Rodney Frelinghuysen

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department of West Caldwell, Essex County, New Jersey for the celebration of its 100th Anniversary this year. Although the Borough of West Caldwell received its charter in 1904, it was not until August 5, 1912 that the pressing need for organized protection against fire prompted the incorporation of a fire department. With the help of an appointed committee, the department soon legitimized, purchasing fire equipment and property for a firehouse, on which the first WCVFD firehouse was built. Additional investments in horse drawn wagons, a 700 foot fire house, and sounding fire alarms further improved the efficiency of the department. Beginning in 1917 the Borough motorized the department, continuing to purchase automobile fire apparatuses throughout the 1950's and 1960's in response to the demands of industry, business, and an increasing population. Despite the fact that the department's first initial firehouse no longer stands, in 1968 the West Caldwell Borough constructed a new firehouse. This firehouse, located on 6 Fairfield Avenue, is home to the present day headquarters of the department. Today, the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department clearly maintains its initial principles of teamwork and commitment. Under current Chief James Alvine, the department consists of approximately 60 dedicated individuals who work together to save lives on a daily basis. It is evident that the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department exhibits the unity and teamwork required of the fire service. The merits of courage, pride, and passion that permeate the department serve as a testament to its long withstanding success. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the West Caldwell Volunteer Fire Department of West Caldwell, Essex County, New Jersey, for the achievement of its 100th anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Congregation of White Meadow Temple of Rockaway Township, Morris County, New Jersey for the celebration of its 60th Anniversary this year. Initially a popular vacation spot for Jews from New York City and Newark in the 1940s, White Meadow Temple was founded in 1952 as a result of an increasing suburban Jewish population in Rockaway Township. Worship quickly commenced, beginning in 1953. In the years spanning 1955 and 1989, Rabbi Jacob Weitman served as the temple's spiritual leader, overseeing an era blossoming in both membership and dedication. In 1964 the temple's building at 153 White Meadow Road underwent major renovations to accommodate for an increasing membership. Nearly 20 years later, White Meadow Temple renovated again in 1985, this time building a new sanctuary, two kitchens and additional Hebrew school classrooms. Strengthening the foundation that Rabbi Weitman and the succeeding Rabbi Ralph Dalin laid, today, White Meadow Temple maintains its Jewish vision and principles while also expanding its involvement in the community. The conservative temple takes pride in its reputation and as a warm, active and egalitarian congregation. In addition to services, which occur on Shabbat, weekday evenings, and Sunday mornings, the congregation also partakes in the Synagogue's educational and social endeavors. Encouraging participating of younger generations on a spiritual level, the Temple also holds a Junior Congregation and Tot Shabbat services. Ranging from a Nursery School and Kindergarten to Youth groups, Senior Group, and a Women's league, White Meadow Temple offers everyone a chance to get involved and find their niche both in and out of the Jewish community. After 60 years of passionate leadership, White Meadow Temple is currently overseen by President Marc Levine and services are lead by Rabbi Benjamin Adler. May that clear commitment and involvement of the congregation in the community uphold the mission of the White Meadow Temple and continue to inspire future generations! Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating The White Meadow Temple of Rockaway Township, Morris County, New Jersey, on reaching their 60th Anniversary.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 11th anniversary of the vicious attack on America. I appreciate the leadership scheduling a memorial service on the steps of the Capitol this morning, but more needs to be said as I fear time and events have dulled our memory. It was 11 years ago that our Nation changed forever as violent international extremists struck in the streets of Lower Manhattan and in the fields of Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. When that day was over and as we learned more about that tragedy and, yes, of the murderous attacks and the loss of nearly 3,000 Americans, including 700 New Jerseyans, who are from my home State, we witnessed neighbors and friends consoling one another, and we watched as Americans from all walks of life stood united--side by side--waving the Stars and Stripes and lighting candles to honor those lost or missing. Today, this afternoon, I must remind our fellow Americans that we are still a Nation at war, largely because of those events. We remember those who lost their lives on that fateful day, but we also remember the sacrifices of those who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan to make sure that those responsible for those attacks pay that ultimate sacrifice.