. Javelin has been in production since 1994. This modernization program will move the missile closer to its objective performance standard, while maintaining cost effective production levels and help sustain the industrial base. The funding is to be used to evolve Javelin capabilities and address the requirements stated in the Joint Service Operational Requirement for Advanced Anti-Armor Weapons Systems-Medium.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the life and public service of long-time Montgomery, Alabama resident Mr. Walter J. Bamberg, age 78, who passed away on October 3 after a brief illness. Walter Bamberg was an institution in central Alabama. His life epitomized public service. A U.S. Army Korean War veteran, Bamberg began his career as a Montgomery radio and television personality in the early 1950's. During his 12 years on the air, Bamberg took advantage of the space craze gripping the nation as creator and host of a popular local children's program called ``Captain Zoomar'' on WCOV-TV 20. In 1964, Bamberg left Montgomery broadcasting to serve as Job Placement Director for the Rehabilitation Research Foundation at Draper Correctional Center in Montgomery. Five years later, he was appointed as District Director for Alabama Second District Congressman Bill Dickinson. Bamberg supervised constituent outreach duties of Congressman Dickinson's south Alabama offices for two decades. He was so effective that Dickinson tried on at least one occasion to convince Bamberg to join him in Washington, but he declined to leave Alabama and the life he enjoyed directly serving the people. In 1989, Bamberg retired from Congressional service and was appointed by President George H. W. Bush as U.S. Marshal for the Middle Judicial District of Alabama. His responsibilities extended over 15 counties. Bamberg was also a member of the Montgomery County Republican Executive Committee. He was active in local politics, including a run for Montgomery City Commission, and he remained engaged in community affairs after his retirement from the U.S. Marshal Service. Once cannot think of Montgomery Republican politics without thinking of him. He liked to joke that he was a Republican in Alabama when the party could hold their convention in a phone booth. I was pleased to visit with Walter Bamberg in April while attending the funeral services for Congressman Dickinson. Barbara and I offer our condolences to his wife, Peggy, and children, David, Dale Franklin, Matt, and entire family during this time of loss. Walter Bamberg was an Alabama institution and a man of many talents. His legacy of public service lives on in the strength of the Alabama Republican party.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, in the years since I was first sworn in to office in 1993, our Nation has faced a number of major challenges that required tough and courageous decisions. I have always believed public service to be the noblest of calling. I still believe in the concept of ``citizen statesmen'' as envisioned by our Founding Fathers who recognized that private citizens motivated to serve in Congress were vital to the future of our Nation. I came to Washington not as a politician, but as a businessman ready to make tough votes for the good of the country. I believe my final vote to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act is such a vote. The impact of nearly a decade of granting home loans that were doomed to fail has reached a crisis point in our economy. The combined weight of hundred of billions of dollars in low value mortgages has created an economic aneurysm that is beginning to burst and usher in the collapse of our financial markets and take with it many American jobs. The national media have repeatedly spun this dilemma as one that solely afflicts ``Wall Street.'' This is simply not accurate. Many Americans believe this is a cry of Chicken Little and that it is not their problem, and we should let the markets fail and let the consequences fall as they may. However, if we allow our markets to fail--no one will be insulated from the impact. Our whole economy is underpinned by the availability of credit. Without access to credit, banks fail, businesses are forced to layoff workers or close altogether, and even people with good credit cannot get loans for cars, college, new homes, or other essential needs. We are already seeing that universities are having trouble accessing their funds, municipalities are experiencing losses in property taxes since mortgage banks can not pay on foreclosed homes, and lack of availability of bonds for infrastructure and other local needs. Soon our farmers will be getting ready to start planning for next year's crop--and there is fear they will not have access to the credit necessary to plant next year's crop. We have already seen food prices increase over the last few years, and that pain will have been nothing if farmers do not have the necessary credit. As a conservative Republican, I believe in a free market and less government intervention. However, these are extraordinary circumstances that will impact all of us. Many Americans might not have felt the effects directly yet and hopefully they will not because of the action being taken today. This legislation includes safeguards to protect taxpayers, not making the total amount of funds available at once, ensuring that there are no golden parachutes, and holding executives accountable. I cannot leave office taking any position that is counter to the best interest of our Nation. I would have preferred to not have the Federal Government intervention, but failure to act to shore up our economy would allow far greater damage to millions of average Americans and hundreds of thousands of Alabamians. I have been honored to serve the Second District these 16 years and would never have thought one of my last votes in Congress would have been on this type of legislation. Very few things are easy in politics, and I have thought long and hard on this difficult issue, and I believe that voting in favor of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act is the necessary thing to do.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication regarding three earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2638-- Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2009: Request No. 1: Requesting Members: Congressman Terry Everett, Congressman Robert B. Aderholt. Bill Number: H.R. 2638--Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2009. Title of Request: Advanced Hypersonic Weapon Technology Demonstration. Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation--Army, Army Missile Defense Systems Integration (Non Space). Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 890 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville, AL 35806. Description of Request: The Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) Technology Demonstrator earmark request is for $2,400,000. The funding is for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command to reduce risk and flight test validate critical technologies (hypersonic boost-glide, thermal protection, precision navigation, guidance and control, and secure 2-way in-flight communication) required to enable the successful execution of the emerging USSTRATCOM mission for prompt global strike. TPS technologies are viewed by USSTRATCOM as the key to executing the prompt global strike mission. The prototype C3 capability would provide missile launch command and control associated with flight test demonstration supporting critical test execution and flight safety. As a potential spiral for weaponization, AHW would provide a ground launched forward-deployed mid-term option to destroy time sensitive/ high value targets at long distances with a minimal deployment logistics tail. Request No. 2: Requesting Member: Congressman Terry Everett. Bill Number: H.R. 2638--Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2009. Title of Request: Gunfire Detection System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation--Army, Concepts Experimentation Program. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Radiance Technologies. Address of Requesting Entity: 350 Wynn Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805. Description of Request: The Gunfire Detection System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles earmark request is for $800,000. The funding is for a wide angle weapons detection sensor that can detect, classify and locate a variety of weapon fires including Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), MANPADS, small arms, mortars, tanks and artillery. This Weapons Watch (WW) Technology can process these events in near real time (less than a second) and disseminate the information over existing command and control channels immediately. This sensor, detecting from a variety of airborne platforms can cue other sensors or weapon systems to positively identify and neutralize the hostile weapon system. The basic sensor technology has been demonstrated as part of the Overwatch ACTD and has also been deployed to support current operations. At less than 30 pounds, it has flown on both manned and unmanned aircraft proving its ability to accurately detect at extended ranges while on the move. The Army Aviation Center is ready to integrate this technology on both manned and unmanned aircraft to provide both enhanced targeting and aircrew survivability. In concert with AMRDEC (Huntsville), PM UAV (Huntsville) and the Directorate of Combat Developments (Ft. Rucker), the contractor will provide simulation software and WW hardware to the USAAVNC for testing and certification through the Aviation Technical Test Center (AATTC). Aviation experts from both the Wiregrass area and Huntsville will develop the techniques, tactics and procedures to fully employ the capabilities of this system. Request No. 3: Requesting Members: Congressman Terry Everett, Congressman Robert B. Aderholt, Congressman Mike Rogers. Bill Number: H.R. 2638--Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2009. Title of Request: Space Control Test Capabilities. Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation--Air Force, Counterspace Systems. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Davidson Technologies, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 530 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806 Description of Request: The Space Control Test Capabilities (SCTC) earmark request is for $1,600,000. The funding would provide half of the available funds for the final development of a version of SCTC, which will join the already developed closed-form version to give a new combined capability to analyze important transient command/control situations (e.g., satellite outages). The combined version provides both closed-form steady-state and transient-event analysis capabilities, builds upon Air Force selected analytical engines, and is already in the hands of the users in support of Terminal Fury. The addition completes the required analytical suite. The other half of the funds will be used for tool validation. When completed, the combined SCTC tool is the only tool of its type and caliber in the Air Force analytical inventory. Completion of this combined tool in GFY 2009 is needed to provide quantitative data support for acquisition decisions. The tool will provide decision time-lag and throughout data for combination steady- state and transient situations to quantify performance of alternative system implementations. The Air Force will use these performance predictors to make sound, quantitative-based acquisition decisions for upcoming space systems in areas such as OCS, DCS, SSA and communications now and in the future, providing additional AF funding to enhance operational capabilities as required. Request No. 4: Requesting Member: Congressman Terry Everett. Bill Number: H.R. 2638--Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2009. Title of Request: Advanced Commercial Technology Insertion for Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering. Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army (RDTE, A)-- Missile and Rocket Advanced Technology. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Aegis Technologies. Address of Requesting Entity: 631 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, AL. Description of Request: The Advanced Commercial Technology Insertion for Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering earmark funding request is for $2,400,000. The rapid advance of commercially available technology creates a persistent opportunity to enhance the capabilities and efficiencies of the Army's Laboratories. An investment in infusing state-of-the art technology in the Army's Aviation and Missile Research and Development Engineering Center (AMRDEC) laboratories such as the Advanced Simulation Center (ASC) would provide an immediate return to the Army in the form of the quality and scope of research, development, test and evaluation that can be conducted on behalf of the warfighter. The earmark funding is to enhance the capabilities and efficiencies of the Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) through a systematic and planned initiative that will: (1) Identify commercially-available cutting edge technology with the potential for enhancing the capabilities and efficiencies of existing and planned AMRDEC laboratories; (2) evaluate competing technologies and products, analyze cost-benefit trade-offs in implementing the technologies, and provide recommendations for implementation; (3) design and plan implementation schedules to introduce the new technology into existing laboratories while minimizing impact to AMRDEC's customers; (4) install new technologies and train operators; and (5) provide support for the technologies as required. Request No. 5: Requesting Member: Congressman Terry Everett. Bill Number: H.R. 2638--Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2009. Title of Request: Future Tactical Operations Center Hardware/Software Integration. Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army (RDTE, A)-- Army Missile Defense Systems Integration (Non Space). Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Gray Research, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 655 Discovery Drive Suite 300, Huntsville, AL. Description of Request: The Future Tactical Operations Center Hardware/Software Integration earmark funding request is for $2,000,000. The funding is for the advancement of these capabilities vital to the current Joint, Interagency and Multinational (JIM) force since many of the technologies that are employed today have no incremental support or upgrade capability in place. This effort will continue to both fill the void in technology enhancements until future Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) programs are fielded and at the same time provide a test-bed for emerging technology experimentation and TTP/CONOP development.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Well, we have a lot of deer out there and you are both hunters. You are welcome to bring your camera any time.