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize New Jersey's proud agricultural tradition and the contribution of farms located in our 11th Congressional District. The prospering agricultural industry of today's New Jersey is the continuation of many years of farming dating back to colonial settlement in the sixteenth century. Primarily a rural society, struggling settlers developed small family farms to stave off starvation. Soon local farms not only became an important source of fruits, vegetables, and grain, but also for raw materials used for the prospering textile industry. Easy access to cotton, wool, and other farm products fueled the Industrial Revolution in New Jersey. Agriculture became not only a very profitable industry on its own, but also fed secondary manufacturing and merchant businesses. Every day, farmers across the state raise animals, harvest vegetables, pick fruit, and participate in the 400 year old tradition that built New Jersey into an economic powerhouse. Today, New Jersey agriculture constitutes an $82 billion industry that provides a strong backbone for New Jersey's economy. It also benefits surrounding businesses with the growing popularity of agrotourism. This extremely successful business model involves enticing people from near and far to visit, learn about everyday farm-life, and participate in activities such pumpkin, wine tasting, hay rides, petting zoos, or horseback riding. This not only brings customers from the surrounding tri-state area to appreciate what New Jersey has to offer, but also fosters a greater public understanding of commercial farming. New Jersey's large agricultural sector provides employment, not only for farm workers, but also for those in construction for irrigation and drainage projects. This multibillion dollar industry supports New Jersey, providing jobs and raw materials, drawing in customers, and serving as its own lucrative business. New Jersey truly is the Garden State, as our motto says. Having a strong agricultural industry not only provides a great deal of economic benefits to New Jersey, but also contributes to a rich social tapestry. There are over 790,000 acres of lands across the state devoted to farmland. This has been celebrated as an extremely environmentally friendly use of land that preserves both a smaller carbon footprint and the beautiful greenery characteristic of New Jersey. In a world where food insecurity remains one of the most difficult problems for mankind to combat, thriving agriculture reduces the acuteness of this issue and diminishes our dependence on food imports. This land also provides access to fresh, locally grown foods, giving residents in the area healthier meal options. The agricultural industry is unparalleled in its contributions to New Jersey society, providing jobs, tourism, environmental protection, food security, raw materials for manufacturing, and so much more. Standing as a shining example of New Jersey's proud agricultural tradition is Wightman's Farms, located in Harding Township, Morris County. Celebrating their 90th Anniversary this year, Wightman's Farms has worked continuously to expand what began as a farm into the prospering business it is today. The farm is one of over 8,000 other family owned and operated farms in New Jersey that support their local and state economy. Currently managed by the third generation of Wightmans, the integration of tradition and innovation has certainly helped Wightman's Farms not only last the test of time, but develop into a flourishing business enjoyed by customers near and far. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing New Jersey's agricultural tradition and the contributions of 11th District farmers.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the gentleman's amendment. This amendment would basically prohibit funds from being used to administer the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. This amendment would negatively impact both the education and recruiting communities. This test is administered free of charge on a voluntary basis. It's on a voluntary basis to high school and college students as part of a comprehensive Career Exploration Program. This program integrates student aptitudes and interests to help them explore postsecondary opportunities, including college, technical schools, and civilian as well as military careers. As education resources grow together, many schools rely on this free test to provide a valuable career exploration experience. And we, as a Nation, benefit from this test. Through this amendment, the gentleman would effectively prohibit high schools from offering this test, which would be unfortunate, and we are strongly opposed to the bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. We support the amendment. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio. On behalf of the Appropriations Committee, we appreciate his work.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. Mr. Chairman, respectfully, I think this is an appropriate time to remind our colleagues that under the Constitution, national defense is the top priority of the House and Senate. Article I, section 8 gives Congress specific authority to declare war, raise and support armies, provide for a navy, establish the rules for the operation of American military forces. It was in this context that, under Chairman Young, our subcommittee carefully reviewed, over many months, the President's budget and Secretary Panetta's new strategic guidance for the Defense Department. Frankly, we found the administration's approach lacking in many respects. In several key areas, the subcommittee was concerned that the level of risk tolerated by the Armed Forces was unacceptable. We've talked a lot about that on the floor over the last couple of days. As the Constitution requires, we made adjustments, which is our duty and obligation. Yet even within the allocation that is $3.1 billion higher than our President's request, our subcommittee could have done more for our national security and for our troops, with more resources. I want our colleagues to know that our subcommittee clearly recognizes the size and nature of the Nation's deficit and debt. That's why we found areas and programs for reduction that were possible without adversely impacting the warfighter or any efforts towards modernization and readiness. Exercising our mandate to adhere to sound budgeting, we reclaimed funding for programs that were terminated or restructured since the budget was released by the President. We achieved savings from favorable contract pricing adjustments and schedule delays. We cut unjustified cost increases or funding requested ahead of need. We took recisions and surplus from prior years. Even with these steps to stretch our defense dollars, there remains capability gaps: In the Navy, we've heard a lot about that over the last couple of days. Our fleet needs more ships. They've got more responsibilities in the Asia Pacific; The Air Force tactical fighters are aging rapidly. They've had a lot of activity in Iraq and Afghanistan; The Army is struggling to modernize its ground combat inventory; The Marines need their version