Mr. EVERETT. There is not a lot I can add about Jimmy, but I would say that I announced my retirement first. If I had known Jimmy was going to retire, I may not have retired and taken a shot at the ranking member. But I think one of the key things you said, Jimmy Saxton always put the Nation first. We hear a lot of stuff. We have experts coming from any direction with any opinion on any subject. Jimmy Saxton had that great ability to just cut through all of the background noise and come to the real pearl that you need to make the kind of legislative decisions that we have to make in the House Armed Services Committee. He was very, very good. I don't know anybody better in Congress who can do that. I have great admiration for Jimmy. This Congress will miss Jimmy. His steadfast hand on his subcommittee work, of which he has had a couple now. And I, too, thought Jimmy would end up being the next ranking member. He would have been an outstanding person to follow an outstanding former chairman and ranking member, Duncan Hunter. And he has a lot of same attributes, looking out for the guys out there in the mud and walking the roads and wearing the gear in the 110, 115 degree heat. Jimmy Saxton, like Duncan Hunter, always looked after the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines first. That is one reason I have great admiration for you, Duncan, and Jimmy. I just say God bless both of you in whatever endeavors you do in the future.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Yes. Thank you very much, Jo. First of all, thank you for arranging for this to happen. Two of my favorite people and two of the nicest people I think I know in the House who I've never heard say an unkind word about anybody are Jo Bonner and Duncan Hunter. They're absolutely some of the top people who you could have leading this Nation and in this Congress. As for my friend Bud Cramer, I appreciate those kind remarks that you've given. Bud came here one term before I did. I've served with him now for 16 years, and we have an awful lot of things in common. The Alabama delegation, as he referred to it, is a small delegation, but it's large in its dedication to the State and to getting things done. A great deal of that, being able to operate from a small delegation that does a lot of very good things for their State and for the district, is because of Bud Cramer's ability to reach across the aisle and work with people. Bud is correct. We have worked together. He is an appropriator and I'm an authorizer. Some of our key issues have been missile defense as well as space. We've worked together an awful lot to make sure that that's represented well--and it is--up in Huntsville. In my estimation--and I've told Bud this before--in Huntsville, there should be one of our national labs. I mean what they do in Huntsville, Alabama for our missile defense and for our space activities is just outstanding. A great deal of that is because of Bud Cramer and his work on the Appropriations Committee and on the Intelligence Committee. He is the chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee on Intelligence, and he has done an outstanding job of moving things forward that have to be moved forward in that committee. It is just a real honor for me to be able to be his ranking member on that. I, too, think that it's good that Alabama has two Members who are in leadership positions on that particular committee. So, Bud, I want to thank you and I'll miss you. I've appreciated your friendship. I've appreciated your loyalty to this country, to the State and to your district, and I hope you stay connected. I know that you're one of the leading experts in a lot of these areas, and I really hope that you will stay connected to space. I certainly intend to stay connected to it. Thank you very much, Jo.

Mr. EVERETT. Duncan, before you leave, thank you very for those kind words, and, obviously, thank you for that beautiful picture. You are still welcome to come to my home down outside of Dothan, Alabama, and we will do the cabinet work there. Those cabinet saws are a little bit hard to move around. I am not sure I could get it all the way to San Diego. I want to thank you for allowing me to be the first chairman of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. I think it is some of the most interesting work that we do. I am really proud of that committee, of the staff that supports that committee and the other members who are on it. We have all the missile defense, we have all the overhead stuff, satellites, and we have nuclear weapons. So it has been a really interesting committee, and I have you to thank when this committee was first formed that you allowed me to be the first chairman of that committee. So thank you very much. I would be amiss if I didn't say that you have made great contributions to this country. You have always been straight up for the military. You have never let anybody push over our military and not provide them with what they needed. I remember being in your office when we were having those tragic explosions on the roadsides that were killing and maiming our troops, and you had somebody from Lawrence Livermore there and you told them to get this problem solved and get it solved right now. If we have to go over there with welders and put this sheeting, steel sheeting on those Humvees, then we would do it. So I appreciate your dedication to the military. You say you have been a one-note person. That is not true. We both know that. We have had a number of issues, for instance NAFTA, that we fought. We lost, but we fought that I thought very well. I appreciate the dedication and all the years you have been contributed to this country and to the State of California. Thank you very much.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. I thank my good friend, Mr. Hunter, for yielding to me, and thank him for his friendship, his counsel, and his undeserved kind words about me. He has been a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform, and this bill fittingly bears his name. I want to congratulate the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher). She has shown great thought, candor and leadership in guiding the Strategic Forces Subcommittee forward. I want to rise in strong support of this bill. This is a good bill. It provides vital resources for our armed forces, and strengthens our Nation's strategic forces. Our committee has worked well and worked together in a bipartisan, bicameral manner to produce this important legislation. I am pleased that it restores $124 million for the European missile defense sites, and modifies conditions that would allow construction to begin. Since May, both the Czech Republic and Poland have signed missile defense agreement. Iran continues to test longer-range missiles and ignore questions about their nuclear program. The efforts reflects a shared commitment to our collective security. Therefore, I want to personally commend the Czech and Polish governments and encourage swift ratification of the agreements. Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not recognize my fellow subcommittee members on both sides of the aisle and their staffs. We tackled complex issues such as space, missile defense and nuclear weapons, and do such with openness, diligence and professionalism. Let me finish with this troubling statistic. China graduated 500,000 engineers. India graduated 200,000 engineers, and the United States graduated 70,000. We have some serious challenges ahead of us to maintain our technical leadership in space. I would like my complete statement put in the Record. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, Mr. Hunter for yielding to me, and thank him for his friendship and counsel. Mr. Hunter has been a tireless advocate for our men and women in uniform and it is fitting for this defense bill to bear his name. I also want to recognize and congratulate the gentleman from Missouri, Mr. Skelton, and especially the gentlewoman from California, Mrs. Tauscher. She has shown great thought, candor, and leadership in guiding the Strategic Forces subcommittee forward. I rise in support of the Ducan Hunter Fiscal Year 2009 National Defense Authorization Act. This is a good bill that provides vital resources for our armed forces, and strengthens our nation's strategic forces. Our committee has worked together in a bi-partisan, bicameral manner to produce this important national security legislation. This bill makes some noteworthy improvements over the version passed by the House in May. I am pleased that it restores $124 million for the European missile defense sites, and modifies conditions that would allow construction to begin. Since May, both the Czech Republic and Poland have signed missile defense agreements. Iran continues to test longer-range missiles and ignore questions about its nuclear program. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to our collective security. Therefore, I want to personally commend the Czech and Polish governments, and encourage swift ratification of the agreements. We continue to endorse the development and fielding of near-term missile defense capabilities. The bill-- Increases Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and THAAD by $120 million; and Authorizes Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) at the budget request. The bill also restores some funds to key future capabilities, specifically Airborne Laser, K-E-I and the Multiple Kill Vehicle. I am disappointed that an independent study to examine the feasibility of space-based interceptors was not included in the agreement. With other nation's antisatellite pursuits and missile threats becoming more sophisticated, I felt it was time to study the viability of such technology. I remain concerned about the Department's performance in its missile defense testing and targets program. I am, however, committed to working with them to ensure the conditions for success are in place, so we can build greater confidence in our defense capabilities. In the area of military space, the bill funds key space modernization programs such as SBIRS, G-P-S-III, W-G-S, and T-SAT. We included a provision that requires the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence to review our communications bandwidth requirements--to ensure we have the capabilities in place to support our future weapons systems. Within the area of atomic energy defense activities, the bill reflects broad bipartisan agreement. The bill-- Adds funds for key nuclear surety and weapons surveillance activities; Establishes a nonproliferation scholarship program for college students; and Directs an assessment of how to increase the security of nuclear weapons around the world. We also emphasize that the Department of Defense should pay greater attention to nuclear weapons matters, particularly in light of recent nuclear mishaps. The next administration will be faced with tough decisions about our Nation's aging nuclear infrastructure, weapons systems, and workforce. I was disappointed that we did not fund the Reliable Replacement Warhead Phase 2a study. I ask my colleagues to take a hard look at this concept. It has the potential to provide our Nation with a safer, more secure, and reliable nuclear deterrent, that may permit greater reductions in our stockpile. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not recognize my fellow subcommittee members on both sides of the aisle, and their staffs. We tackle complex issues such as space, missile defense, and nuclear weapons policy, and do so with openness, diligence, and professionalism. As the Strategic Forces former chairman and now ranking member, I have had the great fortune to meet incredibly hard-working, talented space, nuclear, missile defense, and intelligence professionals. However, they need our help and continued support. I heard a troubling statistic this morning: China graduated 50O,000 engineers. India graduated 200,000. The United States only graduated 70,000. We have some serious challenges ahead of us to maintain our technical leadership. During my 16 years in the House, it has been an honor and privilege to work on the Armed Services Committee to enhance our nation strategic forces capabilities, strengthen our national security, and support our men and women in uniform.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, during my four decades in journalism and politics, I've been blessed with many friends, but few have impacted me personally as much as Bronx-born journalist turned political crusader, Barry Gottehrer, who passed away in April at the age of 73. Barry Gottehrer was what all good journalists aspire to be but few are fortunate enough to attain--a real force for change. During the racial turmoil of the mid 1960's, Barry Gottehrer combined a young reporter's burning ambition with a mission to force America's largest city to confront its darkest problems. He soon directly challenged the world he reported on, employing his skills as a gifted negotiator to unite a politically fractured city. While at The New York Herald Tribune, Barry Gottehrer penned a powerful series of stories starkly but accurately profiling New York as a ``City in Crisis.'' According to The New York Times, his work was credited with bringing New York mayor John Lindsay to office. But that was just the beginning. Barry Gottehrer joined the Lindsay administration and reached out to dialogue with the unsavory from New York's criminal underworld to its street gangs. Gottehrer's efforts to keep New York's disparate and sometimes warring factions from turning the city into chaos are chronicled in his 1975 book, ``The Mayor's Man.'' He summed up his work this way: `` . . . during those feverish days of the 1960s and early 1970s when hundreds of our cities went up in flames, when rebellion and disorder swept through our streets, our public schools, our college campuses . . . when the very fabric of our country seemed ready to shred, I was the Mayor's Man at the brink of this revolution--a white in a world of black and brown, a moderate in a world of revolutionaries, trying to bring change where change seemed needed most, trying to buy time until the change would come.'' After feeling his power to affect change had reached its limit, Barry Gottehrer left New York's City Hall and went on to work in government affairs roles in New York and Washington, DC. His legacy lives on in his books and in the memory of those who marveled at his daring belief that working for good was not impossible. I was honored to have met Barry after coming to Congress and I will always be grateful for our friendship.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to longtime Wiregrass broadcaster and servant of his community, Mr. Howard Parrish, Jr., of Ozark, Alabama, who passed away July 28 at the age of 82. At the same time that local radio established itself as a vital link between rural America and the world, Parrish became a familiar and trusted voice for Ozark, Alabama listeners. A veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, a graduate of Georgia Southern and a native of Atlanta, he moved to southeast Alabama in 1955, leaving the growing Atlanta radio scene and that city's first commercial FM station to help run the relatively new broadcast station in Ozark, WOZK, 900 AM. To his many Dale County listeners, Howard was the voice of WOZK. But he was much more than a friendly announcer. He was general manager, sales manager and chief engineer for WOZK and its FM counterpart, WOAB, for the better part of 45 years. Parrish likely delivered over 16,000 newscasts over the Ozark airwaves during his tenure at WOZK and WOAB-FM. Despite his continual Ozark broadcast duties, he also found time to construct radio station WELB in neighboring Elba in 1959 and he served as general manager of WDHN-TV 18 in Dothan, Alabama in the early 1970s, returning the struggling TV station to financial stability. He retired from WOZK/WOAB and all local broadcasting in 2002. Parrish leaves a long legacy of community service, both on the air and through volunteerism. Parrish was an active member of the Ozark Rotary and Kiwanis clubs and was a charter member of the local Civitan Club. Parrish was one of the Wiregrass's longest serving broadcasters and he shared a great love for communications. He was also well known in local amateur radio circles for his devotion to the hobby. He was a licensed radio amateur, W4IEO, for over 65 years. I wish to extend my condolences to his wife, Jane, and his children and grandchildren for their loss. Ozark's long-time ``voice'' may now be silent, but he will be long remembered.