of the F-35, the Joint Strike Fighter; We need to be prepared to respond to every future crisis. Who knows where that may be. Syria is engulfed in a civil war. North Korea is unpredictable. Russia wants to reclaim its former glory. China is on the fast track to a stronger military. Iran is working night and day to acquire nuclear weapons. Al Qaeda, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups continue to plot and plan. Obviously, the future is challenging, to say the least; and we do our troops and our citizens a disservice if we do not prepare for the next crisis. Mr. Chairman, the legislation before us includes funding for critical national security needs and provides the necessary resources to continue the Nation's vital military efforts abroad. The Department of Defense has already sustained significant budget reductions. Cuts to the military have accounted for over half the deficit reduction efforts achieved so far, nearly $500 billion, even though national defense accounts for only 20 percent of the entire Federal budget, which is sharply reduced from the 40 percent or more before and during Vietnam. These are real cuts, not simply reductions to planned future spending. But given the military's urgent needs, their vital role in maintaining global stability, and this House's responsibility to protect America and Americans, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman and welcome the opportunity to engage with him.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. The committee is aware of the Department's research into directed-energy capabilities and shares the gentleman from Rhode Island's interest in ensuring that our warfighters have the capabilities they need to operate in the complex environments of the future. I would assure the gentleman that the committee will continue to make every effort to ensure that the Department of Defense is adequately and effectively resourced to meet the challenges of the future, including the transformational technologies such as directed energy.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. We appreciate the gentleman's view. And I will assure him that we'll look forward to working with him and the ranking member, Mr. Dicks, to make sure that our warfighters can realize the benefits of our Nation's research and development investments, including directed energy.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. We're very pleased to accept your amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I reserve a point of order on the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I make a point of order against the amendment because it proposes to change existing law and constitutes legislation in an appropriation bill and, therefore, violates clause 2 of rule XXI. The rule states in pertinent part: ``An amendment to a general appropriation bill shall not be in order if changing existing law.'' The amendment imposes additional duties. I ask for a ruling from the Chair.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding, and for his leadership, and that of Mr. Dicks, as well. In preparation for this debate, the subcommittee held a lengthy series of hearings examining such varied issues as our operations in Afghanistan, the so-called pivot to the Asia-Pacific region, Army modernization, Navy shipbuilding, Marine end strength, and the Air Force restructuring proposals. Most of these issues relate, as the chairman has said, to mitigating risk in the Defense budget in what is called the ``new strategic guidance'' from the Department of Defense. It's what I would characterize as protecting our gains in the Middle East and elsewhere, as well as preparing for future and current threats, such as China's growing military capacity, instability in the Korean peninsula, civil war in Syria, Iran's pledge to close the Strait of Hormuz, and others. As you'll hear during this debate, the committee weighed in with its own options. As the chairman said, we pause the Air Force restructuring decisions. In light of the tyranny of distance that characterizes the Asia-Pacific region, we bolster the Navy's shipbuilding accounts and add back in a Virginia- class submarine and a Burke-class destroyer. Our goal here, and throughout the bill, was to provide the resources to support our warfighters now and in the future whenever the next crisis arises. We clearly recognized the Nation's debt and deficit, and found areas in programs where reductions were possible without adversely impacting our Armed Forces and modernization readiness efforts. Exercising our mandate to adhere to sound budgeting, we reclaimed funding for programs terminated or restructured since the budget was released. We've achieved savings for favorable contract price adjustments, such as multiyear procurements of complicated weapons systems. We cut unjustified cost increases or funding requested ahead of need. We also took recisions from surplus from prior year funds. Frankly, it is important that we find savings without harming readiness or increasing the risks incurred by our warfighters. Mr. Chairman, the legislation before us includes funding for critical national security needs and provides the necessary resources to continue the Nation's vital military efforts abroad. In addition, the bill provides essential funding for health and quality-of-life programs for our men and women in uniform--all volunteers--and their families. I want to thank Chairman Young, Ranking Member Dicks, Chairman Rogers, and all the Members of the subcommittee for their work, and the excellent staff we have, and our past leadership and our continued leadership from Congressman Jerry Lewis of California. We were all able to work together in a bipartisan manner to ensure that our men and women in uniform--all volunteers--and their families have the support they need. The years ahead will be challenging, but our defense bill will meet those needs.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, we're pleased to accept the gentlemen from Texas and California's amendment. We know what happens to those who suffer from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. I yield to the ranking member.

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

Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.