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information for publication in the Congressional Record regarding two earmarks I received as part of H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Request No. 1: Requesting Member: Congressman Terry Everett. Bill Number: H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Account: Military Construction/U.S. Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army/Congressman Terry Everett. Address of Requesting Entity: Office of Command, Fort Rucker, 453 Novosel Street, Fort Rucker, Alabama 36362-5105. Description of Request: The Chapel Center at Fort Rucker earmark request is for $6,800,000. The funding is for the construction of a standard-design chapel complex featuring a sanctuary (400 seat capacity) and an activity center that is capable of seating an additional 239 people in a separate or combined service. The sanctuary will include a raised pulpit area and a baptismal suite. The facility also will include 15 religious education classrooms, two multi-purpose rooms, a blessed sacrament room, sacrisity/robing room, choir room, resource center, nursery, restrooms, kitchen, storage, and administrative space for two Chaplains, Education Director and Assistant. Additionally, some of the funding will be used for connection to the energy monitoring and control system (EMCS) and interior communications/building information systems and supporting utilities and other expenses in building of the Chapel Center. Request No. 2: Requesting Member: Congressman Terry Everett. Bill Number: H.R. 6599, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. Account: Military Construction/ U.S. Air Force. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Air Force/Congressman Terry Everett. Address of Requesting Entity: Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama 36112-5000. Description of Request: This funding will be used for the Air and Space Basic Course Combat Arms Training Facility at Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base. The funding will be used to construct a 56-position, 50- meter small arms firing range with automated range target system, and a 639 SM support facility constructed with reinforced concrete foundation and floor slab, structural steel frame, masonry walls and sloped architecturally compatible roof. The $15,556,000 for this project was also included in the Administration's Fiscal Year 2009 budget.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a dear friend who passed away Monday, July 21, at the age of 84. Wendell Stepp was a dedicated supporter of veterans and a well known historian for his adopted hometown of Dothan, Alabama, in my congressional district. As commander of the Wiregrass Veterans Alliance, Wendell was an unmatched advocate for our former military, never failing to call for their improved access to quality VA health care and benefits. In the days after I was first sworn in to Congress, Wendell came to me to voice strong support for a Wiregrass based VA outpatient clinic. In 1996, with his encouragement, we were able to secure one of the first such VA outpatient clinics in the nation in Dothan. Today, the Dothan VA Clinic serves 6,000 area veterans and in March a second Wiregrass VA clinic was opened at nearby Fort Rucker. There is another Wendell Stepp; a local historian and author who in 1984 illustrated the transformation of Dothan with the publication of ``Dothan: A Pictorial History.'' He was also the force behind the successful movement to create the popular historic murals that grace the walls of downtown Dothan. Wendell Stepp was proud to call Dothan home even though he moved to the Wiregrass from Ohio in 1966. His four decades of service to Dothan will guarantee him a rightful place in our history. I extend my condolences to his wife, Winifred, and his family at this time of personal loss. Dothan has lost one of its biggest friends.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. I want to reiterate the importance of having members serve simultaneously on both committees. It is especially important to have a member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee serve on HPSCI in order to maintain a clear understanding of how the shared military and intelligence overhead programs operate so that the right hand, Mr. Chairman, knows what the left hand is doing. I say again I appreciate having served over the years with the members of the committee. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is not perfect, but it is a very good bill and it needs passing.

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I thank Mr. Hoekstra and Mr. Cramer. I can assure the American people that knowing the members on both sides of the aisle who serve on the Intelligence Committee and the staff who supports them, even though two Alabamians are leaving, the Nation will still be safe and in good hands. I do rise in support of the Fiscal Year 2009 Intelligence Authorization Act. The process for this year's bill was much improved over last year; so for that, I thank my friend and chairman, Silvestre Reyes, and our ranking member, Mr. Hoekstra. It has been 3 years since we have had an intelligence authorization bill, and that has created a void in many important policy areas and in programmatic guidance for the intelligence community. It is critical that we get a bill passed through the House and Senate that can be signed by the President, and I hope that can be accomplished before we adjourn this year. I have a number of concerns about the bill, some of which have been detailed in the minority views of the committee report, but I would like to focus on a few of the joint programs that have military application as well. With regard to the national security space systems, the bill falls short of fully addressing problems in our overhead architecture. As the report notes, ``National security space systems have been and will continue to be a cornerstone of the Nation's intelligence collection capability.'' As Mr. Hoekstra pointed out, critical national security space systems are not properly funded in conjunction with a complete programmatic analysis that shows a way forward. This can be addressed and hopefully will be addressed in conference with the Senate. As I wind down my career in Congress, this will be my last intelligence authorization work. The work we do here is fascinating and important to our national security, and I am pleased to have been a part of this for the past 6 years. As one of the crossover members from the House Armed Services Committee, I want to reiterate----

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, in accordance with House Republican Conference standards, and clause 9 of House rule XXI, I submit the following information for the record regarding my program requests in H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act of 2009: Title: Advanced Hypersonic Weapon Technology Demonstration. Account: Army RDT&E. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 890 Explorer Boulevard, Huntsville AL, 35806 U.S.A. Description of Request: Provide funding for $7,000,000 for the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon (AHW) Technology Demonstrator program for the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command to reduce risk and flight test validate critical technologies (hypersonic boost-glide, thermal protection, precision navigation, guidance and control, and secure 2- way in-flight communication) requireed to enable the successful execution of the emerging USSTRATCOM mission for prompt global strike. TPS technologies are viewed by USSTRATCOM as the key to executing the prompt global strike mission. The prototype C3 capability would provide missle launch command and control associated with flight test demonstration supporting critical test execution and flight safety. As a potential spiral for weaponization, AHW would provide a ground launched forward-deployed mid-term option to destroy time sensitive/ high value targets at long distances with a minimal deployment logistics tail. Title: Composite Rotorcraft Airframe Development. Account: RDTE, A. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: GKN Westland Aerospace. Address of Requesting Entity: 3951 Alabama Highway 229, Tallassee, Alabama 36078. Description of Request: Provide funding of $2M for the development of a composite floor sub-structure to be demonstrated on the Black Hawk helicopter. Approximately $75,000 is for program management, $50,000 is for engineering planning, $200,000 is for tooling, $200,000 for design engineering, $75,000 is for material purchase, $500,000 is for generation of material mechanical property testing for use in design/ analysis of the test structure, $400,000 is for process development through part manufacture, $500,000 is for structure testing. Recent DoD requested changes to the Black Hawk helicopter (H-60) includes Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) and Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) configurations. Studies have identified the aircraft airframe as the area for potential weight reduction. Lightweight airframe development has been conducted in SARAP (Survivable Affordable Repairable Airframe Program) through the demonstration of a lighter, low cost cabin for the Black Hawk. As part of this technology demonstrator cabin, a floor sub- structure used thermoplastic composite materials to reduce the weight by almost 25% over the baseline metal structure while, at the same time, reducing costs. Further development is required to take full advantage of the savings that composite materials technology can offer. Title: Close Combat Missile Modernization (Javelin). Account: RDTE, A. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lockheed Martin. Address of Requesting Entity: 5500 County Road 37, Troy, AL 37081. Description of Request: $10M used to initiate obsolescence management of the guidance section of the Javelin Missile. The various efforts are divided between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin on a 60/40 work share arrangement. The 60/40 work share is divided by the program management office. Raytheon work will be done in Tucson, AZ at approximately $5.4M of effort. Lockheed Martin work will be done in Orlando, FL at approximately $3.6M of effort. The work in Orlando will consist of: Trade Studies, Guidance Section System Architecture, Guidance Section Software Architecture, Guidance Section Requirements, Phase I Design, Phase I Analysis, and Phase I Development Environment. The increase will develop the path forward for a fully funded RDTE effort to enhance Javelin's capability as a system by first enhancing the missile capability to provide longer range, in-flight correction, and beyond-line-of-sight capability. A new Javelin (Javelin II) missile would be manufactured at the LM Pike County operations at Troy, AL. Title: Space Control Test Capabilities. Account: RDTE, A. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Davidson Technologies, Inc. Address of Requesting Entity: 530 Discovery Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806. Description of Request: $10M to finalize development and validation of the Space Control Test Capability for the United States Air Force. Of the funds provided approximately $5 million or \1/2\ of the available funding is for final development of a version of SCTC which will join the already developed closed-form version to give a new combined capability to analyze important transient command/control situations (e.g. satellite outages). The combined version provides both closed-form steady-state and transient-event analysis capabilities, builds upon Air Force selected analytical engines, and is already in the hands of the users in support of Terminal Fury. The addition completes the required analytical suite. Approximately $5 million or \1/2\ of the funding is for tool validation. When completed, the combined SCTC tool is the only tool of its type and caliber in the Air Force analytical inventory. Completion of this combined tool in GFY 2009 is needed to provide quantitative data support for acquisition decisions. The tool will provide decision time-lag and throughput data for combination steady-state and transient situations to quantify performance of alternative system implementations. The Air Force will use these performance predictors to make sound, quantitative-based acquisition decisions for upcoming space systems in areas such as OCS, DCS, SSA and communications now and in the future, providing additional AF funding to enhance operational capabilities as required. Title: Chapel--Fort Rucker, Alabama. Account: Military Construction, Army. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Congressman Terry Everett (through Army Outyear Budget). Address of Requesting Entity: 2312 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Description of Request: A $7.1 million project to construct a chapel at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Construct a standard-design chapel complex featuring a sanctuary (400 seat capacity) and an activity center that is capable of seating an additional 239 people in a separate or combined service. The sanctuary includes a raised pulpit area and a baptismal suite. The facility also includes 15 religious education classrooms, two multi-purpose rooms, blessed sacrament room, sacristy/ robing room, choir room, resource center, nursery, restrooms, kitchen, storage, and administrative space for two Chaplains, Education Director and Assistant. Supporting facilities include utilities, electric service; emergency and security lighting; fire protection, detection and alarm systems; paving, walks, curbs and gutters; parking; storm drainage; information systems; and site improvements. Access for the handicapped will be provided. Heating and air conditioning (54 tons) will be provided with separately-zoned, self-contained units. Anti- terrorism/force protection (AT/FP) measures are included. Title: Gunfire Detection System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Account: Army RDTE. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Radiance Technologies. Address of Requesting Entity: 350 Wynn Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805. Description of Request: $9 million for a wide angle weapons detection sensor that can detect, classify and locate a variety of weapon fires including Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), MANPADS, small arms, mortars, tanks and artillery. This Weapons Watch (WW) Technology can process these events in near real time (less than a second) and disseminate the information over existing command and control channels immediately. This sensor, detecting from a variety of airborne platforms can cue other sensors or weapon systems to positively identify and neutralize the hostile weapon system. The basic sensor technology has been demonstrated as part of the Oveiwatch ACTD and has also been deployed to support current operations. At less than 30 pounds, it has flown on both manned and unmanned aircraft proving its ability to accurately detect at extended ranges while on the move. The Army Aviation Center is ready to integrate this technology on both manned and unmanned aircraft to provide both enhanced targeting and aircrew survivability. In concert with AMRDEC (Huntsville), PM UAV (Huntsville) and the Directorate of Combat Developments (Ft. Rucker), the contractor will provide simulation software and WW hardware to the USAAVNC for testing and certification through the Aviation Technical Test Center (AATTC). Aviation experts from both the Wiregrass area and Huntsville will develop the techniques, tactics and procedures to fully employ the capabilities of this system. Title: Study of Warfighting Initiative for Future Technologies and Tactics (SWIFTT-A). Account: Army RDTE. Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). Address of Requesting Entity: 6723 Odyssey Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806. Description of Request: $3 million will enable completion of a study being conducted with the U.S. Army Air Maneuver Lab, Fort Rucker, AL to develop manned and unmanned air vehicle teaming solutions for current and future war fighter requirements. Additionally, funding will address critical emerging issues in support of Aviation modernization efforts and desired capabilities of Aviation war fighters to expedite the delivery of solutions to the field. Funding will be allocated for the following: (1) upgrade the existing AMBL facility's modeling and simulation tools and infrastructure (10%) and (2) execute local and distributed simulation experimentations (90% labor).

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment for many of the reasons that have already been stated. I believe that the Iranian intent is clearly demonstrated. It continues to enrich uranium, install advanced P-2 centrifuges, has not answered IAEA's questions about previous weaponization activities, and continues to defy U.N. Security Council sanctions. North Korea's intent is also clearly demonstrated. In July 2006 it launched six short-range missiles (Scuds and NoDongs) and one longer- range Taepo Dong 2 missile. In October of 2006 it tested a nuclear device. The Tierney amendment terminates European missile defense with a $341.2 million cut. This sends a terrible signal to our allies. The amendment also demonstrates a lack of U.S. commitment to collective security, after NATO recognized a missile threat in April 2008, unanimously endorsing substantial contributions of the European missile defenses. The amendment sends a message to Iran that we don't take missile threats or nuclear enrichment activities seriously. Our key allies, Israel, Japan and NATO are pursuing missile defense capabilities in partnership with the U.S. to address growing missile and nuclear threats. This is critical that we do not accept a cut like this. Finally, Mr. Chairman, the bill reported out already reduced it $719 million. The Nation's missile defense system has shown remarkable improvement over the years, with 34 of 44 hit-to-kill intercepts since 2001. So why in the world--as a matter of fact, I will state it differently. I think it would be crazy to accept a cut like this.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. I thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I'd like to thank my good friend, Mr. Hunter, for yielding to me and thank him for his leadership and his friendship. I was honored that when this subcommittee was originally formed, Mr. HUNTER asked me to be the first chairman of this subcommittee. It was a great pleasure and it's been a real love for me. I would also say that Mr. Hunter has served this Nation and his constituents in California with great distinction. He's served this Nation with great distinction. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009. I would also like to congratulate Strategic Forces Subcommittee Chairman Tauscher. This subcommittee handles some very technical, complex and sometimes controversial issues. Missile defense, space, and nuclear weapons are difficult issues to work through. But together, with the understanding and leadership of Chairman Tauscher, we have developed legislation where we agree on far more than we disagree. This year's bill contains many sound measures that provide key capabilities to the warfighter and strengthen our strategic forces. I am particularly pleased with the support this bill provides to national security space. The bill addresses many important issues including: continued awareness of the growing threat to space and emphasis on mitigating vulnerabilities; the need to war-game and exercise the loss of space capabilities; full funding for key acquisition programs such as advanced extremely high frequency, WGS, SBIRS and GPS-3, that reflect a measured approach to space acquisition; and protection of the T-SAT budget request, while the Department reevaluates architecture options after their decision to reduce this program by $4 billion. The mark makes positive strides in the area of atomic energy defense activities by: adding funding to research enhanced surety for existing weapons systems; and directing the Secretaries of Defense and Energy to report on steps they are taking to enhance inventory controls for nuclear weapons. I am disappointed the Reliable Replacement Warhead study wasn't directly funded. Our nuclear deterrent is aging, while the rest of the world's nuclear powers are modernizing theirs. The commander of U.S. Strategic Command testified that we are accepting significant future risks with our legacy Cold War stockpile. The American public may not realize this, but the current administration has implemented the largest nuclear stockpile reductions since the end of the Cold War and has an extensive non-proliferation program to reflect the evolving proliferation threat. A reliable, modernized nuclear stockpile that includes RRW holds the promise of allowing us to further lower our nuclear weapons numbers, while continuing to provide a strong deterrent for the United States and our allies. Our missile defense deliberations proved the most challenging. While we agreed on many provisions, such as full support for Patriot PAC-3, Aegis and THAAD, there are a few provisions that the minority could not concur with. I am deeply concerned about the 50 percent cut to European missile defense contained in the bill. I believe this sends the wrong signal to our allies and emboldens Iran.

Mr. EVERETT. While Congress puts the brakes on this effort to protect the American people, our forward-deployed forces, and our allies, Iran has stepped on the accelerator. Iran continues to: expand its arsenal of short- and longer-range ballistic missiles, install advanced centrifuges to enrich uranium, and evade questions on past nuclear weapons research. Our NATO allies recognize this threat and, in April 2008, provided unanimous endorsement of the European missile defense proposal. In a few weeks, the Czech Republic plans to sign agreements with the U.S. to host the missile tracking radar. This is a critical time for the U.S. to continue its leadership. In addition to NATO, we have key allies such as Israel and Japan who are relying on U.S. commitments to missile defense. I am, therefore, disappointed that the committee would not accept my amendment to restore funding to this effort, particularly after significant progress is being made to meet the conditions outlined in last year's legislation. As the Secretary General of NATO said at a speech on May 5, ``In tomorrow's uncertain world, we cannot wait for threats to mature before deciding how to counter them.'' I also remain concerned about China's actions in space. According to the Pentagon's annual China military report, its undeclared and unexplained January 2007 anti-satellite test is only one part of a larger Chinese counterspace program to prevent the use of space. Thus, I was strongly disappointed and troubled that my amendment to direct an independent study to examine the feasibility of space-based defense concepts was not supported in our committee markup. Such a system might also provide another layer of defense against ballistic missile threats. In the final analysis, there is far more in this bill that we agree on than disagree on.

Mr. EVERETT. I would, however, caution Members from further reducing funding for missile defense. These programs have already been cut by over $700 million. Any further reductions to these important programs would have very detrimental effects to our national defense. I think the programs in our subcommittee's jurisdiction are some of the most exciting things our Nation does. It is important that we not lose sight of the vital role our space, missile defense, and nuclear deterrent capabilities play in our national security. I would like to thank the other members of the subcommittee and the staff for their hard work in making this bill a quality product. I intend to support it, and I ask the Members to support it. Again, I would like to congratulate Chairman Tauscher for the work that she's done on making this a very good mark, and also I'd like to congratulate my good friend Ike Skelton for his leadership.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Members, it is my sad duty to notify the House that a former colleague, Bill Dickinson, passed away last night at age 82. Bill represented Alabama's Second District prior to me, from 1964 to 1992. He served as the ranking Republican on the House Armed Services Committee during the Reagan military build-up years. His death marks a loss to Alabama and to the Nation, and I now ask for a moment of silence from the body.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of former Alabama Republican Congressman Bill Dickinson who passed away last night at the age of 82 after an extended illness. As many of my colleagues will remember, Bill Dickinson represented Alabama's Second Congressional District for 28 years. Barbara and I send our heartfelt condolences to Bill's wife, Barbara, their children, Christopher, Michael, Tara and Bill, Jr. and the entire Dickinson family at this time of personal loss. A native of Opelika, Alabama, and a former city, county and state judge before coming to Congress, Bill Dickinson was a Republican in the Deep South when being a Republican was not popular. Bill Dickinson came to Washington in 1964 as part of the Goldwater sweep of the Deep South and gained a reputation as a formidable legislator and a strong conservative voice for southeast Alabama. He served during a time of momentous change in this House, from civil rights movements and political upheavals of the 1960s, through Vietnam, Watergate, and the Reagan Revolution. A Navy veteran, Bill Dickinson was a stalwart in national defense and was Ronald Reagan's point man on the House Armed Services Committee where he was ranking member for over a decade. As the committee's leading Republican he gave his support to President Reagan's defense build-up of the 1980s which made America more secure. Upon his retirement after 14 terms on the Hill, Congressman Dickinson listed his greatest accomplishments. After nearly three decades in office you can be sure the list is long, but here are some of the things he was proudest of. He saw aviation become a permanent full-fledged branch of the Army and Fort Rucker become the permanent home of Army Aviation. Furthermore, he secured Federal funding to help construct the U.S. Army Aviation Museum at Fort Rucker which bears his name. He was credited with getting Pentagon approval for the use of the Apache attack helicopter in the first gulf war. The Apache fired the first shot in the war. He oversaw the transformation of Gunter Air Force Station in Montgomery to an Air Force base before merging it with Maxwell to strengthen it. He also saw Maxwell restored to a major 3 star command and the establishment of the Air Force School of Law and the Senior NCO Academy for the entire Air Force at Maxwell-Gunter. Bill Dickinson also took pride in securing the initial funding for the ongoing Outer Loop Interstate Connector south of Montgomery linking I-65 to I-85. This project is still underway. With the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the Warsaw Pact and the entire Soviet Union, he witnessed the validation of the concept of ``Peace Through Strength'' for which he always worked. Bill Dickinson's legacy is still felt on many fronts, but today he is often credited with having laid the political foundation that kept the Second Congressional District in Republican hands for so long. I add my voice to those who mourn his passing and remember the dedication of this exemplary congressman.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the conference report to the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. The process and the substance of the bill fall sadly short. As one of the crossover Members who serves on both the Select Intelligence and the House Armed Services Committees, it's critical that the House Armed Services Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence work together on national security programs that serve both the military and national intelligence. Regretfully, the Armed Services Committee's ranking member, Republican, Mr. Hunter of California, was denied any input into the joint programs that are shared by both committees. On substance, I had hoped the bill would have improved from the House-passed measure in May. That didn't happen. The conference report includes even more politically charged provisions from the Senate bill that micromanage and politicize the interrogation techniques of the intelligence community. In case anyone in the Chamber has forgotten, we're at war with terrorists. Should we really be publishing our interrogation manuals for the entire world and for terrorists to see? On a positive note, I would like to mention two specific program areas that are important to both the military and intelligence communities: the U-2 aircraft and space radar programs. The conference report language keeps the U-2 and its critical intelligence capabilities flying until we are truly transitioned over to the Global Hawk. And I am also pleased that the bill authorizes funding for space radar capabilities, though at a lower funding level than I would like. This is an essential capability that combat commanders and service intelligence chiefs have continuously requested. Madam Speaker, we can do better than this, and I urge all my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the conference report.

Mr. EVERETT

Mr. EVERETT. Mr. Speaker, I want to start by recognizing the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and my great friend from California (Mr. Hunter) for their work on this bill. I also want to recognize the fact that the gentleman from Missouri, this is not his first bill but it's his first Defense bill as chairman of the committee, and I congratulate him. I rise in support of this conference report to accompany the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill includes funds for European missile defense interceptors and radars and encourages the administration to seek a reprogramming request once agreements with host countries are reached. The bill establishes policy to defend against Iranian ballistic missile threats and seeks greater missile defense cooperation with Israel. It also authorizes an increase of $65 million for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense. The bill authorizes GMD, THAAD, and KEI at the budget request, and airborne laser funding is increased to just $35 million below the budget request. In the area of military space, the bill requires the Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence to develop a space protection strategy. The importance of space to the economy and to modern-day warfighting is often overlooked. In light of the Chinese antisatellite test last January and other threats to space, we must place a greater priority on the protection of our Nation's space capabilities. Within the area of atomic energy defense activities, the bill reflects general bipartisan agreement, particularly in its authorization of the Reliable Replacement Warhead Program cost and design activities. And finally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the gentlelady from California, who chairs the Strategic Forces Subcommittee. She demonstrates skillful leadership in her first year as chairman, and I want to congratulate her. This bill would not be what it is without her leadership. I also must recognize my fellow subcommittee chairmen, Members on both sides of the aisle, and their staffs. I think this subcommittee handles some of the most difficult policy decisions in the House Armed Services Committee, and I want to express my appreciation for their hard work in protecting our Nation's security. At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to have a colloquy between myself and Chairman Skelton. Mr. Speaker, as you know, the government has eliminated the use of non-GSA-approved lock bar file cabinets and outdated mechanical locks for storage of classified information in accordance with national security policy. However, under current Federal regulations, contractors are not required to phase out this old equipment until 2012. This results in less robust security and more government spending to protect classified information handled by contractors. Although the Department of Defense has taken measures to meet these requirements internally, it is evident that the defense contractor community is behind the implementation of the required locks and safes. The committee has taken an interest in this matter of securing classified information now for several years. Rather than wait another 5 years, I believe DOD should have a plan in place to ensure that contractors are in full compliance with the regulations.

Mr. EVERETT. I yield to the gentleman from Missouri.